From one soldier to another, asking for help is not a sign of weakness—it takes strength to recognize when you need backup.
We were trained to maintain our weapons, inspect our equipment, and take care of the things our lives and the lives of those around us depended on. Your mental health deserves that same attention.
Think of your mind like your weapon. You don’t wait until it completely fails before you clean it, inspect it, or get it serviced. You maintain it regularly because you need it to be ready when it matters most.
Mental health is no different. Stress, trauma, loss, and the weight of everything we carry can build up over time. Talking to someone, reaching out, or asking for help isn’t surrendering—it’s maintenance.
Sometimes the strongest thing a soldier can say is, “I need some help.”
Take care of yourself. Stay mission ready. And never be afraid to call for backup.
- Jason Pierce
President
ND Freedom Foundation
or
Benefit overview
The Veterans/Military Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that provides Department of Veterans Affairs support for all service members, including members of the National Guard and reserve, and all veterans and their families, even if they are not registered with the VA or enrolled in VA health care. The caring, qualified responders at the Veterans/Military Crisis Line are specially trained and experienced in helping service members and veterans of all ages and circumstances.
If you or someone you know is in a crisis, there is help – contact the Veterans/Military Crisis Line. Dial 988, then press 1 or text 838255, or chat online with a VA responder.
When you call, chat or text, a qualified responder will listen and help. You decide how much information to share. Support doesn’t end with your conversation. VA responders can connect you with the resources you need.