Blog

CoreCon realizes that many of our fans have social anxiety and or depression. Especially since the pandemic has cancelled most conventions for people’s social fix. Why does this matter to us? Many of the Innercore (Volunteer staff) face the same things. I find it amazing that people with social anxiety can come together and create a social gathering for others with social anxiety as well for those who don’t.

Many attend CoreCon to be among friends. Whether it is gaming at Game Central, or E-Gaming with their thousands of titles. Panels, guests and activities are other great reasons to be around like minded people. Missing those friends this year is a strain on many peoples mental health.

Depression and anxiety doesn’t effect everyone, and those it does, not all in the same way. The reason CoreCon cares so much is somehow our caring has made a difference in many peoples lives. Following are a few examples of how CoreCon has helped some.

Case 1: She started out as a volunteer and was a quiet and shy teen. Due to extraneous circumstances ended up being in charge of a group of people at the convention and about pooped her pants. The other volunteers were respectful, helpful and when she learned that the volunteers worked together and really supported the foundation of the convention she realized her help and others mattered and has built her confidence.

Case 2: Being depressed and suicidal they were brought to CoreCon so as not to be unsupervised during a trying time in their life. People grabbed them (not literally we have security to prevent that) and showed them the convention and because of that and other outside help they are doing so much better and states that the friendliness and compassion from the people at CoreCon was a huge part of their recovery.

Case 3: Doing something for others is how this person handles depression. Like comedians who make others smile while hurting inside. They realized their volunteering at CoreCon has lasting effects on others in a positive way. Their actions matter and their depression gets less as their self worth grows.

These are true stories and there are so many others too. Please let us know if CoreCon has made a difference in your life. If you are comfortable leave your comments below. If you want to contribute but stay anonymous you can email blogs@fargocorecon.org and we won’t use your e-mail name.

If our friendship isn’t enough and you are struggling please reach out to a professional. Below is a list of professionals you can call.

24-hour Hotlines

Talk

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

1-800-273-8255 (1-800-273-TALK) | website
Veterans in crisis, press “1” to be directed to local VA resources
Deaf, hard of hearing TTY and chat options here
En Español, call 1-888-628-9454

Text

Crisis Text Line

Text HOME to 741-741 | website

BISMARCK
Crisis & Emergency Services
West Central Human Services Center

(701) 328-8889
1-888-328-2112

BISMARCK

211 Help-Line
Mental Health Association
in North Dakota

24 hours / 7 days
2-1-1
1-800-472-2911

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FARGO
Suicide Line
(701) 232-HELP
(701) 232-4357

GRAND FORKS
Northeast Human Service Center
(701) 775-0525