Question 1

Resources for Moments of Crisis

Accepted Answer

Vets4Warriors: 855.838.8255 - A veteran peer-support Call Center that provides sustained, confidential peer support to any veteran, service member, family member, or caregiver whenever they have an issue, wherever they are in the world. (Available 24/7)
Veteran Crisis Line: 800.273.8255 and Press 1 - A free, anonymous, confidential resource that’s available to anyone, even if you’re not registered with VA or enrolled in VA health care. (Available 24/7)
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 800.273.8255 - A free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. (Available 24/7)
National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine: 800.950.6264 - A free, nationwide peer-support service providing information, resource referrals and support to people living with a mental health conditions, their family members and caregivers, mental health providers and the public. (Monday through Friday, 10 am–6 pm, ET)
211 Helpline: You are not alone. Every day people turn to 211 for information and support – whether financial, family, health, or disaster-related. The call or text is free and confidential. 
Veterans Service Officers: VSOs are located at the county level across the country to help with claim/benefits, we help veterans find local resources to help them during crisis – food and home insecurity, addiction, mental health, etc.

Question 2

Resources When You Need To Talk

Accepted Answer

Headstrong: Headstrong provides cost-free, bureaucracy-free, stigma-free, confidential, and effective mental health treatment for post-9/11 veterans and their families. 
 
Vets4Warriors:855.838.8255 - A veteran peer-support Call Center that provides sustained, confidential peer support to any veteran, service member, family member, or caregiver whenever they have an issue, wherever they are in the world. (Available 24/7)
 
Therapy for Black Girls: An online space dedicated to encouraging the mental wellness of Black women and girls and finding trusted, culturally competent therapists.
Provides judgement-free, multiculturally-competent care to Black men with a directory of over seventy licensed mental health professionals throughout the fifty states.
MilitaryOneSource: Military OneSource provides comprehensive information on every aspect of military life at no cost to active duty, Guard and reserve component members and their families. Find helpful resources, products, articles and tips on numerous topics related to military life.

Question 3

Life Preservation Resources (let's change the language to focus on "life," instead of "suicide prevention")"

Accepted Answer

REACH.gov: This VA campaign’s mission is to educate all Americans that suicide is preventable and to encourage them to REACH to those in need to provide hope. It also encourages people who are hurting to REACH to find help. When people REACH, suicide will be prevented. REACH is about preventing suicide. It is for and about everyone because we all have risk and protective factors that we need to recognize and understand.
 
notOK App: These amazing teens have created the technology that connects youth to help. I had the pleasure of meeting creators Hannah and Charlie Lucas last year at the Aspen Institute (courtesy of the Pat Tillman Foundation), check out their interview at the 2019 Aspen Ideas - Health.  Download the notOK app here!
BeThere DOD Suicide Prevention: While this site of archived information is no longer being updated, this site provides a myriad of helpful resources.
Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE): SAVE was one of the nation’s first organizations dedicated to the prevention of suicide. Their work is based on the foundation and belief that suicide is preventable and everyone has a role to play in preventing suicide. Through raising public awareness, educating communities, and equipping every person with the right tools, "we know we can SAVE lives."
DOD Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO): DSPO provides an annual report on suicide in the services. Knowledge is power, it's worth a read.
Objective Zero: The Objective Zero Foundation enhances social connectedness and access to wellness resources to combat suicide within the military community. Objective Zero is a mobile app and 501(c)(3) nonprofit that anonymously connects Users to a nationwide network of PEER SUPPORT and wellness resources, tools, and training.

Question 4

Positive Podcasts I Listen To

Accepted Answer

Guards Down with Greg Washington: This podcast is devoted to helping people who need support, encouragement, and advice. PTSD and complicated grief now have a voice of healing. Greg Washington (West Point Class of 2005) provides a platform for veterans and experts to break down the treatment options, theories, tools, and techniques that help people get unstuck, overcome suicidal or negative thoughts. Listen and join the community!
 
Dreamcatchers with Jerome Myers: At Dream Catchers, we tell the stories of people who have chased their dreams and escaped "the matrix" of mediocrity and lack of fulfillment in an effort to inspire others to live their best lives. The folks in the #DreamCatchers tribe come from a variety of professions and walks of life, but are connected by their fearlessness and commitment to their dreams. Join Jerome Myers as we find out the why, what and how of these amazing stories!
In The Light with Dr. Anita Phillips: Woman Evolve Network presents nationally acclaimed trauma therapist and life coach, Dr. Anita Phillips. Listen along as she talks to special guests and everyday callers about thriving in love, life, and relationships. If you’re brave enough to stand in the light, Dr. Anita is here to help you evolve into the best version of yourself. Are you ready?
Unlocking Us & Dare to Lead with Dr. Brené Brown: Unlocking Us is conversations that unlock the deeply human part of who we are, so that we can live, love, parent, and lead with more courage and heart. Dare to Lead is conversations with change-catalysts, culture-shifters and more than a few troublemakers who are innovating, creating, and daring to lead. 
 
