RESOURCES FOR HIGH-PRESSURE LIVES
Practical support for military members, first responders, nurses, and leaders.
High-pressure professionals often know how to keep functioning long after they need more support, better information, or a different path forward.
MILITARY & VETERANS
FIRST RESPONDERS
MEDICAL PERSONNEL
AND FAMILIES & FRIENDS
This resource guide includes:
Emergency/Crisis Support
Specialized Programs
Recovery Opportunities
Transition Resources
Scholarships
Journaling Tools
Books & Podcasts
And more
Credible resources that help when the traditional system is delayed or overwhelmed.
This guide is educational and informational. It is not therapy, medical care, crisis intervention, or a substitute for support from a licensed professional. If you are in immediate danger or unable to remain safe, call 911 or contact 988 immediately.
This is a living document that is updated as new programs, tools, and organizations are found that are worth sharing. Availability, eligibility, and program details may change, so always confirm current information directly with the organization.
Know of a credible resource that should be considered?
IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING OR IN CRISIS
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO WAIT UNTIL IT'S A CRISIS TO GET CARE
You can seek support when you notice feelings of hopelessness, isolation, pain, and numbness. You do not have to wait for the military, the VA, your department, or your organization before reaching for another source of care. Keep using the next available door until someone helps you stay safe and connects you with appropriate support.
IF YOU ARE HAVING THOUGHTS OF SUICIDE
SEEK SAFETY
If you are thinking of suicide move away from anything that you could use to harm yourself.
BE DIRECT ABOUT HELP
Reach out to a trusted person or organization: 911, police station, fire department, or other.
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988 Crisis Line
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988 x 1 Veterans
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MilitaryOneSource
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Vets4Warriors
First-Responders
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SafeCallNowUSA
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COPLINE
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IAFFRECOVERYCENTER
WHILE WAITING
- Don't remain alone - call or ask someone to be with you
- Have someone secure harmful/lethal means
- Tell someone exactly what is happening
- Avoid alcohol & substances
- Distract: slowly sip on ice cold water, splash cold water on your face, focus on box breathing, watch funny videos, listen to encouraging music
- Make a call list of who you will call in order when you start feeling this way
YOU ARE NEEDED
This world needs you and there are people who are ready to support. If you can't get the help you need keep asking and leverage the resources in this guide until you feel like yourself again.
IF SOMEONE CALLS YOU FOR HELP
YOU DO NOT HAVE TO KNOW HOW TO SOLVE THIS.
Stay with them. Take it seriously. Help them get connected.
ASK DIRECTLY
Don’t dance around it. Ask: “Are you thinking about suicide?” and, if yes, “Do you have a plan or access to something you could use to hurt yourself?” Asking directly does not increase suicidal thoughts and helps you understand how immediate the risk may be.
STAY WITH THEM + LISTEN
Keep them on the phone or stay physically present. Listen without judging, arguing, lecturing, or trying to talk them out of how they feel. You do not need the perfect words. Your presence matters more than fixing it.
MAKE THEM SAFER
- Don't let them be alone
- Secure harmful/lethal means
- Ask exactly what is happening
- Avoid alcohol & substances
- Distract: give them ice water to sip on or a warm beverage
- Call 911 if its an emergency
- And they are not left alone
CONNECT THEM
Stay with them while they call or text 988. For service members, National Guard, Reserve, and Veterans, dial 988 then Press 1 or text 838255 for the Military/Veterans Crisis Line. Help bring in another trusted person or professional, and check back in after the immediate crisis.