Veterans and military families embody courage, strength, and resilience. Each November is National Military Families Month, a time to recognize the tremendous sacrifices made by veterans and military families across the country. When it comes to mental health, veterans and military personnel remain one of the most prominent groups impacted by mental health challenges.
Life’s transitions can be particularly stressful for veterans and military families, making it difficult to prioritize well-being. Every year, approximately 200,000 men and women transition from active-duty service to civilian life. This adjustment along with deployments and frequent geographic moves require veterans and their families to make changes in their lives across multiple domains including relationships, employment, finances, housing, community supports and health.
To gain some insight, we asked our Oaks team members what it means to be a military family member and what unique challenges they face. Ron Merino, Oaks Help Desk Technician, served in the United States Air Force for 10 years and his wife currently serves. Ron shared, “We are proud families. It takes grit, determination, faith, trust and courage to be a military family.” He adds, “Families are tested at every turn, and it isn’t always easy. We face adversity and conflicts. Having resiliency and courage helps maintain our overall balance, managing stress, and being able to deal with difficult situations.”
Data also shows that nearly half of veterans and military families do not connect with available community resources, benefits and treatment. Without the necessary support system in place, more complex mental health concerns such as depression and PTSD can emerge. We can all play a role in ensuring veterans and their families have access to support services throughout their journey.
If you or someone you love is experiencing a mental health concern, consider speaking with a mental health professional to navigate the treatment process. To learn more about Oaks services or schedule an appointment, call our Access Center at 1-800-963-3377 or fill out a contact form.
Other Resources:
