Still Standing
A Veteran Mental Health and Crisis Survival Guide
Your Toolkit Includes
Editable guides, templates, trackers, and calculators designed to be used alongside the book. Each file mirrors a concept or chapter from the guide — download what you need, fill it in, and turn what you have been through into what comes next.
Still Standing
FWD Assist Publishing
Built by Joshua Christopherson. VA disability claims educator. Air Force and Air National Guard disabled veteran with hands-on VSO experience.
Get the one-page mental health crisis support checklist.
Free printable PDF that distills this toolkit into one page you can take to your next appointment.
No sales calls. Unsubscribe any time.
About This Topic
A direct, practical guide to veteran mental health and crisis survival written for veterans who are struggling and for those who want to help them. Covers the warning signs of crisis, how to access VA mental health services, what the Veterans Crisis Line offers, how to talk to someone you're worried about, and how to build resilience after trauma.
What the Book Covers
Key topics and takeaways from Still Standing:
Who This Is For
- Veterans struggling with mental health or in crisis
- Family members and friends worried about a veteran
- Veterans who want to access VA mental health services
- Anyone who wants to build resilience after military-related trauma
Download the Entire Toolkit
All 14 files in one zip · 4.8 MB
Companion Toolkit
14 files for Still Standing — Organized by where you are in the journey.
Reflection & Assessment
4 files
Identity Inventory Worksheet
XLSXAssess where your identity stands across key post-service dimensions
6 KB
Mission Void Assessment
XLSXAssess the mission void left by military service and identify civilian replacements
7 KB
Planning & Strategy
5 files
2AM Survival Kit
DOCXWhat to reach for at 2 AM when the walls close in — contacts, grounding steps, next-day plan
815 KB
Asking For Help Kit
DOCXScripts and steps for asking for help when you need it — no shame, just action
816 KB
Crisis Communication Card
XLSXWallet-sized crisis contacts and steps to share with someone you trust
5 KB
VA Mental Health Action Plan
DOCXBuild a personal mental health action plan with VA and civilian resources
12 KB
Action & Implementation
4 files
How to Use This Toolkit
Every file is yours to keep. The Word documents (.docx) are your guides, journals, and planning tools — open them and make them your own. The spreadsheets (.xlsx) are your trackers and planners — they include real formulas to help you stay on track. Save them to your computer and update them as your situation changes.
Related Topics
The Long Game
How Veterans Rebuild Identity, Community, and Purpose After Service
VA Mental Health Claims Beyond PTSD
How to File VA Disability Claims for Depression, Anxiety, Adjustment Disorder, and Every Other Ratable Mental Health Condition
The VA PTSD Claims Playbook
How to File, Document, and Win VA Disability Compensation for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Disclaimer: FWD Assist HQ and FWD Assist Publishing provide educational resources only. Nothing on this page constitutes legal advice, medical advice, or accredited representation. Always consult with an accredited VA attorney, claims agent, or Veterans Service Officer for personalized guidance.