“Ask for help” is too vague to be a recovery plan. Coach Terry’s forthcoming Thriving Beyond Survival™ workbook publicly describes a support-network exercise designed to make help more concrete without requiring disclosure of private health or trauma details.
Map functions, not just names
One person may understand medical appointments; another may help with transportation, meals, childcare, work communication, spiritual support, or quiet companionship. Mapping functions reveals both strengths and dangerous single points of failure.
Define consent and boundaries
Support does not create unlimited access to information. A survivor can decide what each person needs to know, how updates will be shared, and which decisions remain private. Caregivers also need realistic limits and their own support.
Include professional and community resources
The map may include clinicians, rehabilitation professionals, counselors, peer groups, faith communities, disability organizations, workplace contacts, and emergency services. The right mix depends on the person’s needs and location.
Practice the handoff
A support plan becomes more usable when people know how to act: where medication and contact lists are kept, who attends an appointment, who can cover a routine task, and when to call emergency services. Periodic review keeps the map current.
Editorial note
This article discusses a publicly described theme of a forthcoming manuscript. A support map is not an emergency medical plan unless qualified professionals have helped establish one.
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RTH Ecosystem | Resources | Policy Center
Sources and further reading
- Books & Publications. RTH.
- Post–Cardiac Arrest Care: Recovery and Survivorship. American Heart Association, 2025.
Author: Restarting The Heart | Source review: November 9, 2026
Published November 9, 2026 · Last reviewed November 9, 2026