Even Heroes Sometimes Need Help

Watch any superhero movie and you’ll notice a pattern: the hero usually saves the day. But watch enough superhero movies and you’ll notice a deeper, often overlooked pattern—they don’t do it alone.

Batman had Alfred. Iron Man had J.A.R.V.I.S. Even the strongest heroes need someone in their corner.

Humans are social creatures. We aren’t meant to navigate life without support, and our everyday heroes are no exception.

Police officers, firefighters, military service members, and other first responders perform lifesaving duties every day. They put their lives on the line to protect others, preserve peace, and keep our communities safe. But these real-life superheroes don’t always feel like superheroes.

The mental and emotional toll of the work they do can follow them home. The weight they carry can affect their relationships, their families, their health, and their everyday lives.

Sometimes, our heroes need help, too.

But what happens when a hero recognizes they’re struggling but doesn’t know how to ask for help? How can we support them and encourage healthy self-care?

It starts with us.

1. Identify your heroes.

Know the heroes in your life. They may be a police officer, firefighter, or military veteran. Or they may be someone without a title who has the same mentality—always putting others first and rarely taking time to care for themselves. Take notice of these people and know their increased risk for suicidal ideation.

 

2. Provide support.

Everyone experiences and receives support differently. Some people appreciate words of encouragement, while others feel supported through acts of service, quality time, or simply having someone listen. Learn how your hero feels supported and show up for them in that way.

3. Know when help is needed.

Sometimes our heroes don’t have all the answers. Not only is that okay, but that is normal and expected. There are moments when we may need to step in, offer encouragement, and remind them that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Learn what resources are available to military members, veterans, first responders, and their families. If someone you care about is struggling, encourage them to reach out and connect with support.

Because even heroes need help.

At NCHP we work to help our heroes every day. Whether it’s through our Housing for Heroes program or our Best is Yet to Come program, we work to provide the resources our veterans and military need to better their lives and improve their mental health.

If you are or know of a hero in need, connect with our offices today.

If You or Someone You Know Is in Crisis

If you or someone you know is experiencing thoughts of suicide or is in emotional crisis, help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Veterans, service members, and their loved ones: Call 988 and press 1, text 838255, or use the Veterans Crisis Line online chat.

Anyone: Call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

The 988 Lifeline provides free and confidential crisis support.

If there is an immediate danger to life, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

This is made possible through the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program.