What are some of the best mental health resources for veterans and service members?

SSG Carlos Madden — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 14:16:32 -0500

It doesn't have to be an organization. It could be a a job, an organization, a hobby or even an individual. I'm wondering where you reached out and how it can possibly help others.

Response by 1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member made Feb 28 at 2020 4:51 PM

1LT(P) Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 28 Feb 2020 16:51:25 -0500

SSG, there are many different resources depending on what you are looking for; might I suggestion you look at Giveanhour.org. They have a listing of the different issues they assist with to include outside of the traditional PTSD, TBI, MST. I would also suggestion looking at the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program as well as the Lone Survivor Foundation. Those are geared toward service members and veterans who need assistance with PTSD, TBI's, MST, anxiety, depression, and even family issues. https://www.emoryhealthcare.org/centers-programs/veterans-program/index.html
https://lonesurvivorfoundation.org/

Welcome to the Veterans Program

Free veterans program to qualified post-9/11 military service members and veterans. Treat conditions such as PTSD, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, anxiety, and depression related to military service.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Feb 29 at 2020 4:20 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 29 Feb 2020 16:20:51 -0500

My VA therapist is great. She gives me common sense recommendations instead of pyscho babble.

Response by SGT Christy Lauriano made May 13 at 2020 8:12 PM

SGT Christy Lauriano — Wed, 13 May 2020 20:12:15 -0400

DBT of South Jersey is amazing and they have virtual sessions. DBT taught me how to change the way I think which changed the way I felt and acted.

Response by PFC Ken Mason made May 13 at 2020 10:03 PM

PFC Ken Mason — Wed, 13 May 2020 22:03:31 -0400

A pet. A dog or a cat has helped a few at-risk fellas I know. Music. Art. A hug, whether they fight it, or not. Structure. Acceptance.

Response by CPT Tony Faraco made May 13 at 2020 10:27 PM

CPT Tony Faraco — Wed, 13 May 2020 22:27:34 -0400

The VA clinic has linked me to an incredible clinician/ psychologist. Not my first but by far the best.

Response by Sgt Joseph Abrusci made May 14 at 2020 12:14 AM

Sgt Joseph Abrusci — Thu, 14 May 2020 00:14:20 -0400

Never in combat doesn’t necessarily mean never ptsd, as a non-combatant I specialized in telecommunications and surveillance in Turkey and just happened to see and experience stressful trauma, Ivan only imagine that war is worse than living a terrible nightmare

Response by Sgt Joseph Abrusci made May 14 at 2020 12:16 AM

Sgt Joseph Abrusci — Thu, 14 May 2020 00:16:42 -0400

The VAMC’s are the best benefit our great country has for its military service men and women OPMH being one of so many

Response by Sgt Louis R B. made May 14 at 2020 1:41 AM

Sgt Louis R B. — Thu, 14 May 2020 01:41:37 -0400

I had a Retired USMC Counselor (who dealt with Spooks) that I talked to even after he Retired as a Counselor because we have known each other since Nam. I also Talk to My Army Nam Brother Montie's Son now who was Army and we talk every day either before he goes to work and After he gets off and we help each other and he is a Little Brother to me and we help each other. I also have 1/3 of the Right side of my brain missing, Chronic Extreme PTSD along with Several Combat Injuries. I have Prosthetics on both legs from foot to hip and my children keep telling me to slow down because I am not getting any younger because I'm 70. I almost forgot I was Diagnosed with K-pneumonia or Klebsiella Pneumonia (Pulmonary Gangreen since 1974).

Response by FN Jennifer Krueger made May 14 at 2020 3:37 AM

FN Jennifer Krueger — Thu, 14 May 2020 03:37:26 -0400

Something I learned, I want to share in case you didn't know-i mean everybody- this is a mental health issue. The VETERAN'S CRISIS HOTLINE ( [login to see] ) is a valuable tool for Crisis Prevention. Whatever that happens to mean to you. Remember they want to help PREVENT the crisis, so if you are feeling in over your head about something, they are there for you.
But sometimes, for some people it's tough enough to reach out, let alone look for that card with the hotline info. Or, I can't call, anyway, I have no service right now.
I learned something when I needed to reach out but had almost no minutes:
You can dial 911, and tell them you need to be connected to the Veterans Crisis Line, and they will put you through to the hotline. You can talk as long as you need to. If you are not a veteran, do the same but just say crisis prevention.
I only bring this up here because 90% of the times I tell this story, someone says, "Wow, I had no idea". So I hope this helps

Response by CPO James Work made May 14 at 2020 8:24 AM

CPO James Work — Thu, 14 May 2020 08:24:49 -0400

My MH doctor retired last year. He explained a replacement is not planned. Is my PC doctor my only resourse? For example I felt I was over medicated, so I asked consideration to reduce dosage. My PC instructed me how to accomplish my request.

Response by SPC Mike Thatcher made May 14 at 2020 9:40 AM

SPC Mike Thatcher — Thu, 14 May 2020 09:40:07 -0400

For myself and many others the first place to go is your VA Medical Center. For Mental Health help, they now call it Behavior Health, it is the only place to go. It is a difficult thing to do, but they can save your life. I recently talked a good friend into starting the process and he is much better and his wife does not want to split up now. Me - 40plus years with PTSD and anger issues. The docs did a great job helping me, and I am a different person now. Just ask my wife!

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made May 22 at 2020 1:11 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Fri, 22 May 2020 13:11:02 -0400

I have written a PTSD paper that has helped a lot of people. I have two avenues of approaches in the paper. The first is to paint the picture. The second is to provide realistic coping skills. Readers will learn new things and the paper might confirm what is already known, but the paper will organize their thoughts.