You’re Taking the First Step—Support Is Within Reach

If you are in immediate crisis, please reach out to someone who can help:

Call or text 988 (National Suicide Prevention Lifeline)
Text TALK to 741741 (Crisis Text Line)

¿Estás en una crisis?

Llama o envía un mensaje de texto al 988
Envía un mensaje de texto con AYUDA al 741741.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Help is available, and reaching out is the first step toward feeling better.

You Don't Have to Navigate This Alone

Are you feeling lost, overwhelmed, or struggling to understand what you're going through?

We’re here for you, whether you’re facing a crisis, trying to make sense of your emotions, or searching for a supportive community to help you get through a tough time. Healing and growth take time, but each small step brings you closer to clarity and peace. It starts with one pedal at a time. Check In with a social support or take a personal screening to check in with yourself.

Check in with yourself—take a quick screening

The Journey of Healing: Part One Starts with Willpower

At OPAAT, we know that starting the healing process can feel overwhelming, especially when facing challenges like mental health struggles, trauma, or loss. Many factors contribute to these feelings, including depression, anxiety, or substance use disorders; social isolation or financial stress; and experiences of bullying, discrimination, or grief. Chronic illness and persistent pain can also weigh heavily on emotional well-being. No matter the cause, we want you to know that you are not alone, and support is always within reach.

The first part is willpower—the ability to resist short-term temptations and focus on long-term healing. The journey isn’t always linear. Roy Baumeister, a psychologist, describes three components to achieving goals:

Motivation for change
Setting clear goals
Willpower to stick to it

These principles are central to OPAAT, and they apply to all areas of life, especially your emotional well-being. Whether you’re in a crisis or simply trying to make sense of your feelings, we encourage you to embrace these three steps:

Find your motivation.
Set goals for your well-being.
Use your willpower to keep moving forward, one pedal at a time.

OPAAT Crisis Resource Library

Healing Doesn't Happen Overnight

Healing isn’t instant.

We know that you’ve probably heard it before, but it’s essential to acknowledge this truth. Real healing takes time. If you’re here, maybe you’re in a place where it feels like progress is impossible—but we’re here to tell you that healing is possible.

Taking life one pedal at a time means being patient with yourself, even when it feels like nothing is changing. It’s about showing up for yourself each day, allowing yourself to feel what you need to feel, and moving through it with patience.

Start Healing Today

As you begin this process, you’ll learn to cultivate contentment in small moments, allowing you to reduce stress, improve your outlook, and reclaim joy.

You are not alone in this process.
You are not behind in your journey.
It is okay to go slowly.

Visit Crisis Resources Library

Understand Your Emotions: It's Not Selfish to Seek Meaning

You might be feeling disconnected from yourself or questioning the meaning of your life. It’s not selfish to want to live a fulfilling life—it’s a necessity. Maybe you’re stuck, unsure about what comes next, or overwhelmed by confusion.

OPAAT believes that true healing comes from living authentically and embracing your own creativity—whether that’s through art, music, writing, or just finding the path that brings you peace. It's about reconnecting with your soul and listening to the desires within.

Let yourself be you. Your unique journey is worth embracing.
Don’t silence your creative instincts. Your creativity can save your life—this is where your healing begins.

Explore Your Feelings With Mood Crew

The Story Behind OPAAT

The OPAAT movement was inspired by Lt. Dan, whose story of transformation speaks to the power of willpower and patience. After years of trauma, abuse, addiction, and multiple suicide attempts, Dan was ready to give up on life—until a simple act of cycling changed everything.

When Dan was invited to ride with friends, it wasn’t just about exercise—it was about reconnecting with life, one pedal at a time. Cycling helped him find clarity, strength, and purpose. He sold everything he had, bought a bike, and embarked on a life-changing journey to visit fellow veterans and share his story. That journey has now become the OPAAT movement, which has spread across the country and helped thousands find hope and connection.

Lt. Dan’s story is proof that healing is possible when you take it one step at a time. His journey—just like yours—is about more than overcoming physical challenges; it’s about confronting your emotional struggles, one pedal at a time.

Explore Suicide Survivor Lt. Dan's Story

Step 3: Access Resources to Understand Suicidal Thoughts

If you're looking to understand why suicidal thoughts may arise and how to process them, these resources can help you find clarity and guidance.

NIMH - Suicide Prevention (Spanish)
Access suicide prevention resources in Spanish, providing information for those who need support in their native language.

DBSA Mood Crew For Understanding Your Emotions: A Simple Guide to Sadness
Discover simple, engaging tools to help you better understand and express your sadness, guiding you toward greater self-awareness and healing.

These resources above are here to provide you with the knowledge and tools to better understand and navigate suicidal thoughts, whether you’re experiencing them or trying to help someone you care about.

OPAAT Suicide Prevention Resources

Take Action: Don’t Wait Until Tomorrow

If you’re ready to start your journey to healing, don’t wait. The first step is taking action now—whether that means reaching out for resources, joining a bike ride, or connecting with someone who understands. One pedal at a time, you can create change in your life and the lives of others.

Get Started Now

Access Immediate Crisis Text Support Lines: Reach out to crisis support lines to get the help you need right away.
Go For A Ride or Join A Local Community Ride: Find strength and connection through group bike rides with others who understand.
Download Resources To Understand Your Feelings: Access helpful resources that guide you through understanding and managing your emotions.
Complete A Self Check-In Screening: Take a quick, confidential screening to assess your emotional state and find the right support.
Receive Guidance From A Licensed Counselor: Connect with a licensed counselor for professional support and guidance tailored to your needs - costs may be associated with this service, potentially outside of insurance coverage.

You’re not alone. And you don’t have to do this on your own. Let us help you take the first step, one pedal at a time.

OPAAT Crisis Resources Library

Crisis Support Phone Call & Text Hotlines

If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, please reach out for help now via a phone call:

Crisis Line 988: Call or text 988 for confidential, 24/7 support.
Substance Abuse Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
Teen Lifeline: 1-800-248-8336 or text TEEN to 839863
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, Press 1
LGBTQ+ Helpline: 1-866-488-7386
Crisis Text Line: Visit www.crisistextline.org or text HOME to 741741 to connect with a trained volunteer.
Say Something Anonymous Reporting System: Submit secure, anonymous safety concerns at www.sandyhookpromise.org/say-something-tips to help someone who may hurt themselves or others.
Veterans Crisis Line: Visit www.veteranscrisisline.net, call 1-800-273-8255 (Press 1), or text 838255 for support tailored to veterans and their families.

Text For Crisis Support