May is Mental Health Awareness Month, an annual observance to honor the courage of millions of Americans living with mental health conditions, celebrate the loved ones and professionals who support them and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health treatment.
Prioritizing your mental health enables you to continue building memories with the ones you love by being there for them physically and mentally. There is no “right” path on your mental health journey because everyone’s experience is different.
Opening up about challenges is the first step to mental well-being. Those challenges might include feelings of loneliness, distress and anxiety, or a feeling that things won’t improve. Regardless of what you’re experiencing, you’re not alone. Seeking help is a sign of strength, just like seeking help for physical health.
Help is available
There are many resources available to assist Veterans through their challenges. VA’s MaketheConnection features Veteran stories about experiences that made a difference in their daily lives. Watch, read, and listen to Veterans and their family members share real stories of strength and recovery, find useful information and local mental health resources and explore ways to show your support.
In times of distress, Veterans can call 988 and press 1, text 838255 or chat online to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line. This free, 24/7, confidential resource offers support from trained professionals to anyone, including family members and friends of a Veteran.
Preventing suicide among all Veterans is VA’s top clinical priority. VA provides critical, life-saving care for Veterans in acute suicidal crisis, including former service members who were victims of sexual assault or harassment during military service.
VA will furnish, pay for or reimburse the cost of eligible Veterans’ emergent suicide care and treatment at a VA or non-VA facility. This includes ambulance transportation, related prescriptions, up to 30 days of inpatient or crisis residential treatment and up to 90 days of outpatient care at no cost to Veterans.
Ending the stigma
Reducing mental health stigma is key to encouraging Veterans to get the help they need. Acknowledging the need for help takes courage, but it’s the first step toward healing. It’s ok to work toward improving your own mental health. It’s good for you and it empowers others to begin their own mental health journey.
Don’t wait—learn about ways to reach out for support.
Support and resources
- Veteran Suicide Prevention
- Veteran Emergency Care
- Emergency Care Information for Providers
Author: