This page is one of our publicly available resources addressing mental and emotional wellness. To see a list of the other public pages related to mental and emotional wellness, mouse over the Mental and Emotional Wellness tab at the top right. “Hey all! When I spoke [at the April RA] mental health panel I mentioned I’d made a handout for supporting folks who are dealing with PTSD. Here it is!  – Kai” Strategies for the survivor Ground – get yourself back in the present Deep breathing (breathing into the abdomen for a count of 5, holding the breath for a count of 1, exhaling for a count of 10) Detailed visualization of something that makes you happy (your dog, your grandma, a beautiful island, your birthday cake from 3rd grade – whatever works) More techniques here! Learn how to ask for support from friends or family Use online/hotline resources – these are free, anonymous, and available 24/7 Consider seeking therapy with someone who specializes in trauma Strategies for the survivor’s partner Make sure you have people you can go to for support when your partner is triggered (it’s good to clear this with your partner beforehand so they do not feel their privacy has been violated) Use online/hotline resources – they’re for friends and family too, not just for survivors! Things to do when someone is triggered Ask the person what they need – space, touch, some tea, maybe a nice cat video…? Have this discussion at a neutral time – i.e., before the person isRead more

If you or someone you love is considering suicide: Despite what we’re told by our culture, considering suicide is far more common than generally recognized or admitted. In many ways, suicidal thoughts are your mind’s way of telling you that something in your life has reached an intolerable point. One of the ways that our community tries to support those of us who consider suicide is by compassionately accepting them where they’re at, and by opening space safe enough for them to share about what’s causing intolerable pain. If you or someone you love is considering suicide, contacting a suicide hotline can also be an invaluable resource. These hotlines have trained professionals who can talk, listen, share resources, and help with safety planning. Because calls are anonymous, no direct intervention is possible, allowing callers to protect their privacy, retain their autonomy, and still receive help. National Suicide Prevention Hotline: 1-800-273-8255 Seattle 24-hour Crisis Line: 206-461-3222 / 1-866-427-4747 Public pages relating to mental and emotional wellness on this site: 10 Ways to Support Someone with Depression 10 More Ways to Support Someone with Depression PTSD: How to Support Your Partner (and Yourself!) Jessie’s thoughts on seeking treatment for mental health Everything is Awful and I’m Not Okay – questions to ask before giving up