What Resources are there for Veterans Struggling with their Mental Health?
When most people think about medical conditions that may be impacting America’s veterans, they imagine physical injuries. However, just as common and debilitating are mental health concerns that can impact any person who served on active duty. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and afflictions resulting from traumatic brain injuries are just a few examples of mental health concerns that change the civilian lives of veterans.
We often hear concerns from veterans about these issues. Specifically, they ask what resources there are for veterans struggling with their mental health. At GC, we strive to help veterans every day. We hope that this guide will help veterans care for their emotional well-being and live more fulfilling lives.
Seek Out Help from the VA
One of the benefits of serving in the military is free health care. This care extends beyond a person’s time spent in uniform. All veterans have the right to seek out medical treatment at any of their local branches of the VA. While this care certainly includes treatment for physical conditions, it also includes a variety of mental health services.
These services can include:
- Psychiatric care from a doctor
- Group and individual therapy sessions
- Medication plans
- Mental health crisis intervention
The team at GC could help you better understand if you qualify for free mental health care through the VA. They are also ready to help determine if your mental health condition could qualify you for cash benefits through the Veterans Disability Compensation Program.
Help from Non-Governmental Agencies
While the VA is a valuable resource for all veterans, it may not be the right choice for you right now. The fact is that seeking care from the VA can take a significant amount of time. For people seeking more immediate care, or those who simply wish to have someone to talk to, other, more local options may be a better choice.
Depending on where you live, there may be local mental health support groups that can provide help. For example, veterans living in California could reach out to the National Alliance on Mental Health’s California branch (NAMI). NAMI provides thorough information to veterans, their families, and caregivers about how to deal with mental health concerns and how to take better advantage of services available in their area.
Another option might be to reach out to veterans’ membership organizations, such as the American Legion or Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). While the other members in these groups cannot provide direct medical care, it can be helpful to know that others have many of the same experiences as you and may be dealing with many of the same mental health concerns. Simply having someone to talk to could help bring stability and joy back into your life.
Mental health concerns are a common issue for people returning from active duty. It is not uncommon for veterans to experience anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues upon returning to civilian life. Know that you are not alone and that there are a variety of potential resources available to you to help with your mental health.
You will always have the option to seek out care from your local VA branch. Their doctors and therapists can help you deal with your concerns through therapy and medications. In addition, you may want to look for help from veterans’ organizations such as the VFW.
Finally, more localized support groups like NAMI could help provide the help you need.
Contact us today for a case evaluation.
