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

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/

For me, it wasn’t an organization but more a combination of small things that made a big difference. I got into trail walking than I started journaling again, and added CBD oil to my daily routine to help with anxiety and sleep. I can say it really helped me feel more balanced and less on edge day to day.

So if anyone’s thinking about trying CBD, this is where I look for honest feedback and comparisons before picking anything: https://cbdratings.co.uk/. The reviews there helped me find something that actually worked without wasting time or money.

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!

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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).

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