•September 16, 2026•

by Jamie Crosier

Three years ago, Ashley Florey was a wife, mother, coach, coworker and local park ranger. She went to work, cared for her family and continued meeting the responsibilities of everyday life.

What many people around her could not see was that Florey was struggling with her mental health. She eventually survived a suicide attempt and was hospitalized for psychiatric treatment.

Now, during Suicide Prevention Month, the lifelong Shelby County resident is sharing her experience in hopes of encouraging more open conversations about mental health and helping people recognize that someone in crisis may not always appear to be struggling.

“I wish people understood that looking okay and actually being okay are two completely different things,” Florey said. “Looking back, I wish someone had understood that being strong and being okay aren’t the same thing.”

Florey was born and raised in Shelby County and graduated from Cowden-Herrick High School. She now lives in Tower Hill and works as a local park ranger. Area residents may know her through her years of coaching high school and junior high basketball.

Her experience challenged her own understanding of what depression and suicidal thoughts can look like. Florey said someone who is struggling may still go to work, care for children, coach, make dinner and respond to messages. Asking for help can be complicated by shame, fear, embarrassment or the belief that one has become a burden.

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