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Understanding the challenges veterans face
Most veterans make the transition home successfully, but many face hidden challenges, and asking for help can feel harder because of pride and the culture of service.
What it can feel like
Losing the structure, mission and close bonds of military life. Carrying memories or injuries that others cannot see. Struggling to translate skills into civilian work, and feeling misunderstood.
Post-traumatic stress, depression, chronic pain and substance use can make housing and work harder to keep. Veterans are over-represented among people experiencing homelessness.
How to help
- Ask about their life, not just their service. Do not ask about combat.
- Treat help as earned, not charity. Benefits and programs exist because of their service.
- Share the Veterans Crisis Line: call 988 and press 1.
- Help them connect to the VA and local programs such as Priority Veteran and Three Hots and a Cot.
- If someone talks about suicide, stay with them and get help right away.