Topic: “Depression”
“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 InjuryKelly’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 IrritabilityMental Health Treatment Gives These Veterans a New Start
Addressing mental health challenges can open up new opportunities in family relationships, career pursuits, community connections and more. Veterans Tom, Michelle and Tony share the ways they blossomed after they sought treatment.
4-minute read
Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Military Sexual Trauma, Trouble Sleeping, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Problems with AlcoholDepression Is a Treatable Condition
Feeling hopeless is a symptom of depression, not a reflection of reality. Two Veterans explain how they overcame hopelessness and found support and treatments that turned their lives around.
4-minute read
Depression, Feelings of Hopelessness, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Problems with AlcoholMarine Combat Veteran Felt Lost Before Finding His Purpose
Sam came home from serving in the Marines feeling lost. Therapy helped him process his traumatic combat experiences and grief. Finding his new purpose as a teacher and mentor also helped him heal.
3-minute read
Suicide, Anger and Irritability, Transitioning From Service, Feelings of Hopelessness, DepressionTalking Helped Army National Guard Veteran Heal After MST
After years of silence, this National Guard Veteran found healing in giving voice to her experience of military sexual trauma.
4-minute read
Military Sexual Trauma, Depression, Trouble Sleeping, Anger and IrritabilityVeteran Finds Fulfilling Life After Cancer Diagnosis
This Marine Veteran survived cancer, homelessness and isolation with the help of therapy, community and fencing.
4-minute read
Physical Injury, Homelessness, Problems with Drugs, DepressionA Vietnam Veteran’s Journey: Retirement, Depression, Therapy and a New Life
Transitioning from the Navy into a politically divided world was not easy for Michael. He shares his story of experiencing depression and isolation after serving in Vietnam and then finding a new perspective that helped him create a life he loves.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Depression, Transitioning From ServiceAnniversary Effect Recalls Valencia’s Trauma
For years after serving in the Navy, Valencia experienced the “anniversary effect,” which occurs when the date or even the season in which a trauma occurred triggers an unexpected emotional reaction — sometimes long after the event.
4-minute read
Feelings of Hopelessness, Feeling on Edge, Depression, Stress and AnxietyFinding Her Direction
Mary Ann’s focus on her children kept her motivated to seek and stick with VA treatment for substance use disorder and severe depression. The Navy Veteran found recovery, housing and a fulfilling job — all thanks to the treatment she had been avoiding for years.
4-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Depression, Family and Relationships, HomelessnessManaging the Pain
A 500-pound IED nearly destroyed Brandon’s spine and ultimately damaged his mental health. When the U.S. Army infantryman started isolating himself and slipped into depression, his wife and VA care team helped him recover.
3-minute read
Physical Injury, Transitioning From Service, DepressionLGBTQ+ Veterans Encourage Openness
Four Veterans discuss their experiences as LGBTQ+ Service members and how their lives changed when they could open up about their sexual orientation or gender identity.
2-minute read
Coming Out to Your Health Care Provider, Stress and Anxiety, DepressionSupport Comes In Many Forms
Family members, friends, fellow Veterans, clergy members, co-workers, and counselors can all provide support to Veterans going through a tough time. But no matter who provides it, one thing is clear: Everybody needs support at some time. During Mental Health Month and all year round, learn how seeking support from many sources helped these Veterans work through their mental health challenges.
4-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, DepressionSupporting MST Survivors
These Veterans say finding their community of support allowed them to really start healing from the many ways MST affected their well-being.
3-minute read
Military Sexual Trauma, Depression, Anger and IrritabilityVeterans on Managing Anger
Veterans whose lives were affected by anger explain how they felt and what helped.
2-minute read
Anger and Irritability, PTSD, DepressionVeterans Discuss Isolation
These Veterans learned that isolation can be the cause or the result of physical and mental health conditions. They describe how it felt to be isolated, how it affected their lives, and what they did to start feeling better.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Depression, Stress and AnxietyFinding Direction Despite Difficulties
Alcohol use, stress, a major combat injury, and depression after his service in the Marine Corps led Marcus to ask for support. Through therapies and treatments, he learned that his experiences, no matter how bad they seemed, could help him become a better person.
3-minute read
Problems with Alcohol, Physical Injury, DepressionRetirement Readiness
Retirement can bring unexpected emotional pitfalls. Learn what to look out for from other Veterans who have been there before and find advice to enjoy the retirement you’ve earned.
6-minute read
Retirement and Aging, Transitioning From Service, DepressionSeeing the Signs of Bipolar Disorder
Bipolar disorder can lead to intense swings in mood and energy. The condition can be managed with treatment.
