The emotional and mental stress on military families can be enormous. The list of stressors is very long. Post-traumatic stress is one of the worst, but by no means the only mental health challenge facing families with active members of the military and veterans. The stresses are felt by the service member, spouses, children and even parents.

PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and other mental health disorders occur at a higher rate in military families than in the general population. When it comes to military families and mental health, how to get support is an important question. It can be the first step in a lifeline many military families are desperately reaching for.

Getting Help at your Military Installation

If you or your spouse or child is on active duty, his or her military base or installation will have mental health assistance programs. These programs are made available to active duty personnel and their immediate families. In many cases, preventative programs are offered as well because of the military’s growing awareness of the mental health challenges facing military families.

Mental health assistance programs on military installations are designed to protect confidentiality. Despite the growing recognition of these problems, seeking assistance can be difficult for some. Knowing that your privacy is protected can help.

Mental Health Services for Veterans and their Families

Your veteran’s benefits entitle you to access the services of military treatment facilities that can provide you or your family members with excellent mental health care. Contact the VA to confidentially discuss your needs and to get advice about the next steps to take.

Crisis Hotlines

The Veterans Administration offers crisis hotlines for active duty personnel, veterans and their families. You can make a phone call or contact the crisis centers by text message. This is how to contact these sources of immediate help.

VA Crisis Hotline for Active Duty, Reserves, National Guard and Veterans

In the United State: 1-800-273-8255 and press #1.

In Europe: 00800 1273 8255 or DSN 118*.

An online chat is available too. Go online to Veterans Crisis Line and click the button at the top labeled Confidential Veterans Chat

The Veterans Crisis Line website has a many helpful mental health resources. They can be accessed by active duty, Reserves, Guard, veterans personnel as well as and family/friends.

Make the Call Today

The good news is that there is help available when you need it. Take the first step today by making a phone call. You’ll talk to someone who will begin to give you answers for the questions and concerns you’ve had. This is how military families with mental health challenges can get the support they need.