Current events are weighing heavily on all of us. Maybe you have less hope than you once did. Maybe you’re feeling more anger. But despite the uncertainty, there are some things we do know: Veterans are resilient and we can get through tough times – together.
Turning to our families, fellow Veterans, friends and communities for support in such times can help get us through this. But sometimes, even that isn’t enough.
Please, whenever the weight is too much, take advantage of the mental health resources that you earned by serving your country. No matter where you are, VA can help protect your well-being – right now – by providing mental health appointments, telehealth, mobile apps, self-help trainings and more.
In these times of heightened stress, anxiety and unrest, a community of support is here for you. Whatever challenge you might be facing, VA will support you, and we encourage you to be there for your fellow Veterans who may also be experiencing intense emotions.
Please explore the many mental health resources highlighted below to learn more. And as always, know that you can always call on VA when you need us. Stay safe and stay well.
Sincerely,
David Carroll, Ph.D.
Executive Director, Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention
Veterans’ Health Administration
Looking for VA Mental Health resources?
Mental Health Providers
VA mental health providers will work with you to cope with the challenges you’re facing.
- If you’re already using VA medical services, ask your primary care provider to help you make an appointment with a VA mental health provider.
- If you’re not already using VA medical services, contact your nearest VA medical center or Vet Center to talk about your needs and how to enroll.
Telehealth
You can connect with a VA mental health provider through a computer or mobile device in your home, other preferred location, or at your nearest VA health facility. To set up telephone or video appointments, Veterans can send their health care provider a secure message on My HealtheVet by visiting myhealth.va.gov. Learn more about telehealth options at mobile.va.gov/app/va-video-connect. If you don’t have a telehealth capable device or sufficient internet connectivity and are interested in VA telehealth services, VA may be able to help; contact your local VA medical center.
Mobile Apps
You can access mental health support wherever you are, whenever you need it. VA’s mental health apps can help you manage PTSD-related symptoms and stress, learn to practice mindfulness, cope with depression and more.
Online Self-Help
VA offers many in-depth mental health resources online.
- VA’s mental health page features self-help tips, guidance for Veterans and their loved ones, and information about specific mental health topics and conditions.
- Make the Connection offers Veterans, their family members and friends, and other supporters information about issues affecting their lives. On the website, visitors can watch videos of hundreds of Veterans sharing their stories of strength and recovery, read about a variety of life events and mental health topics, and locate nearby resources.
- Veteran Training is a self-help portal that provides tools for overcoming everyday challenges. The portal has tools to help Veterans work on problem-solving skills, manage anger, develop parenting skills and more, in an entirely anonymous environment. The free tools are based on mental health practices that have proven successful with Veterans and their families.
Help in a Time of Crisis
If you are a Veteran in crisis or are concerned about one, VA is here for you. Free, confidential support from caring VA responders is available 24/7. Call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1, text to 838255 or chat online.
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