YOU DESERVE HELP.

The stigma surrounding mental health issues often represents a significant barrier for veterans seeking effective care.

It’s time to end the stigma!

Someone is standing by to take your call.

North Country, NY

Veteran Facilities

The VA is here to support you. With telehealth appointments, on-site visits, smartphone apps, and more, their mental health resources have been designed to reach Veterans wherever they are.

Locate a VA Clinic near you.

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About Homeward Bound Adirondacks

Empowering Veterans in Northern New York to reclaim their lives and find hope beyond trauma. We provide comprehensive support services, including nature retreats, peer mentoring, crisis outreach, screenings and assessments, case management, suicide prevention, linkage and transportation, and referral services to help Veterans suffering from PTSD. Our mission is to be a beacon of healing and resilience, restoring the strength and well-being of those who have sacrificed for our nation. Our mission is to be a beacon of healing and resilience, restoring the strength and well-being of those who have sacrificed for our nation.

Addressing the Stigma of Mental Health Issues Among Veterans

The stigma surrounding mental health issues often represents a significant barrier for veterans seeking effective care. But what exactly is this stigma, and how can we address it?

  • Understanding the Stigma Surrounding Mental Health

    Stigma related to mental health usually arises from misinformation and a lack of understanding. Many people mistakenly view mental health disorders as signs of weakness or instability, which can discourage individuals from seeking help. This problem is particularly pronounced in the military community, leading to a strong sense of stigma around mental health issues among service members and veterans. Consequently, this stigma can prevent veterans from seeking the help they need, exacerbating conditions such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety.

  • How Stigma Affects Mental Health

    Stigma is not just a societal issue; it can directly worsen mental health conditions. Veterans who sense that their struggles are stigmatized may feel misunderstood and isolated, which can discourage them from discussing their difficulties. This isolation often leads to a decrease in self-esteem and self-worth, further aggravating symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health issues. The cycle can become self-perpetuating, with the stigma worsening the condition and the worsening condition reinforcing the stigma and isolation. This illustrates the detrimental impact stigma can have on veterans' lives.

  • Examples of Stigma in Mental Health

    The stigma surrounding mental health issues among veterans manifests in various ways. A common example is the belief that mental health disorders reflect personal weakness. This misconception is particularly damaging in the military community, where strength and resilience are highly valued.

    Such beliefs can discourage veterans from seeking help due to fear of judgment or misunderstanding from peers and superiors. This stigma can also lead to discrimination in areas such as employment and housing, where mental health conditions are sometimes wrongly associated with unreliability or instability. Additionally, veterans might face social exclusion or avoidance from others who misinterpret their conditions.

Strategies for Reducing Mental Health Stigma

To effectively address and reduce mental health stigma, a multifaceted approach is essential:

  • Education: Providing accurate information about mental health conditions is key to dispelling myths and misconceptions. This involves explaining the realities of living with mental health issues, highlighting the effectiveness of treatments, and clarifying that mental health struggles do not reflect a person’s character or capabilities.

  • Open Conversation: Encouraging open and honest dialogue about mental health helps normalize these discussions and break down barriers of discomfort or misunderstanding. This can be achieved by sharing personal stories, organizing awareness events, and promoting discussions in various settings, from workplaces to social media platforms.

  • Compassion and Empathy: Cultivating a culture of empathy and understanding creates an environment where individuals feel safe to seek help and share their experiences. This involves listening with kindness and reinforcing the message that it is okay to struggle and ask for support.

For additional resources and strategies to combat mental health stigma, visit the VA programs mental health resources page.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

If you are having any current difficulties related to MST, VA is here to support you in whatever way will help you best — from learning more about how MST affects people, to treatment that helps you cope with how MST is impacting your life currently, or if you prefer, treatment that involves discussing your experiences in more depth. www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome

(Veterans Integrated Service Network 2)
Samuel S. Stratton Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center
Amanda Smith, PhD

1-877-927-8387 is an around the clock confidential call center where combat Veterans and their families can call to talk about their military experience or any other issue they are facing in their readjustment to civilian life. The staff is comprised of combat Veterans from several eras as well as family members of combat Veterans. This benefit is prepaid through the Veteran’s military service.
www.vetcenter.va.gov