Tough Times Toolkit

Life got you down? Grab your Tough Times Toolkit! It's your emotional first aid kit, packed with resources to soothe, empower, and help you rise above those challenges.

Inside, you'll find:

Books: Mind-blowing reads to shift your perspective.
Podcasts: Inspiring stories and expert advice.
Websites: Supportive communities and quick doses of inspiration.
Groups: Connect with others who get it.
Journal Prompts: Dive deep and explore your inner world.
And more! Constantly updated with new tools and inspiration.

Grab your Toolkit and turn those challenges into triumphs! ✨

Tough Times Toolkit

First Aid for Feelings	Resource Type	Resource Name	Description	Contact Info/Link
Marriage Counseling & Support	The National Healthy Marriage Resource Center (NHMRC)	Provides resources and information on strengthening marriages and preventing divorce	healthymarriageinfo.org	Offers programs, research, and a resource library
Marriage Counseling & Support	Marriage Builders	Offers resources and workshops based on the work of Dr. Willard F. Harley, Jr.	marriagebuilders.com	Focuses on identifying and meeting each other's emotional needs
Divorce Support & Resources	DivorceCare	Support groups and resources for people going through divorce	divorcecare.org	Offers a safe and supportive environment for healing and recovery
Divorce Support & Resources	The National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP)	Provides a directory of professionals who specialize in divorce-related services	nadp.com	Offers access to attorneys, mediators, therapists, and financial advisors
Divorce Support & Resources	Hello Divorce	Provides online divorce services and resources	hellodivorce.com	Offers legal guidance, emotional support, and financial tools
Divorce Support & Resources	Wevorce	Offers a collaborative divorce process with a team of professionals	wevorce.com	Focuses on reducing conflict and promoting amicable separation
Relationship Issues	The 5 Love Languages	Concept developed by Dr. Gary Chapman that identifies five ways people express and receive love	5lovelanguages.com	Offers resources, quizzes, and books on understanding love languages
Relationship Issues	The Gottman Method	Research-based approach to improving communication and conflict resolution in relationships	gottman.com	Provides resources, workshops, and a therapist finder
Relationship Issues	Hold Me Tight	Book by Dr. Sue Johnson that explores attachment theory and its impact on relationships	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers insights into emotional connection and building secure relationships
Relationship Issues	The Power of Vulnerability	Book by Brené Brown that explores the importance of vulnerability in relationships	Bookstores, online retailers	Encourages authenticity and emotional connection
Communication & Conflict Resolution	Nonviolent Communication (NVC)	Communication framework developed by Dr. Marshall Rosenberg that focuses on empathy and understanding	cnvc.org	Offers resources, workshops, and training on NVC
Communication & Conflict Resolution	The Center for Nonviolent Communication	Provides resources and training on NVC	cnvc.org	Offers online courses, workshops, and a mediator directory
Communication & Conflict Resolution	"Crucial Conversations" by Kerry Patterson, Joseph Grenny, Ron McMillan, and Al Switzler	Book on communicating effectively in high-stakes situations	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers strategies for navigating difficult conversations
Communication & Conflict Resolution	"Difficult Conversations" by Douglas Stone, Bruce Patton, and Sheila Heen	Book on navigating challenging conversations with skill and confidence	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers a framework for understanding and resolving conflict
Infidelity & Betrayal	Beyond Affairs Network (BAN)	Provides support and resources for couples dealing with infidelity	beyondaffairs.com	Offers online forums, articles, and a therapist directory
Infidelity & Betrayal	"After the Affair" by Janis Abrahms Spring	Book on healing and rebuilding trust after infidelity	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers guidance for couples and individuals navigating the aftermath of an affair
Infidelity & Betrayal	"Not 'Just Friends'" by Shirley P. Glass	Book on preventing infidelity and maintaining healthy boundaries in relationships	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers insights into emotional affairs and how to protect your relationship
Other Resources	Psychology Today	Website with articles, therapist directory, and resources on various relationship issues	psychologytoday.com	Offers a wealth of information on relationships and mental health
Other Resources	The National Domestic Violence Hotline	Support for victims and survivors of domestic violence	thehotline.org	Offers a 24/7 hotline, online chat, and resources
Other Resources	The Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN)	Support for survivors of sexual assault	rainn.org	Provides a 24/7 hotline, online chat, and resources
Other Resources
Pet Loss & Grief	The Rainbow Bridge	Website dedicated to pet loss and remembrance	rainbowbridge.com	Offers poems, stories, and a forum for sharing memories
