From everyone at 3rd Millennium Classrooms, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who is serving or has served in the United States Armed Forces for your dedication and service to our country! We are forever indebted to the sacrifices you have made.
This kind of service can take a toll on the body and mind:
- According to a recent study, 7.1% of veterans have a substance abuse disorder.
- In 2016, 1.5 million of the 5.5 million of the veterans seen in VA hospitals had a mental health diagnosis.
- On average, at least 21 veterans die each day from suicide.
- Rates of depression are 5 times higher in the military community than amongst civilians and PTSD rates are 15 times higher.
These numbers point to the fact that we need to take the mental health of our veterans more seriously. Transitioning from active duty to civilian life can be complicated for many reasons, but mental health should not be one of them.
Here are seven resources for Veterans who may be dealing with mental health issues:
#1 VA Mental Health Resource Page
This webpage provides information on where and how to find mental health services and care for veterans from the VA.
#2 Veterans Crisis Line
The Veteran Crisis Line offers free, confidential support. Get connected with caring, qualified responders ready to help you 24/7, 365 days a year.
#3 National Center for PTSD
The National Center for PTSD is the world’s leading research and educational center of excellence on PTSD and traumatic stress.
#4 Real Warriors
The Real Warriors Campaign encourages help-seeking behavior among service members, veterans and military families coping with invisible wounds.
#5 Make the Connection
This is the VA’s public awareness and outreach campaign to connect service members with the proper resources and care they need.
#6 Drug Rehab
Drug Rehab provides information, resources, and treatment for people battling addiction and related conditions, and addresses the unique challenges veterans face.
#7 Contingency Management
Avaliable only to Veterans, this proven treatment technique promotes abstenince from drugs and alcohol. It is simple, costs little, and boasts a high success rate when combined with evidence-based treatment.
Always remember, seeking care for mental health is not a sign of weakness or failure. Asking for help takes strength, and taking care of yourself is not something to be ashamed of.
Learn about 3rd Millennium’s prevention and intervention programming for high-risk behaviors.
