What does Dugri mean?
Adapted from Turkish into Arabic, then into modern Hebrew slang, dugri is defined as “straightforward”—speaking freely, saying what is on one’s mind. To speak dugri is to tell it like it is.
What is the Dugri protocol and where has it been used?
Harnessing Stress to Excellence (HASTE) is the resilience model at the foundation of Dugri. In keeping with our core mission, it focuses on promoting personal wellness and better professional functioning. Developed over decades of working with military special forces, emergency medical and surgical teams, corporate leadership, and first responders, HASTE has been successfully implemented around the world to help the strongest in their most difficult and demoralizing times. Beneficiaries include the Israeli Navy SEALS, FEMA, and its NJ Urban Area Security Initiative.
Who is Dugri for Veterans for?
Dugri for Veterans was made to support all US military veterans and their families. With Dugri, help is at hand, day and night, offering a safe space where those who have served (either directly or indirectly through a loved one) can show up for each other.
Is Dugri for Veterans a replacement for therapy?
Absolutely not. Dugri cannot substitute for professional therapy but can be used as an adjunct to therapy or an element of peer support and self-care.
Those in crisis or in need of immediate medical help should call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and then press 1.
Where do I start?
The Dugri app connects you with a community of peers from across the country, offering a variety of ways to engage- safely, confidentially, and on your own terms.
GATHER: COMMUNITY FORUM
Join the conversation in a discussion board tailored to the community that knows what you’re going through. Share thoughts and remember you’re not alone, a supportive peer is always a click away.
EXCHANGE: TEXT & VOICE MESSAGING
Get something off your chest and receive support in a safe, 1:1 voice or text message chat. Nothing you’re going through is too big or small to share, and these dialogs can unfold anytime, at your convenience.
LIVE: REAL-TIME AUDIO CALL
For a deeper conversation, try a real-time, audio call with a peer who understands what you’re going through. The app guides you in a confidential, compassionate conversation to help you unload anxiety and re-energize.
PULSE CHECK: WEEKLY SELF-ASSESSMENT
Feeling isolated, unseen, misunderstood? Answer 5 questions each week to gauge your emotional health and increase feelings of connection. Track your progress over time and get tips when you need them.
Tips for sharing
- Think about something that’s bothering you, that you need to get past.
- Share honestly without fear of judgment (including from yourself).
- Don’t worry about how your voice sounds or your specific choice of words.
- Follow the lead of your ally, who will lead you through a series of questions.
- Name the emotions: this is a safe space to be vulnerable.
- Talk about what helps and what might be learned from this.
- Confidentiality is key, so avoid personal details that could reveal your identity.
If you feel desperate or at risk, Dugri is not equal to your needs: stay safe and call or text the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 and then press 1.
Tips for listening
- Receive what is being shared with openness, not judgment.
- Do your best to truly hear your ally and take their perspective.
- Remember that emotions are not problems to be solved: no need to fix things or give advice. Compassion is all that’s needed.
- Focus on what your ally is experiencing and the emotions they are feeling. The simple act of standing with someone in adversity can be a powerful comfort.
- Think of your listening as a gift in itself. Any opinions, interpretations, and stories should come from them.
- Echo what your ally is saying—in your own words—so they know you’re with them.
- Empathy honors another person’s experience without trying to define or dismiss it. Even the most well-intentioned analysis or advice can make an ally feel less heard.
- Be respectful of your ally’s boundaries and protective of your own: you are here to listen compassionately, not to assume your ally’s burden or take responsibility for it.