November is designated as a time to honor our veterans. At Zumbro Valley Health Center, we honor and focus on supporting veterans and those that care about them now and throughout the year. Our armed forces are trained to be self-reliant; however, there are often unique stressors that service members are exposed to that may lead to higher rates of mental health needs. Many veterans struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other related conditions. Fortunately, there are services for veterans to support them and their loved ones. Regardless of your specific needs, Zumbro Valley Health Center has solutions to provide you with the empathy and care you need.

What can veterans’ mental health support do for me?

If you’re a veteran or a veteran’s loved one, you may find yourself in need of a safe space to process your thoughts and experiences. Speaking with a licensed and knowledgeable therapist will be the first step in determining what type of support will be most beneficial for you. You may need support managing stress, developing a support network, recognizing and managing triggers, or planning for your life outside of active duty. Whether it’s a phone call, a support group, regular therapy sessions, or more customized solutions, seeking veteran support services will help you live a full and meaningful life.

Should I seek out veteran mental health services?

If you are considering the benefits of extra support for you or your loved ones, you’re already one step forward. There are many benefits to veterans’ mental health support, including a place to start when it’s hard to find support, helping family and loved ones understand what you’re going through and how to help, and resources to help you through rough times. It’s important to understand the services that are available to service members and their support systems. Becoming knowledgeable is the first step to improving mental health for veterans.

Where can I find support for veterans?

If this is your first-time seeking support, you may not yet be aware of the plethora of resources available to assist with veteran mental health challenges. If you live in an area with a VA hospital or other medical facility, you can seek veteran mental health support on-site. If you’re not able to get to a hospital, the VA has a whole network of medical facilities across the country with access to care on its website. In addition to resources available through the VA, there are local resources available as well.

Zumbro Valley Health Center offers unique and customized support services for veterans and their loved ones and can accept community care referrals from the VA. Learn more about how to get started by visiting our website. You can reach out to us directly, or call the veterans’ support line at 1-877-273-7526. You’ll get an up-to-date list of support options, as well as have a chance to ask questions.

We know what you and your family are going through is not easy. Let us help you lighten your load. Reach out and get help. Thank you for your sacrifice from your friends at Zumbro Valley Health Center.