Active duty military, veterans, and their family members can face unique challenges related to mental illness. The stressors of military life — from combat to long-term separation from loved ones — can significantly affect emotional well-being. That’s why it is essential to provide support and care tailored to the needs of veterans, active-duty service members, and their families.
Below are common conditions and symptoms to be aware of, along with trusted resources designed for military members and their loved ones.
Common Mental Health Challenges Among Military Members and Veterans
Military service members and veterans face unique mental health challenges. See below for a list of the most common diagnoses that impact current and former military members.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, including combat, military sexual trauma, or disasters. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, irritability, and substance use. Studies show the rate of PTSD may be up to 15 times higher in active-duty service members compared to civilians.
Depression is more than feeling sad. It can interfere with daily life and functioning, causing fatigue, hopelessness, irritability, loss of interest, or suicidal thoughts. It’s not a sign of weakness, and it is treatable. Rates of depression may be up to five times higher in service members than in the general population.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A Traumatic Brain Injury is often the result of a sudden blow to the head or body during combat or training. It can cause memory issues, headaches, sleep disruption and mood swings, and it can increase the risk of developing other mental illnesses like PTSD or depression.
Suicide remains a significant concern among service members, veterans, and their families, and is often linked to underlying mental illness, including Depression and PTSD. The unique stressors of military life, including combat exposure, frequent relocations, and the stigma surrounding mental illness, can increase risk factors.
Veterans die by suicide at a rate 1.5x higher than the general population, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
Feelings of isolation, depression, PTSD, and lack of access to timely care are common contributing factors.
Warning signs may include withdrawing from others, changes in mood or behavior, increased substance use, or talking about feeling hopeless or like a burden.
Help for Families
NAMI has an education program called NAMI Homefront, a six-session adaptation of the evidence-based NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program. This free program will focus on the unique needs of families, families, caregivers, and friends of Military Service Members and Veterans who are living with mental illness and often face post-deployment or post-discharge challenges.
Read about a study that reveals the benefits of the NAMI Homefront program.
Find NAMI Homefront near you by contacting your local NAMI affiliate, or take NAMI Homefront online.
Help in a Crisis
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- Call or text 988. The 988 Lifeline is available 24/7/365.
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- Dial 988 and Press 1.
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- Call 800-950-6264 or text “Helpline” to 62640 M–F, 7 a.m. – 7p.m., PT for free mental health information, referrals, and support.
Resources
Our local NAMI affiliates in California offer free support groups and classes for those living with mental health conditions and their families. Find your local NAMI to find out more about how you can find help and hope.
- Support for Veterans During the Pandemic (U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs)
Tell Us Your Story
Are you a veteran or military family member with a story to share that can help and inspire others? Sharing your story about how mental illness has impacted your life can be one of the most effective ways to diminish stigma and help advocate for individuals and families who are facing challenges related to mental illness.
Tell us your story here.