6-minute read
Bipolar Disorder, Feelings of Hopelessness, DepressionHelp for Handling the Holidays
Be mindful of year-end holiday parties, outings, and traditions and the stress they may bring to your Veteran loved one.
3-minute read
Depression, Problems with Alcohol, Anger and IrritabilityWhat Does “Treatment” Mean for You?
For a Veteran facing a mental health challenge, the term “treatment” can mean counseling, medication, self-help approaches, peer support services, or some combination of those options.
4-minute read
Trouble Sleeping, Depression, Problems with DrugsFrom Ship to Shelter
Learn how Lidia, a U.S. Navy Veteran, overcame homelessness with the help of VA’s programs and resources.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Depression, HomelessnessVeteran’s Long-Buried Trauma Was Triggered on 9/11
Within weeks of returning home from Vietnam, Don got on with his civilian life, blocking out the trauma he experienced during the war. For more than 30 years, he buried his pain and anguish. Then came 9/11, and the memories it triggered forced Don to face his past.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Depression, Trouble SleepingThe Power of Purpose and Laughter
After retiring from the U.S. Navy, Susan faced depression and PTSD. She found comfort and a new sense of purpose on the stand-up comedy stage.
5-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, DepressionTorn Between Worlds
Some Veterans experience trauma over and over because sudden flashbacks won't let them leave the past in the past.
5-minute read
PTSD, Flashbacks, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and AnxietySmall Steps Lead to Big Strides
It can feel daunting to start a conversation or take a first step toward helping a loved one who’s facing a mental health challenge. Family members of Veterans share their stories and the lessons they’ve learned about making a difference.
4-minute read
Problems with Drugs, DepressionDuring the Coronavirus Disease Outbreak, Bridge the Distance With Online Mental Health Resources
There is a wealth of online mental health resources for Veterans and their families and friends to connect socially while maintaining physical distance, including smartphone apps, telehealth care, stories, and videos. Learn about the many services that meet your needs.
3-minute read
Spread the Word, Depression“Don’t Give Up”
The continued support of her son has helped Agatha, a U.S. Army Veteran, address the anxiety she has faced since leaving military service.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Problems with AlcoholThese Post-9/11 Women Veterans Open Up About Their Mental Health Journeys
Women Veterans share the challenges of living with depression and anxiety after leaving the service — and the support they’ve found to overcome these issues.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and AnxietyLiving With Chronic Pain
Marie faced chronic pain after serving in the U.S. Army and deploying to Iraq. Through group therapy at VA, she learned she wasn’t alone.
3-minute read
Anger and Irritability, PTSD, Trouble Sleeping, Depression, NightmaresStay Active After Active Duty
Hear some Veterans describe how recreational activities enhance their mental well-being — and their lives.
3-minute read
PTSD, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and AnxietyTherapy Helped Me Become a Stronger Person
Pauline, a U.S. Army Veteran, overcame hearing loss and abusive relationships to give back to her fellow Veterans.
3-minute read
Depression, Noise or Light IrritationPositive Change Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive behavioral therapy can be a powerful treatment option for Veterans managing challenges like PTSD, depression, anxiety, and drug problems.
3-minute read
PTSD, DepressionWhen the Walls Come Down
Years after serving as a public affairs officer, Amber began to face panic attacks, depression, and more.
4-minute read
Depression, Stress and AnxietyCoping With Survivor Guilt
Hear from Veterans who have experienced survivor guilt, and learn how to cope with feelings of guilt and grief.
3-minute read
DepressionDepression: By the Numbers
Depression statistics help paint a picture of the condition — the prevalence, the symptoms, the path forward — both in America and worldwide.
3-minute read
DepressionHonoring Vietnam Veterans
This Vietnam Veterans Day, we welcome home and honor the service and profound sacrifices of those who fought or served during the Vietnam War.
2-minute read
PTSD, DepressionSigns of Depression
Intense sadness, hopelessness, and irritability: Learn more about the warning signs and symptoms of depression.
3-minute read
DepressionMarine Veteran. Paralympic Athlete. Mountain Climber.
Kionte woke up every morning with the same question: “Why am I still alive?”
3-minute read
Physical Injury, DepressionOvercoming PTSD: 3 Vietnam War Veterans’ Stories
These stories highlight how symptoms of PTSD affected three Vietnam Veterans years after the war — and how these Veterans found support for their mental health challenges.
6-minute read
PTSD, Depression, Nightmares