Pet Loss & Grief	Pet Loss Support Hotlines	Provide emotional support and resources for pet loss	Search for "pet loss support hotline" online	Offer confidential support and grief counseling
Books & Articles	"The Art of Racing in the Rain" by Garth Stein	Novel told from the perspective of a dog named Enzo	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers a heartwarming and insightful look at the human-animal bond
Books & Articles	"Marley & Me" by John Grogan	Memoir about the joys and challenges of owning a dog	Bookstores, online retailers	A heartwarming and humorous story about the love and loyalty of a dog
Books & Articles	"Dewey: The Small-Town Library Cat Who Touched the World" by Vicki Myron	True story about a library cat who brought joy and comfort to a community	Bookstores, online retailers	A heartwarming story about the power of the human-animal bond
Books & Articles	"Animals Make Us Human" by Temple Grandin and Catherine Johnson	Explores the emotional lives of animals and the importance of animal welfare	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers insights into animal behavior and the human-animal connection
Resource Type	Resource Name	Description	Link/Source	Notes
Occupational Health & Safety	Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)	Government agency that sets and enforces workplace safety and health standards	osha.gov	Provides resources, training, and worker rights information
Occupational Health & Safety	National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)	Conducts research and provides recommendations for preventing work-related injuries and illnesses	cdc.gov/niosh	Offers resources on workplace hazards, safety equipment, and best practices
Occupational Health & Safety	Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) - Workplace Safety and Health	Provides information and resources on workplace safety and health topics	cdc.gov/niosh	Offers guidance on preventing injuries, illnesses, and fatalities
Labor Unions & Advocacy	AFL-CIO	Federation of labor unions that advocates for workers' rights and economic justice	aflcio.org	Represents millions of workers in various industries
Labor Unions & Advocacy	International Brotherhood of Teamsters	Labor union representing workers in transportation, warehousing, and related industries	teamsters.org	Advocates for fair wages, benefits, and working conditions
Labor Unions & Advocacy	United Auto Workers (UAW)	Labor union representing workers in the automotive industry	uaw.org	Advocates for workers' rights, job security, and fair wages
Labor Unions & Advocacy	Service Employees International Union (SEIU)	Labor union representing workers in healthcare, public service, and property services	seiu.org	Advocates for better wages, benefits, and working conditions
Job Training & Education	Apprenticeship Programs	Offer on-the-job training and classroom instruction in skilled trades	apprenticeship.gov	Provide a pathway to well-paying careers in various trades
Job Training & Education	Community Colleges	Offer affordable education and training programs in various fields	aacc.nche.edu	Provide opportunities for career advancement and skill development
Job Training & Education	Vocational Schools	Offer specialized training in specific trades and vocations	careeronestop.org	Provide hands-on training and industry-recognized certifications
Financial & Legal Resources	Legal Aid Organizations	Provide legal assistance to low-income individuals, including workers facing workplace discrimination or wage theft	lsc.gov	Offer free or low-cost legal services
Financial & Legal Resources	Workers' Compensation Programs	Provide benefits to workers who are injured on the job	State Workers' Compensation Agencies	Help cover medical expenses and lost wages
Financial & Legal Resources	Unemployment Benefits	Provide temporary financial assistance to workers who have lost their jobs	State Unemployment Agencies	Help workers during periods of unemployment
Mental Health & Well-being	The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Stress at Work	Provides information and resources on workplace stress and its impact on mental health	cdc.gov/niosh	Offers guidance on managing stress and promoting well-being
Mental Health & Well-being	The American Psychological Association (APA) - Workplace Well-being	Provides resources and information on workplace mental health and well-being	apa.org	Offers tips for managing stress, promoting work-life balance, and creating a positive work environment
Mental Health & Well-being	MentalHealth.gov - Workplace	Provides information and resources on mental health in the workplace	mentalhealth.gov	Offers guidance on supporting employees with mental health conditions and promoting a mentally healthy workplace
Resource Type	Resource Name	Description	Link/Source	Notes
Workplace Stress & Burnout	The American Institute of Stress	Provides information and resources on stress management and prevention	stress.org	Offers articles, tips, and a stress test
Workplace Stress & Burnout	The Mayo Clinic - Job burnout: How to spot it and take action	Information and strategies for identifying and managing job burnout	mayoclinic.org	Offers tips for preventing burnout and promoting well-being
Workplace Stress & Burnout	HelpGuide.org - Burnout Prevention and Treatment	Provides guidance on recognizing and addressing burnout	helpguide.org	Offers self-help strategies and resources for seeking professional help