The Happiness Lab with Dr. Laurie Santos: You might think you know what it takes to lead a happier life… more money, a better job, or Instagram-worthy vacations. You’re dead wrong. Yale professor Dr. Laurie Santos has studied the science of happiness and found that many of us do the exact opposite of what will truly make our lives better. Based on the psychology course she teaches at Yale--the most popular class in the university’s 300-year history--Laurie will take you through the latest scientific research and share some surprising and inspiring stories that will change the way you think about happiness. For an even deeper dive into the research talked about in the show and to sign up for the newsletter click here.

Question 5

Positive People I Follow

Accepted Answer

Dr. Gregory Cruell: Retired Army Chaplain Dr. Gregory Cruell is the founder of Making A Difference Through Mentorship (MADTM) which includes, The Ethnos Leadership Process and our premiere online training course Overcoming Negative Thoughts -Think Like God Thinks. He helps others elevate their mindset and change for the better. 
 
Dr. Brené Brown: Brené Brown is a professor, lecturer, author, and podcast host. Brown holds the Huffington Foundation's Brené Brown Endowed Chair at the University of Houston's Graduate College of Social Work and is a visiting professor in management at McCombs School of Business at the University of Texas at Austin.
Dr. Anita Phillips: As a licensed counselor and minister, Dr. Anita Phillips encourages, educates, and empowers people of faith to prevent and respond to mental health issues in their lives and relationships. Follow her on Instagram!
Dr. Jessica Clemons: Dr. Jessica Clemons, MD, Board-Certified Psychiatrist, has recently been recognized by Forbes as a leader in making mental health and wellness apart of the current zeitgeist. While her work is primarily in providing direct clinical care, her mission is to reduce stigma associated with mental illness, particularly in the Black community. Follow her in Instagram!
Dr. Maria Trent: CEO / Child & Adult Psychiatrist at Elite Excellence LLC - Annapolis, Maryland
The Holistic Psychologist: Dr. Nicole LePera was trained in clinical psychology at Cornell University and the New School for Social Research. Dr. Nicole LePera’s teachings empower the individual to break free from trauma cycles and create who they want to become. Her social media insights will make your week. Follow her on Instagram!

Question 6

Support for Grief

Accepted Answer

The Center for Complicated Grief: The Center for Complicated Grief is dedicated to improving the lives of people suffering from complicated grief by helping clinicians and the general public learn how to recognize complicated grief. The Center was established in 2013 at the Columbia School of Social Work at Columbia University to disseminate information about a short-term efficacious treatment for this condition. If you or someone you know may be dealing with Complicated Grief, consider taking the Brief Grief Questionnaire. If you are a mental health professional consider attending the training!
 
The Dinner Party: The mission of The Dinner Party is to transform life after loss from an isolating experience into one marked by community support, candid conversation, and forward movement using the age old practice of breaking bread. The Dinner Party is a platform for grieving 20- and 30-somethings to find peer community and build lasting relationships. We screen, train and support a growing network of peer hosts, and connect them to 12-15 people nearby, who share a similar age and loss experience.

Question 7

Resources for Healthy Sleep

Accepted Answer

Sleep Advisor gives insights and research on military sleep hygiene in Sleep & The Military: Complete Guide to Sleep for Soldiers Veterans.​​
 
Nightware is a therapeutic platform using a proprietary application on an Apple Watch® that helps people suffering from traumatic nightmares get a more restful night's sleep. It is a wearable technology that learns the wearer's sleep patterns and customizes a treatment for each individual, interrupting nightmares so sufferers can get a good night's sleep. NightWare is only available to individuals when recommended by a physician.

Question 8

Mental Health Resources Employers Should Know About

Accepted Answer

Ginger: Ginger offers behavioral health coaches as day-to-day support for life’s challenges. Ginger helps organizations provide employees with immediate, real-time support via text with a trained behavioral health coach day or night, 365 days a year. Click here for a resource list from Ginger!
Ayana Therapy: An app that enables matching marginalized communities with compatible licensed therapists based on their unique experiences and identities across race, gender identity, class, sexuality, ethnicity, and ability. It allows for flexible, convenient and anonymous online communication (text, call and video call) and addresses barriers to care such as transportation issues, busy schedules and mobility challenges that people may face. Click here for a resource list from Ayana!
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Question 9

Additional Resources

Accepted Answer

REACH VA Caregiver Program: The REACH VA Caregiver Program is designed to assist Caregivers of Veterans with challenges such as Taking Care of Yourself, Problem Solving, Mood Management, Asking for Help, and Stress Management.
 
The Depression Project has a catalog of books on many topics related to depression. They also offer online courses that help you navigate depression for yourself or someone else. Follow them on IG!
 
"8 Dimensions of Wellness Guide"​ by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
 
Congressional Black Caucus Emergency Taskforce on Black Youth Suicide & Mental Health
 
Organizations You Should Know
National Alliance on Mental Illness 
National Institute of Mental Health
Mindful Philanthropy​​​​​​​
Celebrate Recovery
Center for Deployed Psychology, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
The Society for Military Psychology, American Psychological Association
The Association of Black Psychologists (ABPsi)

Clinical Corner