Supporting a veteran’s mental health requires active listening, encouragement, and resourcefulness. It involves creating a safe space for them to share their feelings, finding local support groups or mental health professionals, and being patient and understanding. Small, everyday gestures like offering a helping hand with tasks, expressing empathy, and attending local veterans’ events can also make a significant difference.

Here are 7 everyday ways to support veterans’ mental health:

1. Be present and consistent. Let them know you care and are there for them, even if you don’t fully understand what they’re going through. Offer encouraging words and focus on their strengths and resilience. 

2. Encourage without pushing. Acknowledge that recovery takes time, and don’t pressure them to “get better” quickly. Be patient and understanding as they navigate their journey. Allow the veteran to decide when and how they want to share their feelings. Offer space for them to share if they wish, but don’t pressure them. 

3. Help navigate resources. Help them find resources like local support groups, mental health professionals, or the VA’s mental health services. Mission Roll Call and the Veterans Crisis Line can also provide valuable resources, information, and assistance. Knowing that there is a path to recovery with tailored resources is its own kind of reassurance.

4. Share space without judgment. Be a supportive listener, offering a non-judgmental space for the veteran to share their experiences and feelings. Give them your full attention and avoid offering unsolicited advice. 

5. Offer practical help. Support them with everyday tasks like grocery shopping, meal planning, or errands if they are struggling to manage their routine. 

6. Stay connected regularly. Staying connected with veterans in your life can provide a sense of purpose and community. If your veteran is hard to get a hold of, consider social media platforms or other online routes to keep the conversation going at their preferred speed. Also, small actions like attending veteran-specific events with them can go a long way to make them feel connected with you and other veterans.

7. Self-Care for you. Supporting someone with mental health challenges can be emotionally taxing. It’s important to prioritize your own well-being and seek support for yourself if needed. You cannot pour from an empty cup, and it is important for those who support our veterans to give them our best – to do this, you must take care of yourself.

By employing these strategies, both veterans and those who care about them can foster stronger connections and build supportive communities, ultimately leading to greater well-being and a sense of belonging. Supporting veterans is crucial. By providing support, we acknowledge their service, help them navigate the challenges they face, and ensure they can lead fulfilling lives. 

Looking for more mental health information and resources? Discover the support you need in Mission Roll Call’s Veteran Resource Directory. Our comprehensive directory connects veterans and their families to organizations ready to help.

If you or a veteran in your life needs support, consider requesting help from the AWP Network. The AWP Network is staffed by a dedicated team of case coordinators with social services backgrounds who are experts at holistically identifying problems and finding one-size-fits-one solutions. For immediate support, call the Veterans Crisis Line – dial 988 then press 1.