Work-Life Balance	The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) - Work-Life Balance	Provides tips and resources for achieving work-life balance	nami.org	Offers guidance on setting boundaries, managing time, and prioritizing self-care
Work-Life Balance	The American Psychological Association (APA) - Work-Life Balance	Provides information and resources on achieving work-life balance	apa.org	Offers tips for managing stress, prioritizing well-being, and setting realistic expectations
Work-Life Balance	FlexJobs	Website that lists flexible and remote job opportunities	flexjobs.com	Helps individuals find jobs that offer greater work-life balance
Career Development & Advancement	LinkedIn	Professional networking platform for career development and job searching	linkedin.com	Connects professionals and provides resources for career advancement
Career Development & Advancement	Indeed	Job search engine with a wide range of job listings and career resources	indeed.com	Offers tools for resume building, job searching, and career exploration
Career Development & Advancement	Glassdoor	Website with company reviews, salary information, and interview insights	glassdoor.com	Provides transparency into workplace culture and compensation
Financial & Legal Resources	The Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)	Provides information and resources on financial planning and investing	finra.org	Offers investor education and protection resources
Financial & Legal Resources	The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB)	Protects consumers from unfair, deceptive, or abusive practices in the financial marketplace	consumerfinance.gov	Offers resources on managing debt, credit reports, and financial products
Financial & Legal Resources	The Federal Trade Commission (FTC)	Protects consumers from unfair or deceptive business practices	ftc.gov	Offers resources on identity theft, scams, and consumer rights
Mental Health & Well-being	The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) - Workplace Violence	Provides information and resources on preventing and addressing workplace violence	cdc.gov/niosh	Offers guidance on creating a safe and healthy work environment
Mental Health & Well-being	The American Psychological Association (APA) - Workplace Discrimination	Provides information and resources on workplace discrimination and harassment	apa.org	Offers guidance on recognizing and addressing discrimination and harassment
Mental Health & Well-being	MentalHealth.gov - Workplace	Provides information and resources on mental health in the workplace	mentalhealth.gov	Offers guidance on supporting employees with mental health conditions and promoting a mentally healthy workplace
Resource Type	Resource Name	Description	Link/Source	Notes
Marriage Counseling & Support	The American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT)	Provides a therapist locator and resources on marriage and family therapy	aamft.org	Offers information on finding a qualified therapist
Marriage Counseling & Support	The Gottman Method	Research-based approach to couples therapy	gottman.com	Provides resources, workshops, and a therapist finder
Education & Advocacy	The National Youth Rights Association (NYRA)	Advocates for the civil and human rights of young people	youthrights.org	Focuses on issues like youth voting rights, age discrimination, and educational rights
Education & Advocacy	Youth.gov	Government website with information and resources for youth	youth.gov	Offers information on education, health, employment, and civic engagement
Education & Advocacy	The Boys & Girls Clubs of America	Provides after-school programs and services for young people	bgca.org	Offers a safe and supportive environment for youth development
Education & Advocacy	The YMCA	Offers programs and services for youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility	ymca.net	Provides a variety of activities and resources for young people
Specific Issues	The National Bullying Prevention Center	Resources and information on bullying prevention	pacer.org/bullying	Offers tips for preventing bullying and creating safe environments
Specific Issues	The National Runaway Safeline	Provides support and resources for runaway and homeless youth	1800runaway.org	Offers a 24/7 hotline and online resources
Specific Issues	The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC)	Provides resources and support for missing and exploited children	missingkids.org	Offers a 24/7 hotline and online resources
Specific Issues	The Childhelp USA® National Child Abuse Hotline	Provides support and resources for victims of child abuse	childhelp.org	Offers a 24/7 hotline and online resources
Specific Issues	The National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA)	Support and resources for people with eating disorders, including youth	nationaleatingdisorders.org	Offers information, a helpline, and treatment referrals
Books & Articles	"The Teenage Brain" by Frances E. Jensen	Explores the unique development and functioning of the adolescent brain	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers insights into teenage behavior and decision-making
Books & Articles	"Brainstorm" by Daniel J. Siegel	Provides a brain-based approach to understanding and supporting adolescents	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers practical strategies for parents and educators
