Mental Health Support for Veterans
⚠ Safety Notice
If you or someone you love is in immediate danger, call 911.
If you’re a veteran or service member in crisis—or worried about one—call 988 and press 1, or text 838255, to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. Anyone can also call or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
The Mental Health Hotline is here for support and resources—it is not a substitute for emergency services.
Seeking mental health support matters for veterans, for several reasons. Many veterans experience mental health challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety connected to their military service.
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), roughly 20% of veterans who served in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom have experienced PTSD, and about 30% of Vietnam veterans have experienced PTSD at some point in their lives.
These challenges can significantly affect a veteran’s overall health and well-being. PTSD, for example, can bring flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, and strain on relationships. Depression and anxiety can make it hard to function at work or school, affect relationships, and raise the risk of other physical health conditions.
By reaching out, veterans can get help managing these challenges and improving their well-being. Treatment for PTSD, depression, and anxiety may include therapy, medication, or a combination, and working with a mental health professional can also help build coping strategies and resilience for future challenges.
Seeking mental health support is not a sign of weakness. It takes courage and strength to admit you need help and to take steps to get it. If you’re a veteran facing mental health challenges, know that you are not alone and that help is available.
Signs a Veteran May Be Struggling With Their Mental Health
Many signs and symptoms may indicate that a veteran is dealing with a mental health condition. Every person is different and may experience different symptoms.
These signs don’t necessarily mean a veteran has a mental health condition. But if you’re concerned about someone, it’s worth paying attention to them and encouraging the veteran to seek help if needed. Common signs include:
- Changes in mood or behavior: increased irritability, anger, or aggression, along with changes in sleep, appetite, or energy.
- Difficulty concentrating or making decisions: trouble focusing, remembering, or deciding.
- Withdrawal from social activities: pulling away from friends and family, or losing interest in things they used to enjoy.
- Difficulty managing emotions: trouble controlling emotions, or unexpected and intense emotional reactions.
- Physical symptoms: mental health conditions can show up physically, as headaches, stomach problems, or muscle tension.
If you’re worried that a veteran in your life may be struggling, encourage them to reach out. Many resources are available, including the VA health care system, the VA’s Make the Connection website, and non-profits that specialize in supporting veterans. Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, and treatment can effectively manage mental health conditions.
How Mental Health Conditions Affect a Veteran’s Life
Mental health conditions can have a significant impact on a veteran’s life. Conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety can affect physical and emotional well-being and the ability to function day to day.
One way these conditions affect a veteran’s life is through physical health. PTSD and depression have both been linked to a higher risk of physical health problems—research shows veterans with PTSD are more likely to experience cardiovascular issues like heart attacks and strokes, and depression raises the risk of conditions such as diabetes and obesity.
They also affect emotional well-being. PTSD and depression can bring irritability, anger, sadness, and feelings of hopelessness, which can make daily functioning harder and create strain in relationships with friends and family.
And they can affect everyday functioning directly. A veteran with PTSD may have trouble sleeping, which affects performance at work or school. Depression can interfere with daily tasks and lead to absenteeism. Reaching out for support is how veterans manage these conditions and protect their overall health.
How to Treat Mental Health Conditions in Veterans
There are several treatment options for veterans experiencing mental health challenges. The right approach depends on the individual’s needs, preferences, and the severity of their condition, so it helps to work with a mental health professional to determine the best course.
One option is therapy. Therapy (also called psychotherapy or counseling) involves working with a mental health professional to identify and address the underlying issues contributing to mental health challenges. There are many types, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people identify and change negative thought patterns, and exposure therapy, which helps people confront and work through their fears.
Another option is medication. Conditions such as depression and anxiety can sometimes be treated with medication, including antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications. A clinician can help determine the most appropriate medication and dosage. In some cases, a combination of therapy and medication is the most effective approach.
Self-care is also an important part of any treatment plan—regular exercise, good nutrition, and relaxation practices like deep breathing or meditation can support overall physical and emotional well-being and help with managing mental health challenges.
Veteran Mental Health Resources
You don’t have to figure out where to turn on your own. These resources offer free, confidential support for veterans and their families.
The Benefits of Calling the Mental Health Hotline
Calling a mental health hotline can be a helpful first step. The Mental Health Hotline offers a free, confidential way for veterans to get connected with mental health support and resources, any time of day or night, at 866-903-3787.
You don’t need an appointment or a referral. You can call to talk through what you’re experiencing, ask questions about treatment options, and get pointed toward a next step—even if seeing a therapist in person isn’t possible right now.
The Mental Health Hotline can also help connect you with additional resources, like local providers, VA services, or support groups that fit your situation.
Because the line is available 24/7, you can reach out whenever you need to—which matters for veterans who feel isolated or aren’t sure where else to turn. If you’re in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, reach the Veterans Crisis Line right away by calling 988 and pressing 1, or texting 838255.
Barriers to Seeking Mental Health Support
Several barriers can keep veterans from seeking mental health support, including stigma, limited access to care, and financial constraints. Addressing these barriers helps ensure all veterans can get the support they need.
One barrier is stigma. Many people still view mental health conditions as a weakness, which can stop veterans from seeking help. This is especially true for male veterans, who may feel pressure to conform to traditional ideas of masculinity that discourage seeking support. Mental health organizations work to reduce this stigma and educate the public about the importance of getting help.
Another barrier is access to care. Some veterans live in areas with few providers, or face transportation and logistical challenges. Expanding access—including through teletherapy and other remote services—helps close that gap.
Financial constraints can also stand in the way. Some veterans lack insurance coverage for mental health care, or face high out-of-pocket costs. Making sure cost doesn’t prevent veterans from getting support is an important part of the work.
You Are Not Alone
Mental health matters for veterans, and many face real challenges connected to their service—including PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Reaching out for support is how those challenges get managed, and you deserve that support.
If you’re a veteran who needs help, or you have a loved one who’s struggling, the Mental Health Hotline is free, confidential, and available any time, day or night.