Promoting Mental Health and Well-being for Veterans
Vets National is your partner in navigating post-service life.
Transitioning back to civilian life comes with unique challenges and complex considerations regarding mental health and well-being, but we’re here for you.
Let’s explore some helpful strategies and resources for post-service life.
Understanding the landscape
As you well know, those in the military face many challenges when transitioning to civilian life, including finding employment, maintaining housing, and managing physical disabilities and mental trauma.
Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward addressing them. Here are some strategies for working through these issues:
- Open communication: We know talking about your experiences and feelings can be vitally important. These conversations can be with peers with similar experiences, with family, with mental health professionals or in group counseling.
- Professional counseling: Seeking professional help is not a sign of weakness but of strength. Therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy have been effective in treating post-traumatic stress, depression, and anxiety. The VA offers many different therapy resources.
- Healthy lifestyle choices: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and sufficient sleep are crucial for mental health. Physical activity in particular can be a powerful tool for managing stress and improving mood.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques: Practices such as meditation, yoga, and deep-breathing exercises can significantly reduce stress and improve mental well-being.
- Engaging in meaningful activities: Whether it’s a hobby, volunteering, or community events, engaging in activities that provide a sense of purpose can be incredibly beneficial.
Resources for veterans
If you, or someone you know is facing a crisis, you can call the Veterans Crisis Line at 988, then press 1, or text 838255.
Vets National is committed to helping you navigate the resources available to you, such as:
- VA benefits and advocacy: We specialize in representing veterans before the VA, especially in cases where disability claims have been unfairly denied. Our expertise extends to VA regional offices, the Board of Veterans’ Appeals, and the U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims.
- Mental health services: The VA offers various mental health services, including counseling and therapy. We can help you access such services.
- Support groups: Connecting with fellow veterans through support groups can provide a sense of community and mutual understanding. For example, the BeThere peer assistance program offers support to service members, their families, and transitioning Veterans up to 365 days after separation or retirement. Through this program, you can talk privately with peer coaches who are Veterans, service members, or military spouses. You can reach this free, confidential peer support service at 800-342-9647. Vet Centers also provide free individual and group counseling
- Employment and education programs: Programs such as the GI Bill can assist in furthering education and career opportunities, aiding in a smoother transition to civilian life.
- Homelessness assistance: There are many resources for homeless veterans, but one of the most notable is the HUD-VASH (U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development-VA Supportive Housing) Program. This resource pairs HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance with VA case management and supportive services for homeless Veterans. We can help connect those facing homelessness with resources and programs aimed at providing stable housing.
Your right to a bright future
At Vets National, we believe that every veteran deserves a future that honors the sacrifices made for our nation. You’ve fought for our country; now let us fight for your right to a bright and successful future. Remember, seeking help and using these resources is a testament to your resilience and courage. You are not alone in this journey. Together we can navigate the path toward a life of well-being and fulfillment.
For more information or assistance, please visit Vets National or contact us at 877-777-4021. Your service honored us; now let us honor your service with the support and advocacy you deserve.
