Golden Axe Alliance | Empower Your Mental Wellness Today

Golden Axe Alliance was founded by Michael Hendrix, a retired CAL FIRE firefighter with 25 years of service. While on the job, I served on the peer support team, and after retiring in January 2024, I stepped into the role of co-lead for the peer support team. This mission is personal—I live it, I know it, and I believe in it.

Be the CEO of Your Own Mental Wellness is a guide to taking charge of your mind the same way a leader runs an organization—with clarity, discipline, and purpose. Drawing from real-life struggles and lessons from the fire service, this book shows how anyone can build resilience, manage stress, and lead themselves toward balance.

It’s not about ignoring the challenges—it’s about learning tools and strategies to overcome them and thrive. Take ownership of your mental health and step into the role of CEO of your own life.

https://books2read.com/u/br8lE7

Be the CEO of Your Own Mental Wellness gives you the tools to take charge of your mental health and build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. It’s about leading yourself with purpose, balance, and clarity—skills that every first responder and everyday person needs.

The Next Chapter picks up right where that journey leaves off. Retirement, career transitions, or life changes can feel overwhelming, but this book offers guidance and encouragement for writing the next stage of your story with strength and confidence. Together, these books form a path: first to master your mental wellness, and then to step boldly into the next chapter of life.

https://books2read.com/u/49wPD0

*"The reason I started Golden Axe Alliance comes from my own struggles after years of service. Like many in this line of work, I struggled mentally — carrying the weight of the job until it began to affect my home life and my family.

I want to be clear: I am not a doctor or a clinician. I’m simply someone who has walked in your boots and knows the toll this job can take. I know what it feels like to bring the job home, to struggle silently, and to wonder where to turn.

It wasn’t until I reached out for help — including attending a mental wellness retreat that gave me space to breathe and reset — that I realized recovery and resilience are possible. Golden Axe Alliance exists to share tools, resources, and peer support for anyone in uniform who needs it. You’re not alone in this fight."*

Michae D Hendrix

Wellness Tools

Just like the steady rhythm of the ocean, our breath can bring calm and balance in moments of stress. Taking time to pause—whether through deep breathing, simple meditation, or grounding exercises—can help reset the mind and restore focus.

At Golden Axe Alliance, these tools are simple but powerful. They remind us that even in the busiest days, we can create space to breathe, reflect, and recharge—one breath, one step, one moment at a time.

Resilience Mindset

Firefighter gear tells a story—of long nights, hard calls, and the strength it takes to keep going. Resilience isn’t about never facing struggle—it’s about rising each time we’re tested and carrying forward with courage and purpose.

At Golden Axe Alliance, we believe resilience is built one challenge at a time. It’s the mindset that no matter the weight of the gear or the burden of the day, you have the strength to push through, recover, and keep writing your story.

Community Support

No one carries the weight of this job alone. Behind every firefighter and first responder is a brotherhood and sisterhood built on trust, shared experience, and unshakable support.

At Golden Axe Alliance, we believe community is the cornerstone of wellness. It’s the reminder that even in the toughest times, someone has your back, and together we are stronger than the challenges we face.

Crisis & Support Resources

Your wellness matters. Below are trusted resources available to firefighters, first responders, and their families. Whether you need confidential counseling, peer-driven support, or immediate crisis help, these links are here for you—24/7.

CAL FIRE Employee Support Services (ESS)

Confidential peer-driven support available for CAL FIRE employees and their families. ESS provides resources for mental wellness, stress management, and life challenges.

📞 Call CAL FIRE ESS:

916-732-2360

www.fire.ca.gov

NAMI Western Riverside County
📞 (951) 369-1913
📧 NAMI@NamiWesternRiverside.org
🌐 namiwesternriverside.org
Offers free peer support groups, Family Support, Peer-to-Peer classes, and community education. Serving Riverside, Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley, and Norco.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Life doesn’t stop at the firehouse doors, and sometimes we all need extra support. The Employee Assistance Program provides confidential counseling, guidance, and resources to help firefighters and their families through personal or professional challenges.

1-866-327-4762

Disclaimer: The resources listed here are provided for informational purposes only. Golden Axe Alliance is not a clinical provider. If you are a firefighter, police officer, nurse, or member of the military, please contact your local department’s ESS or EAP for support specific to your agency. For immediate assistance, call 911 or dial 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (988)

If you are struggling or feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone. The 988 Lifeline offers free, confidential support for anyone in emotional distress or crisis, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Retiree Support

If you’re a retired firefighter, police officer, nurse, or military veteran and no longer have access to EAP or ESS programs, you still have options. You can reach out to trusted community resources like NAMI for free peer support groups, classes, and mental health programs. These organizations are open to the public and available even after retirement.

NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties
📞 (858) 634-6580
📧 information@namisd.org
🌐 namisandiego.org
Provides free support groups, warmline, education, advocacy, and direct community mental health services.

Disclaimer

These resources are provided for reference only. Golden Axe Alliance is not a clinical provider. If you are retired, please also check with your health insurance, VA services, or local peer support groups to see what services are available to you.

National NAMI HelpLine
📞 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
📱 Text “NAMI” to 62640
For immediate crisis support, call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Email: Michael.Hendrix@goldenaxealliance.com