Mental and Emotional Wellness Resources: Veterans Resources

Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA) was founded in 2004 by Iraq War veteran Paul Rieckhoff to provide resources to and community for post-9/11 veterans. The organization is headquartered in New York City and maintains a policy office in Washington, DC. IAVA's mission is to unite, empower and connect post-9/11 veterans through education, advocacy, and community. Its programs include non-partisan advocacy on Capitol Hill, data-driven research on post-9/11 veteran issues, veterans transition assistance through its Rapid Response Referral Program (RRRP), and community building through its VetTogether and online community events.

Online Mental Health Resources for Military Service Members, Veterans and Their Families
Veterans and their loved ones have unique lives full of experiences that may be difficult to navigate. NAMI has created a free online suite of mental health resources for caregivers, family members, military service members and veterans. These resources are meant to educate and empower the military community in their journey towards mental health recovery and overall well-being. NAMI Homefront Mental Health Resources are accessible through computers or mobile devices, and are available 24/7.

Nearly 1 in 4 active-duty members showed signs of a mental health condition, according to a 2014 study in JAMA Psychiatry. NAMI offers information, support and education specifically for veterans, service members and their families. There are three primary mental health concerns that you may encounter serving in the military: Postraumtic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Depression and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones. TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nationally and worldwide. Our National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp has been held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional survivor seminars for adults and youth programs at locations across the country, as well as retreats and expeditions around the world. Staff can get you connected to counseling in your community and help navigate benefits and resources. If you are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277).

The Veterans Crisis Line's number is 988 - then Press. If you're a Veteran in crisis or concerned about one, call to reach caring, qualified VA responders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. A qualified responder will answer your call, ready to listen and help. The responder will ask a few questions, such as whether you or the Veteran or service member you’re concerned about may be in immediate danger or at risk for suicide. The call is free and confidential, and you decide how much information to share. Support doesn't end with your conversation. Our responders can connect you with the resources you need. Afterward you may be connected with your local suicide prevention coordinator, who will contact you the next business day for continued support.