Elizabeth Dole Foundation’s Post

What’s the toughest part of transitioning from military to civilian life? For many veterans, it’s more than just adjusting to a new routine—it’s finding a job, creating a sense of normalcy, and navigating the emotional challenges of post-service life. FHE Health Shatterproof Primary Therapist Raymond McDaniel explains the complexities of this journey and shares resources that can help veterans re-acclimate to civilian life below in his expert column. #veterans #veteranmentalhealth #mentalhealthmatters

Veterans and their loved ones have unique lives full of experiences that may be difficult to navigate. NAMI has created a free online suite of mental health resources for caregivers, family members, military service members and veterans. These resources are meant to educate and empower the military community in their journey towards mental health recovery and overall well-being. NAMI Homefront Mental Health Resources are accessible through computers or mobile devices, and they’re available 24/7. To sign up, visit https://lnkd.in/e-2SZnhY After signing up, you’ll find information about: Navigating and understanding mental health conditions Current, evidence-based treatments and therapies Ways you can increase your overall well-being Tips for self-care Advice about managing stress Communication strategies Transitioning from military to civilian life Links to helpful organizations and crisis services And more! Mental Health Basics - an overview of mental health conditions, including common symptoms, challenges and experiences. Self Care - Strategies for caring for yourself, managing stress reactions and understanding how stress works. Common Mental Health Diagnoses - Detailed overviews of mental health conditions, including symptoms and common challenges. Self-Improvement - A guide to setting your personal vision and setting goals to improve your well-being. Crisis Planning - Tools to plan for a mental health crisis, including resources for veterans and service members. Personal Perspectives and Recovery - Experiences and reflections from people who experience symptoms of mental health conditions. About NAMI Homefront Education Programs The NAMI Homefront educational program is free and held over six sessions. The program is designed for families, caregivers and friends of military service members and veterans with mental health conditions. NAMI Homefront is designed to address the unique needs of family, caregivers and friends of those who have served or are currently serving our country. The program is taught by trained family members of service members/veterans with mental health conditions. #VeteransDay #veteransupport #veteransmentalhealth Boost this post to reach up to 630 more people if you spend $14. Boost 1 Like Comment Share Comment as NAMI Rhode Island

For #domesticviolenceawarenessmonth and #HispanicHeritageMonth we are spotlighting an organization helping Latinas and all women veterans as they navigate the transition from military life, which includes addressing health issues. https://bit.ly/4enc3Sk

Q: What is Vets4Warriors? A: A virtual 24/7 community offering military peer support program staffed by Veterans. Reach the Vets4Warriors by phone, chat, or email and soon texting will be available. Want to learn more? Check out this article powered by the VA Veterans Experience Office. #VetResources #WarriorsConnected #community

On Veterans Day, we set aside time to honor the contributions of those who have served. Throughout their service, they often navigate deployments, trauma-related stressors, multiple geographic moves, and other factors that can make it difficult to prioritize mental wellbeing. It’s important they know that they are not alone as they face the unique journey of transitioning from the pride of uniformed service to continued meaningful contributions in civilian life. #pgclinical

I had several interviews in my past: “I see you lived in Va Beach are you a military spouse?” “We are a family here and know how hard it is for someone transitioning from federal law enforcement (which is a question 9 out of 10 times—and no as an agent it’s not 20 years and retirement) can you bring your husband? Is he service?” I could go on and on. It was the hardest, scariest thing I did leaving a job I felt I could do in my sleep (sometimes on very little or no sleep). When you’re comfortable it’s hard to go elsewhere. There are a ton of USSS annuitants that tap back into working at the USSS. I needed for myself to break free. To try something completely different. What was it — at the time I did not know. Being a military spouse was one of those reasons. I once had a supervisor say, “you’re an agent first and a person second.” When you let something define you it defines everything. So I don’t define myself strictly as a military spouse. I didn’t define myself as “just a special agent.” Neither should any of my friends out there. Do not downplay your breaks in your career, volunteerism, etc. truth be told those have been some of my hardest moments. Because I finally had time to think. I mean deep, down, THINK. What would another 13 years in the USSS earn me? Would I be as nimble to make the move or frightened to change? Hearing a USSS protectee on stage hit the hardest talking about what they were doing for military spouse employment when meanwhile my agency was making us sign waivers for a “pilot program” for spouses. I was a spouse, and certainly it was not easy. Then came the pressure regardless of my spouses career assignment. A lot of us in the pilot program learned it was the opposite. That is a main reason why I was ashamed of saying I was a military spouse. It was a barrier to career progression. When I joined the USSS it was in combination with 9-11 and wanting a career in forensics (utilize my Bio degree). Come to find out I didn’t see the forensics and I did have some amazing cases which was always my favorite part of being an agent. Standing in a stairwell taught me politics. Time is limited and remember who you spend it with, how you spend it, and where you spend it are all as equally important. I’m a lot of things—to some it might be resilient, failure, lucky, smart, etc etc but don’t ever view yourself as “just a military spouse.” Your time also comes with a cost. If you do volunteer go with organizations which will lift you up and not put you down. 😎 #thursdaythoughts

