Military & Veterans

UNIQUE CHALLENGES

Service members and veterans experience a range of stressful experiences that are unique to the military lifestyle and can lead to times in their lives when extra support is needed.

Challenges include relating to family members and friends who have not had the same experiences, and transitioning from “battle mind” to a life in which the approaches that previously kept you alive are no longer appropriate. Scars from traumatic experiences may be physical or mental, including PTSD. Family members and caregivers may also need support.

Many types of assistance build on strengths developed in military services such as the ability to face challenges, work as a team and focus on setting goals.

NATIONAL RESOURCES

Veterans Crisis Line
Connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.
Call 988 and Press 1
Text and TTY: 988
Online chat • veteranscrisisline.net

Vets Prevail
By Vets, for Vets – Online anonymous counseling from fellow Vets and interactive training in a gaming environment. Issues addressed include depression, anxiety, panic attacks, stress relief, eating disorders and grief support.
www.vetsprevail.org

VA Mental Health Programs
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)’s range of resources address PTSD, substance use, anger and irritability management skills, parenting, help for homeless vets, suicide prevention and more.
www.mentalhealth.va.gov
Other VA resources: www.va.gov

Vets 4 Warriors
24/7 confidential, stigma free peer support by veterans to Active Duty, National Guard and Reserve service members, Veterans, Retirees, and their families/caregivers. Share lived experiences to create an environment of trust that demonstrates you are never alone, there is a caring, empathic voice ready to connect and follow up.
Call 855-838-8255
Email vets4warriors@ubhc.rutgers.edu
Online Chat • www.vets4warriors.com

Real Warriors
Promotes the processes of building resilience, facilitating recovery and supporting reintegration of Service Members, Veterans and their families.
www.realwarriors.net

Wounded Warrior Project
Programs and peer support for injured service members include the Combat Stress Recovery Program and Warrior Care Network™ for free PTSD and TBI treatment.
www.woundedwarriorproject.org

Make the Connnection
View hundreds of video stories of Veterans and their family members overcoming challenges and finding solutions for improving their lives.
www.maketheconnection.net

Military OneSource
Free service provided by the Department of Defense for active-duty, Guard, and Reserve Service Members and their families. Topics include education, relocation, parenting and stress.
www.militaryonesource.mil