Veterans of the Storm - New Suicide Prevention that Works

Veterans of the Storm: Tier-One Suicide Prevention Through Veteran-Led Mental Health Training

Veterans of the Storm - new suicide prevention that works

Program Overview: Veterans of the Storm is a telehealth-based suicide prevention initiative designed specifically for veterans battling the emotional storm of undiagnosed Adult ADHD, Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD), and emotional dysregulation. Our model is built by veterans, for veterans, and takes a revolutionary approach: train and empower veterans to become Tier-One Mental Health Coaches. These peer-led coaches deliver trauma-informed, emotionally intelligent care with real-world insight and battlefield-tested empathy.

Why It Matters:

I created Veterans of the Storm because I know what it feels like to be at war with your own mind — and I’m done pretending that silence is strength.

Theresa Alfonzo founder - Veterans of the Storm

I’m a veteran who lives with PTSD, ADHD, and Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD). And what I’ve learned through surviving it myself is this:

Every suicide prevention plan out there is missing something huge — and no one’s talking about it.

ADHD and RSD are completely ignored in suicide prevention frameworks. That’s not a small oversight. That’s a fatal one. I know how dark my emotions can get. I know how fast the spiral hits. And I know — without a doubt — that this program will save lives. Because for the first time, we’re looking at the storm from the inside out.

Veterans of the Storm isn’t about awareness. It’s about action.

It’s about building a system that finally sees the emotional war we’re fighting — and gives us tools that actually work.

I can’t stand by and do nothing. Not when I know what I know. Not when people are suffering in silence — and being told it’s just depression, or anxiety, or weakness.

It’s not. It’s neurological. It’s emotional. It’s survivable.

And I’m not leaving anyone behind in it.

• Over 11 million U.S. adults have ADHD, but more than 75% remain undiagnosed.

• Studies show 50% or more of ADHD diagnoses may be incorrect due to poor training and reliance on outdated assessment methods.

• Veterans are twice as likely to suffer from undiagnosed ADHD, which is often masked by PTSD or misdiagnosed as depression, bipolar disorder, or anxiety.

• Emotional dysregulation and RSD are not currently factored into suicide prevention models—yet these neurological triggers are among the strongest predictors of impulsive suicidal behavior.

Three Key Highlights:

1. Veteran-Led Peer Coaching Model: We don’t just treat—we train. Veterans will be certified through our proprietary Tier-One Coach Program to deliver ADHD/RSD-specific emotional resilience training.

2. Cost-Effective Telehealth Infrastructure: We reduce costs and increase access by using a virtual platform, eliminating geographical barriers to support.

3. Community-Based Scalability: Once proven successful, our model can be replicated in cities nationwide, using local veterans as both staff and change agents.

Mission Statement: This isn’t just another mental health program. This is a movement to give veterans the tools, knowledge, and power to save themselves and each other—by telling the truth about what’s really driving the storm.