Mental health
Making sense of all of the resources available to veterans and their families can be a daunting task. In order to help, we have listed some but not all resources available by category. Please let us know if any of the links are no longer active and if you know of resources that we should add to the list. And always feel free to call or email for help finding resources, via the info on our contact page.
The Pathway Home
http://www.thepathwayhome.org/
The Pathway Program, located on the grounds of The Veterans Home of California – Yountville, is a Residential Recovery program specifically created for, and dedicated to serve, those of any age who have served during the Global War on Terror in areas of the world such as Afghanistan and Iraq. The Pathway Home Program can help to address many problems facing veterans and can help maximize each veteran’s mental and physical health, resiliency, and overall functioning. The goal of the Pathway Program is to provide a comprehensive program of treatment and support for its veterans so that they can continue to recover from the stressors of war or other traumatic military-related stressors.
Mental Health: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Suicide
Mental Health: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, Suicide (pdf link):
Veterans face innumerable mental hazards while serving in the armed forces. Typically, upon their return home from a deployment, military personnel and their families encounter a myriad of issues. The anticipation of homecoming often causes idealistic expectations and pressures of reunification. This coupled with potential separation from the military and pending transitions into civilian life often cause feelings of anxiety, anger, and resentment between a service member and their family. Moreover, personnel and veterans recently returning from combat may, at the very least, struggle to assimilate back into a civilian lifestyle. It is not uncommon for veterans and personnel to experience sensitivity to loud noises, difficulty sleeping, irritability, and difficulty concentrating.
The nature of military efforts often exposes combat veterans to violence and death. As a result, Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have relatively high instances of mental health disorders. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) are “signature” injuries of recent wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Mental Health Self-Assessment Program
These are completely anonymous and voluntary self-assessments. These questions are designed so you can review your situation with regard to some of the more common mental health issues. The screening will not provide a diagnosis – for that you need to see a professional. But, it will tell you whether or not you have symptoms that are consistent with a condition or concern that would benefit from further evaluation or treatment. It will also give you guidance as to where you might seek assistance.
VA Suicide Hotline
http://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/
