For Veteran’s + Civilians
Change Your Mind, Change Your Life!
#MentalHealthMatters
Because we all need a good mental health check-in at times.
Mental health matters. You can’t give from your unique gifts and talents if your tank is running on empty.
Cliche as it sounds, you really can’t pour from an empty cup.
Military service members are not the only ones who are changed by trauma. The average person is also affected by childhood abuse, PTSD and abuse.
As the opiod crisis and overdose fatalities continue to increase, so does the evidence that trauma ruins lives.
Addiction is just a symptom of severe trauma.
Everything You Know About Addiction is Wrong.
(This edition allows you to access both the TED talk and the written transcript.)
Here are 5 fantastic mental health resources to maintain and boost your mental health. We encourage you to share these with your veteran and civilian loved ones!
#1: ‘SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.'
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration offers a free helpline and treatment referral services all day, every day. English and Spanish languages service are offered and they receive over 65,000 calls per month.
If you are under insured or have no health insurance, they will refer you to a state office that will help you find free and low cost care.
This site also offers you access to programs, grants and other data. There are many links to different mental health resources that are offered there for civilians and veterans. (They do have a dedicated veteran’s crisis line.)
You can also get early treatment through the Early Serious Mental Health Treatment Locator! Find treatment facilities near you so that your loved one can get early care and correct any growing mental health concerns. Support groups, individual therapy or medical providers are all gathered there!
#2: National Alliance on Mental Illness
#3: Mental Health.gov
This government resource’s motto is ‘Let’s Talk About It’.
#4: Mental Health America
Helping Americans since 1909, Mental Health America immediately offers you a health screening the second you land on your home page. Next, you’re directed to Learn, DIY Tools, Treatment and Connect sections.
#5: National Military Family Association
Last but certainly not least, check out the National Military Family Association. No one understands the struggles and issues like one of our own, right?
If you need a plan, first start with a screen from the Mental Health Screening Tools section from Mental Health of America!
Next, download the Stop Stupid Thoughts tool and tackle your mind first! Thoughts make up all of what we do, from our physical health to our outlook on the struggles that we face. Then level up to How To Calm Your Mind. Get the bad out so there is room for the good!
P.S. If you or someone that you know is in crisis, do not be ashamed to refer them to: https://www.nami.org/ or https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ for crisis help available 24/7. You and your loved one can contact them for any and all types of concerns to connect with a trained, compassionate staff member.
A comprehensive and specific resource guide is available here: https://www.psycom.net/get-help-mental-health
Don’t hesitate. If you think that the service could lessen your pain in the slightest way, please don’t hesitate.