May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness and understanding about mental health issues and reducing the stigma associated with seeking help. When life feels overwhelming, remember to take care of yourself. If you’re looking for ways to relieve stress, there are many simple tips that can support a healthy mind and body.
Among those tips is reaching out for help. As clinicians working to train veteran peer specialists who staff Vets4Warriors®’ 24/7 peer support network for members of the military community, we know firsthand how engaging with a peer can positively impact mental health.
Why Peer Support Matters
When members of the military community are struggling with mental health issues, they often find it challenging to open up to family, friends, or even mental health professionals who haven’t shared similar experiences. This is where peer support becomes so important. Our peer support specialists, often veterans themselves, provide a safe space for individuals to share their struggles, knowing they are talking to someone who truly understands and has been in their shoes. You also can be assured that everything shared will always remain 100% confidential and calls will be answered in less than 30 seconds.
The Importance of Seeking Help
Mental health issues can affect anyone, regardless of their background or experiences. However, seeking help is often stigmatized within the military community. We want to change that. Seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Whether you’re struggling with the transition to civilian life, coping with trauma, or dealing with everyday stressors, reaching out for support can make all the difference.
In fact, research shows that regularly confiding in others can decrease the likelihood of developing mental health issues like depression by up to 15% for individuals with traumatic experiences. That’s why our trained peers ensure ongoing connectivity with callers until their concerns are resolved.
Warrior Stories: Sharing the Power of Peer Support
Through the power of connection, our peer support has made a significant difference in the lives of many in the military community – making over 863,000 contacts in just over a decade. Read our Warrior Stories to discover how Vets4Warriors® has provided support when it was needed.
Get Involved
During Mental Health Awareness Month and beyond, we encourage you to join us in raising awareness about mental health in the military community. Here’s how you can get involved:
Spread the Word: Become a Vets4Warriors Ambassador and share our peer support information with members of the military community in your social media network or local community.
Share Your Story: If you have utilized our peer support and would like to share your story, please get in touch with us or fill the form at the bottom of our Warriors Stories page. Your testimonial could help others who are going through similar experiences.
Donate: Consider making a donation to support our mission of providing around-the-clock peer support and resources to the military community.
Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to come together as a community to support one another and break the stigma surrounding mental health. Vets4Warriors® is committed to providing support, resources, and a listening ear to active-duty service members, veterans, and their families. Remember, you are never alone, and help is always available.
If you or someone you know is in need of support, call or text Vets4Warriors® at 1-855-838-8255, or chat online by visiting www.Vets4Warriors.com. Our peers are standing by 24/7, 365 days a year.
‘Discover the Power of Connection’
