The Asterisk ICU community is a group of like-minded individuals who have come together to prioritize and promote mental health and well-being among its members. The community is made up of current and former military service members, first responders, healthcare workers, and teachers from all around the world. These individuals often face high levels of stress and trauma in their jobs and personal lives, and the Asterisk ICU community aims to provide a supportive space where they can connect with others who understand their experiences.
One of the core values of the Asterisk ICU community is the humanization of the job. Often, people in these professions are seen as heroes, but they are also just regular people who need support and understanding. The community recognizes the importance of addressing mental health and well-being in order to maintain a healthy work-life balance and avoid burnout. By fostering a community centered around these values, Asterisk ICU hopes to help its members thrive both personally and professionally.
To join the community Discord, interested individuals will need to go through a brief verification process to become official members of the Asterisk ICU “Family”. This process helps to ensure that the community remains a safe and supportive space for its members.
Whether you are a current or former military service member, first responder, healthcare worker, or teacher, the Asterisk ICU community welcomes you to join their Family. You can learn more about the community and its members by exploring the links above or by joining their Discord server. Thank you for taking the time to learn about Asterisk ICU – we hope to see you soon!
Why the name Asterisk ICU?
In the First Responder and Military communities, the symbol of “1*” or “One Asterisk” is often used to remind each individual that they only have one life to risk, and that they should do everything in their power to stay safe and get home to their loved ones. This symbol represents a collective responsibility to take care of oneself and one another in high-risk professions. The asterisk is also often used to indicate that there is more to a situation than meets the eye – a reminder to look deeper and pay attention to details.
Within the Asterisk ICU community, the asterisk takes on a new meaning. It represents the idea that each individual in the community is more than their job title or uniform. Behind the badge, scrubs, or military uniform, there is a real person with real feelings, experiences, and struggles. The community values and supports each member for who they are, not just for what they do.
The term “ICU” also has a dual meaning within the community. On one hand, it stands for “Intensive Care Unit,” which is a hospital unit that provides specialized care for critically ill patients. In this context, the community is like a virtual ICU, a place where members can come together and support each other as they work through the traumas they’ve experienced both on and off the job.
On the other hand, “ICU” can also stand for “I see you.” This phrase serves as a reminder to each member of the community that they are seen, valued, and supported. In professions where individuals may feel overlooked or invisible, this message is especially important. The community strives to create a space where every member feels seen and heard, and where they can connect with others who truly understand their experiences.
In summary, the Asterisk ICU community is a place where individuals in high-stress and high-trauma professions can come together to prioritize mental health and well-being, humanize their jobs, and support one another through difficult times. The symbols of “1*” and the asterisk, as well as the meanings behind “ICU,” all serve as powerful reminders of the community’s values and goals.