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Introducing: The Next Step Coin
Dear Radiant,
In the book Oathbringer, Wit tells Shallan that though she must bear the pain of what has happened to her, she doesn’t deserve it. While I don’t know what has brought you here, I want you to know the same. You are welcome here, with us.
I challenge you to recognize that the experience you have gained through your struggles with mental health is also a strength. The stronger person is not the one who has never struggled; it is the person who has developed, step by step, the power to keep walking.
With this letter, I challenge you to make a series of oaths. First, a promise to yourself and those who love you that you’ll fight through the dark times. Second, that you’ll be a resource to others by helping them with their challenges. Third, that you will keep this coin with you as a symbol of your commitment to never let the darkness win.
The coin enclosed with this letter is a reminder of these oaths you have made to yourself and this community. If you lose your coin, we will replace it. If you want one to share with someone in need, we’ll send you an extra. The coin is a witness to your strength, your journey, your hardships, and your triumphs. It is a reminder that you deserve (and can ask for) help in emergency, but it is intended to be so much more. This is the launch of a community—with access to care and real resources to help in the journey. Carry your coins. Burnish them. Don’t wait for the emergency: head it off well before through interaction, determination, and decision.
You have been through some dark times, while others are likely before you. Though you may not have chosen this path, you do choose the next step upon it. My signature is below. I encourage you to add yours.
Journey Before Destination, Radiant.
Brandon Sanderson
(In signing, you make a symbol of your oath to keep this coin with you, to use and participate in the resources and
communities provided via the QR code. And—in an emergency—you promise to make that call for help.)
Resources
At present all mental health resources on this page—the 988 number and free services linked below—are available only for those physically located in the United States of America. We are working to find and provide resources in other countries, and links to those resources will be included here in the future. If you are not in the US, we encourage you to immediately go find services local to you that will help you treat any mental health struggles you may be going through.
Next Step Check-in Video
The Next Step Coin
The Next Step coin is available for purchase at the bottom of this page.
Please carefully read the above letter from Brandon to understand the coin and its intended use, and feel free to download, print, and sign Brandon's letter if desired.
The Next Step Coin is a physical reminder you can carry with you at all times. It shows the 988 phone number on one side, to remind you to call or text any time you need, and a QR code to return to this page at any time. Come back when you need the resources provided here, and all resources we will add in the future.
If you wish to carry this coin to help strengthen you and help you take the Next Step, or if you have a loved one in need of this coin for the same reasons, please choose the Strength Before Weakness variant to add to your cart and we will be happy to ship this coin to you, free of charge.
If you simply wish to collect this coin or otherwise feel the desire to purchase your own copy, please select the Sell Me This Awesome Coin variant and buy one for yourself! The net proceeds will go to providing mental health support to those who need it.
Access Free Therapy and Mental Health Support
To access free therapy and mental health support through Nerd HQ's partnership with TimelyCare, a trusted virtual health and well-being provider, continue below.
Please use the Continue button above to open a form to fill out to begin the registration process.
Nerd HQ's mission is to provide free mental health services, including therapy, to those who can’t afford it. Nerd HQ's partnership with TimelyCare, and Brandon's partnership with Nerd HQ, allow us to provide you with free mental health services whenever you need them.
Note: Brandon Sanderson, Dragonsteel, and Nerd HQ do not collect or maintain any information regarding your request to receive the mental health services accessed through any of our pages. None of these parties collect or maintain—or have any access to—any information about your mental health condition or the treatment you have received through the resources provided. Information provided in the registration form is sent securely to TimelyCare, the provider of these services, and is not stored on any other system.
Next Step Coin
If you are getting this coin for someone other than yourself, we ask that you have the coin shipped to you first, and that you then hand deliver the coin and Brandon's letter to your friend or loved one—along with your own words of encouragement.
Having a conversation in person will go a long way in helping to provide the strength your loved one needs, and will let them know you are their ally and truly there for them.
Frequently asked questions
All free mental health services are provided by TimelyCare providers licensed to provide services in the state in which you are located.
Services are offered free of charge to anyone physically located in the one of the 50 US states or Puerto Rico. Nerd HQ pays directly for any services accessed through the forms on this page or through Nerd HQ's site.