Veterans are noble individuals who fight for our country and aren’t afraid to risk their lives for the greater good. Veterans don’t always get the recognition they deserve, especially when they return home from war. Many people think that once they are “home” they are safe and happy, but this isn’t necessarily how it works.
Though there are many positive experiences that soldiers go through while away, there are many negative ones as well. Returning home after war can feel foreign and strange. The effects of war can have lasting emotional, psychological and physical effects. It’s important that Veterans know where they can go for support once they return home.
Below are excellent resources for Veterans. It’s important for them to know that they are not alone.
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
NAMI provides resources, support and partnerships dedicated to helping military personnel and Veterans with mental illness and their families. Learn about the many conditions that can affect soldiers such as post-traumatic stress disorder, traumatic brain injuries and other mental illnesses. There is also good information about suicide prevention.
This website helps veterans find local resources in their community. Simply type in your zip code, and you will be given a list of crisis centers, VA medical centers, outpatient clinics and suicide prevention coordinators.
The Real Warriors Campaign is a public awareness campaign that encourages help-seeking behavior among Veterans and military families coping with invisible wounds. The goal of the campaign is to encourage Veterans with emotional or psychological distress to seek appropriate care. In addition to its multimedia campaign, Real Warriors encourages Veterans to take advantage of their Outreach Center, which is available 24/7.
This website is stuffed with information regarding Veteran employment, training programs and retirement. There are handy tools available for comparing job listings as well as a portal for Veterans to manage their benefits and personal information.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
This comprehensive website provides a wealth of information for Veterans and their families. Use the pull-down menus to access information regarding Veteran health, benefits, burials and memorials and other resources. There is also information for specific groups of Veterans including women, homeless Veterans and those at risk.