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As Veterans Day approaches, we pause to honor the courage and sacrifice of those who have served in the U.S. military. Beyond expressing gratitude, it’s also a time to recognize the importance of veteran mental health. Military service can take a heavy emotional and physical toll, and many veterans return home carrying invisible wounds that deserve care and understanding.

While the U.S. has made progress in addressing veteran mental health, there’s still much work ahead to ensure that every veteran receives the support they need and deserve.

Common Mental Health Challenges for Veterans

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Experiencing trauma in combat or training can lead to PTSD, which affects roughly 10–20% of veterans. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders, or heightened alertness. If these symptoms last longer than a month or interfere with daily life, it’s important to seek professional help.

Depression

Depression is one of the most common and serious mental health conditions among veterans. It can manifest as persistent sadness, loss of interest, fatigue, or suicidal thoughts. If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for immediate help by calling or texting 988, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs often result from explosions or physical impacts. About 1 in 5 service members deployed to Iraq or Afghanistan have experienced one. Symptoms can be physical (headaches, dizziness), cognitive (trouble concentrating), or emotional (anger, anxiety). Anyone who has suffered a head injury should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Substance Use Disorders

Many veterans turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with PTSD, depression, or pain. About 1 in 10 veterans meet the criteria for a substance use disorder—higher than the general population. Early intervention and treatment can make a significant difference in recovery.

Suicidal Ideation

Each year, more than 6,000 veterans die by suicide, a rate 1.5 times higher than that of non-veterans. Recent federal initiatives have focused on improving crisis care, reducing access to lethal means, and expanding access to effective treatment. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 right away.

Breaking the Stigma Around Seeking Help

Despite greater awareness, fewer than half of veterans experiencing mental health issues receive treatment. Many hesitate due to stigma, long wait times, lack of nearby services, or fear of being seen as weak.

The best way to fight this stigma is through open, compassionate conversations. Check in with the veterans in your life, ask how they’re doing, and listen without judgment. Even a small gesture of understanding can make a meaningful difference.

Where to Find Support

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – Call or text 988 anytime for confidential help.

• Wounded Warrior Project – Offers mental health and wellness programs tailored to veterans.

• U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) – Provides information, counseling, and crisis resources for veterans and families.

• SAMHSA – The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration has a National Helpline for those seeking treatment options.

• Military OneSource – A Department of Defense resource for active duty, National Guard, and Reserve members.

• Tactical Recovery – Specialized treatment for veterans and first responders coping with substance use and trauma.

• Youturn Health – Provides educational tools and peer coaching that pairs veterans with other veterans in recovery for personalized, one-on-one support.

This Veterans Day

Let’s honor our veterans not only with words of appreciation, but with actions that support their mental health and wellbeing. Every conversation, resource shared, or helping hand offered is a step toward ensuring no veteran faces their struggles alone.