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Whole Health Approach Paves Veteran’s Path to Sobriety

“Being sober has given me life,” says Alison, a Marine Corps Veteran whose alcohol use disorder derailed her career and motherhood. She got her life back on track by addressing her drinking and mental health challenges simultaneously.

4-minute read

Problems with Alcohol, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Homelessness, Military Sexual Trauma

Mental Health Care Options Give Veterans Many Ways To Heal

The stories that Ryan, Greg, and Bridget are sharing for Mental Health Month show there are many treatment paths Veterans can take to reach the same destination: enjoying a fuller life.

3-minute read

PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Traumatic Brain Injury, Physical Injury, Flashbacks, Depression, Nightmares

Mental Health Care Inspires Veterans To Embrace New Passions

This Mental Health Month, learn how some Veterans pursued treatment that helped them empower their recovery, manage their symptoms, embrace their passions, and improve their lives.

5-minute read

Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Problems with Alcohol

Bipolar Disorder Care Expands Coast Guard Veteran’s Horizons

Through nearly 14 years of service, Wayne hid his manic and depressive episodes. Overcoming his apprehension about mental health care helped him find new ways to thrive.

3-minute read

Bipolar Disorder, Jobs and Employment

After Sexual Assault, Army Veteran Finds Her Path to Healing

For many years, Bennie felt she couldn’t talk about the sexual assault that forced her out of the Army and left her feeling devastated. But when she was ready, she found personalized care from VA that fit her specific needs and helped her manage her panic attacks, migraines, and other symptoms.

3-minute read

Military Sexual Trauma, Nightmares

“Do Not Shy Away From Those Difficult Conversations”

How do you persuade a Veteran in your life to seek help for mental health challenges? First, you have to begin the conversation. Members from three Veteran families share what they learned about initiative and persistence in encouraging loved ones to seek and continue treatment — and how their efforts were rewarded.

5-minute read

Family and Relationships, PTSD, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Trouble Sleeping, Physical Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury

Veteran Pays It Forward After Substance Misuse Treatment

After experiencing decades of despair and drug misuse, Kevin found treatments that empowered him to rebuild his life and relationships. He also found a new purpose: helping other Veterans with substance use disorder navigate their obstacles to recovery.

4-minute read

Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Homelessness, Feelings of Hopelessness, Family and Relationships

Kelly’s Message to Veterans: “Tomorrow’s Another Day”

Kelly, a U.S. Navy Veteran who became a farmer after her service, turned to mental health care to harvest new hope for herself after trauma. Now she strives to plant the seeds for a better life for other Veterans and for youth in her community.

3-minute read

Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Military Sexual Trauma, Anger and Irritability

To Help Other Veterans, He Also Needed To Help Himself

Michael’s Marine Corps service inspired him to devote himself to connecting other Veterans with support. Michael soon realized that to encourage Veterans to get mental health care and to enhance his own life, he needed to practice what he preached by treating his mental health challenges too.

2-minute read

PTSD, Anger and Irritability