Prioritizing Mental Health for Our Veterans
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being — it’s integral to our happiness. Mental health issues can significantly impact a person’s quality of life by making it difficult to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy activities that they love. For our nation’s veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety, these effects can be even more pronounced.
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) reports that approximately 20% of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan experience PTSD or depression. Unfortunately, many veterans don’t seek help due to the perceived stigma surrounding mental health issues. They may worry that they’ll be seen as weak or that their military careers could be negatively affected. This often leads to veterans suffering in silence.
That’s why it’s important to have resources like Give an Hour, a mental health-focused nonprofit founded in 2005. Give an Hour provides confidential and free mental health services for veterans and others with mental health issues.
Mental health issues can affect anyone regardless of their background or experiences. Taking care of one’s mental health can have a positive effect on every aspect of one’s life, including relationships, work, and physical health.
One way to prioritize mental health is to practice self-care. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and engaging in joyful and fulfilling activities. It is also important to seek help when needed. This may mean talking to a trusted friend or family member, or consulting with a mental health professional.
In recent years, there has been a growing awareness of the importance of mental health. This has led to an increase in resources and support for people who are suffering – whether from an illness, trauma, or other circumstances.
Social Security has helped our nation’s veterans through tough times with its benefits and programs. If your mental health challenges are so severe that you’re unable to work, you may qualify for disability benefits. To learn more, please review Social Security’s Disability Benefits page.
Mental health is a crucial aspect of overall well-being that should be prioritized by everyone, including our nation’s veterans. Make a promise to yourself to check out Give an Hour’s many free mental health and wellness resources. If you’re a veteran, an active-duty service member, or in a military family, know that Give an Hour is here for you. By seeking help and prioritizing self-care practices, you can improve your quality of life.
Please share this information with friends and family who need it – and post it on social media.
Our posting of this blog does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation of any non-Social Security organization, author, or webpages.