Although U.S. military personnel receive extensive pre-combat training, the experiences they face will have life-changing impacts. Unfortunately not all of these changes are positive and each service-member AND family member will be affected differently.
- One in 10 veterans is disabled, oftentimes by injuries sustained in combat.
- The number of disabled veterans is increasing; more than 20,000 veterans were wounded during service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
- About 70% of homeless veterans suffer from substance abuse problems.
- 45% of homeless veterans suffer from mental illness including Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
- 19% of Iraq veterans report a mental health problem, and more than 11% of Afghanistan veterans.
- The incidence of PTSD and suicide rates among veterans is climbing.
- 62% of homeless veterans smoke or had smoked within the past year of a recent survey, compared with 21% of the general U.S. population.
Take the Jed Health Test
The Emotional Health of Student Veterans Test by the Jed Foundation equips college medical and mental health professionals with the knowledge and resources to support the emotional health of student veterans.
MyHealtheVet
My HealtheVet is VA’s one-stop center for veterans, active duty servicemembers, their dependents, and caregivers by centralizing any military related documents on one website.
VA Mental Health Services
Contains mental health and resources for veterans and their families.
Suicide Prevention Resource Center
Effective suicide prevention requires an understanding of the context in which suicide, suicide attempts, and suicidal ideation take place.
Additional Resources
Give An Hour
Veterans–and their families–may need help dealing with the effects of wartime service. Give An Hour can help heal and offer a variety of mental health services confidentially.
WarWithin
The CSSP Primary Health Care and Behavioral Health Provider Directory is a network of primary and behavioral health care providers.
The Pathway Home
The Pathway Program is a Residential Recovery program specifically created for, and dedicated to serve, our Nation’s “New Warriors”—those of any age who have served our Nation’s Global War on Terror.
The Brainline
BrainLine is a national multimedia project offering information and resources about preventing, treating, and living with TBI.
Troops First Foundation
Feherty’s Troops First Foundation is a nonprofit organization that works to provide meaningful assistance to our service members who have suffered devastating injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Higher Ground
Higher Ground Sun Valley (HG), enhances the quality of life through inclusive therapeutic recreation and education for people of all abilities.
All Treatment
All Treatment is a substance abuse resource for education about drug and alcohol addiction and a comprehensive directory for obtaining treatment at a facility in your region.
The Red Cross
American Red Cross services for veterans date back to World War I.
National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder resources.