Happy Veteran's Day to all my Veteran colleagues! I appreciate your service and sacrifices to keep our country safe and free. Here are some interesting facts about our Veterans and why it's important to support them:   • 60% of veterans are under the age of 34 • 30% of vets have disabilities as a result of their service • 13-20% are diagnosed with PTSD • 22% are diagnosed with a Depressive Disorder • 1/3 of veterans that need mental health care actually sought treatment • Over48,000 vets are homeless or at risk • 22 veterans commit suicide daily, with 1 occurring roughly every 80 minutes. That number is higher for Special Forces. • 84% of veterans say that the American public has "little awareness" of the challenges facing them and their families.   From the website: https://lnkd.in/gfEJQ-MK   This is why Veteran ERGs are so important and valuable in our companies! They provide vets a place of belonging, where they can be supported, valued and recognized for their service. Veterans are highly trained and skilled individuals who can provide organizations a vast wealth of knowledge. Do not discredit a Veteran just because they are disabled or struggle with mental illness! When you support these men and women you show them they are valued and important. You also learn more about intersectionality and how it impacts all of us!   Let Kyanite Consulting help you learn more about starting your DEI journey and building a supportive environment for your Vets today!   Happy Learning! #VeteransDay #DEI

Going to edit my post here and comment further but for now I hope you read this.

An incredibly thorough and perceptive exploration of the challenges faced by military spouses. Recent remarks, particularly those from Rep. Scott Perry, underscore the relevance of this continued discussion and make it worth a read!

As we recognize September as National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, it's crucial to shine a light on the mental health challenges faced by our student veterans. Working closely with them, I've witnessed the unique hurdles they navigate transitioning from military to academic life. These challenges include reintegrating into civilian life, managing VA benefits, balancing family responsibilities, and sometimes coping with invisible wounds like PTSD. Recently, I became a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This training has equipped me with the tools to recognize and respond to signs of mental health issues and substance use disorders among our veterans. Why is this important? 🔹 Alarming Statistics: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports that an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day. 🔹 Early Intervention Saves Lives: Recognizing the signs early can lead to timely support and better outcomes. 🔹 Creating a Supportive Community: By fostering an environment where mental health is openly discussed, we reduce stigma and encourage more veterans to seek help. My call to action: For fellow educators and administrators: Consider undergoing Mental Health First Aid training. It not only benefits student veterans but enhances your ability to support all students. For student veterans: Remember, you're not alone. It's okay to reach out for help. Connect with your campus veteran services, counseling centers, or trusted peers. For everyone: Let's build a community that prioritizes mental wellbeing. Share resources, start conversations, and be there for one another. Resources: 📌 Alachua County Crisis Center: Offers 24/7 support. Call 352-264-6789 to speak with a counselor. 📌 Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 to connect directly with responders trained to support veterans. You can also text 838255 or chat online at www.veteranscrisisline.net. 📌 Student Veterans of America: Connects you with a network of peers and support services. By supporting our student veterans' mental health, especially during this month of awareness, we're not just aiding their academic success—we're honoring their service and strengthening our entire community. Let's make mental health a priority. Who's with me? #VeteranSupport #MentalHealthMatters #StudentVeterans #SuicidePrevention #Veterans Feel free to share your thoughts or resources in the comments below. Together, we can make a difference.