May is Mental Health Month
By Gloria Hairston, Director of Public Affairs
See the Person: Veterans Share Their Stories So Other Veterans Can Change Theirs
May is Mental Health Month and VA is encouraging Veterans to explore stories from hundreds of other Veterans who are speaking openly and honestly about their mental health journeys. Veterans from every branch and era of service, with a wide range of military and life experiences and different types of mental health challenges, have shared their stories—united by a desire to motivate other Veterans to get help and support.
Everyone faces challenges with their feelings and behaviors from time to time, but how does someone know if it is time to seek help? And, if so, where? Speaking openly and honestly about their mental health journeys, these Veterans share:
- How certain symptoms made them realize they could benefit from mental health care
- What held them back from asking for help and how they overcame their hesitation
- Which treatments worked best for them and why
- How treatment helped them manage symptoms, reconnect with family and friends, and find new ways to thrive
“What will hinder you for the rest of your life is not seeking the treatment that you need,” says Stanita, who shut herself down mentally after experiencing harassment and other challenges while serving for 20 years in the Navy.
Nick, an Army Veteran, speaks candidly about his drinking and suicidal thoughts. A friend’s decision to drive Nick to a VA hospital led to inpatient care that started Nick’s path to recovery.
“Don’t wait to ask for help,” he urges. “We think that we can fix our problems ourselves, and you just have to accept that you might not be able to.”
Explore Nick’s story or find a Veteran story that speaks to you and learn more about VA mental health resources that can help you or a Veteran in your life.
Visit the VA’s Mental Health Month website today.