Need Help? We’ve Got Your Back!
Reach out to any one of us if you are in a crisis mode and need some help, some form of support, or simply someone to just talk to.
If your crisis mode is at the tipping point…then quickly use these resources:
National Suicide Crisis Line: Call 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255.
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.
Caring, specially trained responders are available to provide free, confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
“Do you have 8 minutes?”
Research has shown that most of the time when you’re in a jam and you feel that you need help and just want somebody to help you out, all it takes is 8 minutes. Give a buddy a call and ask them “Do you have 8 minutes?”
“Do you have 8 minutes?”
This idea, popularized by TED speaker Simon Sinek, emerged from a personal experience. He realized that a friend struggling with her mental health had reached out with messages indicating a desire for a conversation, but they were not as direct. Sinek’s point was that these subtle cues—asking for time or making an attempt to connect—were often overlooked.
Through this, Sinek discovered that just eight minutes of focused time could help someone feel heard, valued and less alone. Now, he and his friend exchange messages asking, “Do you have eight minutes?”—an intentional change that has deepened their connection. This simple rule reminds us that even the briefest moments of connection can have a lasting effect.
Quick snippet – Simon Sinek helped bring this concept to light
More in-depth reference material:
- The Incredible Power of an “Eight-Minute Catch-Up” with a Friend
- How The ‘8-Minute Rule’ Can Help Us Fight Loneliness—By A Psychologist
“…what if, in just eight minutes—with a brief check-in or a simple message—you could offer the comfort and reassurance they might be too hesitant to ask for? The “8-Minute Rule” is a small but impactful way to show you care, even amidst busy schedules.”
- Simon Sinek: The 8-Minute Rule That Could SAVE YOUR Friendships
– Live Well Be Well with Sarah Ann Macklin
Quick reference in podcast – Jump to the 59:10 minute mark in the video for “The Eight-Minute Rule” - Psychology Today
Relationships – Can 8 Minutes Make Your Life a Little Better? How brief phone calls can keep you feeling connected. - The Secret to Feeling Less Lonely in Only 8 Minutes
Dede Henley – Thought Leader, Forbes contributor, Executive Coach
“Be the One”
https://www.legion.org/advocacy/be-the-one/be-the-one-training
The American Legion Be the One mission to end veteran suicide, has joined forces with Columbia University to develop training for interacting and responding with veterans who may be in crisis.
After the training, participants will be able to:
- Use the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale to determine at-risk individuals.
- Identify risk factors and warning signs
- Outline the types of suicidal ideation and four behaviors that indicate imminent risk.
- Communicate effectively with an individual who may be at risk of hurting themselves.
PTS
Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like combat, assault, or disaster. Most people have some stress reactions after a trauma. If the reactions don’t go away over time or disrupt your life, you may have PTS.
Here are some links to resources that can help:
American Legion HQ’s article with links
US Dept of Veterans Affairs – PTSD main page
Norwich University Buddy Check page
What can I do to help? – a reference page from the NU Buddy Check for someone trying to help someone in crisis.
Other resources – we don’t know these companies personally but they have reached out offering their services, so please research them before using them; but they may be just what you need.
Throttle & Thrive is a men’s only, 6-bed detox and residential (inpatient) substance misuse treatment program exclusively for Veterans and First Responders. We are a 12-step program and place a large emphasis on overcoming and processing trauma through a variety of different modalities including EMDR.
Throttle & Thrive is licensed by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) as a dual-diagnosis facility for Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health. We are accredited by the Joint Commission. We accept most medical insurance.
Learn more at www.throttleandthrive.com
Call or text our Founder, Shavonne Thompson, at 805-701-1309