STAND WITH US FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
Our country — especially the veteran community — is combating a health crisis: suicide.
This September during Suicide Prevention Month we need your help to shatter the stigma surrounding mental health care and to spread a simple, yet extremely important message: YOU MATTER.
YOU MATTER is a universal message that everyone — especially the veteran community we serve at Boot Campaign — needs to hear.
Share this message by purchasing YOU MATTER merchandise or learning more about how you can reach out to your community and loved ones to make sure they know YOU MATTER.
GET THE GEAR
Wearing or using gear from our YOU MATTER collection will spread this important reminder and encourage intentional conversations with others. 100% of funds raised from the YOU MATTER collection support veterans seeking care and treatment.
HOW TO SHOW YOU MATTER
Take steps to show others or remind yourself that YOU MATTER. Learn about the signs of someone struggling and start new habits that will help your mental health while encouraging others.
Know what to look for.
Become familiar with the signs of someone in crisis, such as hopelessness, anger, withdrawal or depression. Learn more from resources like the Veteran Crisis Line to help you identify when someone may be struggling.
Ask intentional questions.
Instead of the typical “how are you?” ask those around you intentional questions, such as “How are you feeling today – both physically and mentally?,” “What’s taking most of your headspace right now?” or “What did you do today that made you feel good?”
Be proactive.
When someone crosses your mind and you wonder how they are doing, reach out. Trust your intuition. Odds are it is for a reason and will encourage positive conversation. Read our blog for ideas on how to reach out to someone today.
Write a letter.
Write yourself or someone who needs encouragement a letter using our printable YOU MATTER letterhead.
Color and reflect.
Coloring is proven to be meditative, calming and relaxing on the brain. Print off our free, YOU MATTER coloring sheets for yourself or others to pause and reflect on the message.
Receive or share encouragement.
Follow @BootCampaign on social media where we regularly post messages, actions or advice that can be shared with others.
OUR PROGRAMS NEED YOUR FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Our team at Boot Campaign is working diligently to continue increasing our capacity to deliver high-quality, individualized and life-improving programs. More and more veterans are reaching out and we need your financial support to serve them.
CRISIS RESOURCES
There are compassionate people and mission-driven organizations available to provide confidential help to you or a loved one in crisis. Please know that you are not alone.
Veteran Crisis Line
Veterans or families of veterans can contact the Veterans Crisis Line to reach caring, qualified responders with the Department of Veterans Affairs. Many of them are Veterans themselves.
For confidential support 24/7, call 9-8-8 and press 1, text 838255 or chat online at veteranscrisisline.net/chat.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is a network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7.
If you or someone you know are in crisis, call or text the toll-free Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 9-8-8 or chat online 988lifeline.org/chat.