Books & Articles	"Age of Opportunity" by Laurence Steinberg	Explores the science of adolescence and the potential for positive development	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers a hopeful perspective on the teenage years
Books & Articles	"The 7 Habits of Highly Effective Teens" by Sean Covey	Provides a framework for personal and interpersonal effectiveness for teenagers	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers practical tips and strategies for success in life
Resource Type	Resource Name	Description	Link/Source	Notes
General Support & Advocacy	The National Council on Aging (NCOA)	Provides information, resources, and advocacy for older adults	ncoa.org	Offers programs and services to help seniors live independently
General Support & Advocacy	AARP	Advocacy and resources for people age 50 and older	aarp.org	Offers discounts, programs, and information on aging
General Support & Advocacy	The National Institute on Aging (NIA)	Conducts research and provides information on aging and health	nia.nih.gov	Offers resources on Alzheimer's disease, caregiving, and healthy aging
General Support & Advocacy	The Eldercare Locator	Helps find local services for older adults and their caregivers	eldercare.acl.gov	Connects seniors with resources like meal delivery, transportation, and home care
Mental Health	The Mental Health America (MHA) - Older Adults	Resources and information on mental health for older adults	mhanational.org	Offers screening tools, information on mental health conditions, and support
Mental Health	The Alzheimer's Association	Provides information, support, and resources for people with Alzheimer's disease and their caregivers1	alz.org	Offers support groups, education, and research updates
Mental Health	The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) - Older Adults	Information and resources on mental health for older adults	nimh.nih.gov	Provides research updates, treatment information, and support
Specific Issues	The National Center on Elder Abuse (NCEA)	Provides information and resources on elder abuse prevention and intervention	ncea.acl.gov	Offers a helpline, resources for reporting abuse, and training materials
Specific Issues	The National Consumer Voice for Quality Long-Term Care	Advocates for quality care and services for people living in long-term care facilities	theconsumervoice.org	Provides information, resources, and advocacy for residents and their families
Specific Issues	The Medicare Rights Center	Provides information and assistance with Medicare	medicarerights.org	Offers counseling, advocacy, and educational resources
Specific Issues	The National Association of Area Agencies on Aging (n4a)	Represents Area Agencies on Aging, which provide services to older adults and their caregivers	n4a.org	Connects seniors with local resources and services
Books & Articles	"The Gift of Years" by Joan Chittister	Explores the spiritual and psychological dimensions of aging	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers a reflective perspective on aging and finding meaning in later life
Books & Articles	"Being Mortal" by Atul Gawande	Examines the challenges of aging and end-of-life care	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers insights into how to live a good life in the face of mortality
Books & Articles	"Successful Aging" by Daniel J. Levitin	Explores the science of aging and how to maintain cognitive and physical health	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers practical strategies for healthy aging
Books & Articles	"The Longevity Project" by Howard S. Friedman and Leslie R. Martin	Presents findings from a long-term study on longevity and well-being	Bookstores, online retailers	Offers insights into the factors that contribute to a long and healthy life
Resource Type	Resource Name	Description	Link/Source	Notes
Animal Welfare Organizations	The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)	Provides resources and support for animal welfare, including rescue, adoption, and advocacy	aspca.org	Offers a 24/7 animal poison control hotline
Animal Welfare Organizations	The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS)	Advocates for animal welfare and works to end animal cruelty	humanesociety.org	Provides resources on animal protection, disaster relief, and advocacy
Animal Welfare Organizations	Best Friends Animal Society	Works to create a no-kill nation for shelter animals	bestfriends.org	Offers adoption, spay/neuter programs, and sanctuary services
Animal Welfare Organizations	Animal Legal Defense Fund	Protects the lives and advances the interests of animals through the legal system	aldf.org	Provides legal advocacy and resources for animal protection
Animal Welfare Organizations	People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA)	Advocates for animal rights and works to end animal exploitation	peta.org	Focuses on animal liberation and veganism
Specific Issues	The American Anti-Vivisection Society (AAVS)	Works to end animal experimentation	aavs.org	Advocates for alternatives to animal research
Specific Issues	The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS)	Works to save wildlife and wild places around the world	wcs.org	Focuses on conservation, education, and advocacy