May is here and for our team it is one of our most important months of the year! It brings together Mental Health Awareness and Military Appreciation, which aligns so completely with who we are as an organization. We stand shoulder to shoulder with the military community as we walk with veterans and service members through some of their darkest days. We engage in leading-edge research about suicide in hopes of getting our clients into care sooner, and by being a thought leader in suicide-specific care and prevention. This month is a time where we feel increasingly emboldened to raise our voices, speak up, and speak out about the need for action around the suicide crisis.
It is also a month where, as a team, we are very reflective of what we must do to stay well for the long haul. Just like the men and women we serve, we need good mental health, too! Actually, anyone with a mind has mental health so this month and the awareness it advocates for is for all of us.
With that in mind, we had great internal discussions about the practical steps we take to stay well. From across Stop Soldier Suicide here is some feedback about how our team is proactive to take great care of our mental well being!
"Our work at Stop Soldier Suicide can be quite heavy since we are dealing with conversations about suicide and mental health. On days when my mental health is rather low and I come off a particularly heavy call, my first step is to just go outside. Sometimes I go for a walk (often with my dogs!) and listen to some golden oldies, sometimes I just sit on the porch. I find that taking that first step of just going out the front door can instantly lift my spirits!"
- Carly Braun, Manager of National Corporate Partnerships in Development
"Having worked in the mental health field my entire military and professional career, maintaining my own mental health has been very important to me. Some ways that I proactively support my mental health include setting work boundaries and allowing myself to "unplug" on weekends and during my PTO. I have also developed an internal alert system, and if I am getting headaches or find myself feeling "crabby" or negative, I know it is time to address my stress levels. Additionally, I work hard to focus on the things I can control, and take an active approach to addressing any concerns I have. I feel like focusing on relationship-building and continual quality improvement allows me to maintain a positive attitude, which serves me well in both my work and personal life."
- Nicole Bauer, Wellness Center Operations Director, Veteran
"I really do believe everyone needs an outlet outside of work to recharge and reset and for me, since 2007, it’s been running. Now in my 50s, I’m the true definition of “forward is a pace.” My miles are slow these days, but they are meaningful and more important than ever. A hike with my children, a long weekend run, a group adventure with friends, a walk to the end of the street during a stressful day . . . all these efforts are so important to our mental well-being. I try to be consistent and find time daily to get outside for a walk, run or hike. I know my fastest days are behind me, but I believe we all need to keep moving forward – whatever the pace."
- Chris Stephens, Creative Specialist
"Talking about suicide everyday can be exhausting at times. One thing that I do each night to help me recharge and refocus is write down a few things for which I am grateful. I try to be specific about things that happened to me that day, but sometimes I write down more general things about my life for which I am grateful. This is a practice that I have tried to follow for many years. In more recent years, I have expanded my reflections each night to also include two other things. First, I write down one way that I will strive to improve the next day and I pray to God for help in improving. Second, I write down one person I will try to help and I try to think about what ways I can help that person. There is often repetition in these last two things I write down, because I continue to struggle with the same things and I am often around the same people each day. However, I have come to realize that my goal for the next day isn't about having a total life-changing experience, but rather it is about taking another step in the right direction.”
- John Richardson, Vice President of Research and Evaluation in Program
"I start my day with self care, which for me means going for a run. The distance and the pace varies but the commitment to get outside, get moving, and take care of myself is what matters most. I know that if I start my day setting myself up for success I will be able to handle the inevitable ups and downs of life better. If during the day things take a stressful turn I will walk outside, even if only for five minutes, to breathe fresh air, change my scenery, and remove myself from whatever is stressing me out."
- Caitlyn Scaggs, National Director of Marketing and Communications
"I try to focus on taking time to prioritize both my physical and mental health. This includes trying to eat healthy, exercise, taking time to rest, dedicating time to hobbies, and focusing on my faith. I spend a lot of my free time playing golf. It is something I enjoy doing any chance I can. I like the challenge, but it also forces me to understand I cannot control everything. It allows me to spend time with my friends."
- Slade Burkeen, Director of Finance
"When it comes to staying well, movement and fitness are both so important to me. I like to move with purpose and physical fitness is my foundation. It’s not about perfection—it’s about consistency and intention. I also make sure to have quality friendships in my life. Building a brotherhood (or sisterhood) is also so critical. Find friends who’ll answer at 3am! Life will bring those moments — and you shouldn’t face them alone. I’ve built a small, trusted circle of men who’ve walked through adversity with me. We’ve forged real bonds—built on truth, not just talk. Wellness isn’t a solo mission!"
- Michael DeSelm, Associate Director of National Fundraising Events, Veteran
It was really meaningful to hear from each other and see both the similarities and differences amongst the answers. We found themes related to unplugging, stepping away from work, and enjoying time outside. We also can’t overlook the critical and oft-cited importance of connecting with others. We hope that Mental Health Awareness Month will cause you to pause and consider your own strategies for staying well!