For Family and Friends

If a Veteran in your life is struggling, you can help. Learn how to start a conversation to help understand any challenges they may be experiencing. Learn how to support the Veteran in your life, take better care of yourself, and strengthen your relationship. Let them know that seeking help is a sign of strength.

Veteran James and April sitting on the couch cozied up looking each other in the eye with an Army Veteran hat on the end table.

A Veteran and her mother sitting on a couch in front of floral wallpaper and a collage of portraits including some from her service.

Two gentlemen, Sean and Josuha clasping hands and looking each other in the eye smiling outside.

Victoria standing behind her Veteran father, Jerry sitting on the couch holding his Marine Corps cap looking at the camera.

Veterans James and April sitting on the couch looking toward the camera with a photo of James in his Army uniform.

Close-up of Joseph and Margaret's hands holding a photo of Joseph during his service.

Joseph and Margaret looking at each other while holding a photo of Joseph during his service.

A Veteran and her mother sitting at a table looking at a portrait of the daughter during her service with their hands over each other's.

Veteran Jerry holding his Marine Corps cap while looking directly at the camera.

Copy URL to save or share

Understand when the Veteran in your life needs help

Veterans are often unaware they need help or reluctant to ask for it. As a family member or friend, here are some signs that you need to initiate a conversation.

Is the Veteran in your life:

Experiencing sleep or fatigue issues?
Having a difficult time financially?
Having a hard time dealing with stress?
Bothered by traumatic memories?
Using alcohol or drugs in unhealthy ways?
Struggling with personal relationships?

These are just some of the signs or struggles you may observe. Whenever you notice new or ongoing changes in a Veteran’s behaviors, attitudes or moods, it’s a good time to start a conversation and offer your support.

Start the conversation

By starting a conversation about your concerns, you let the Veteran know you’re there, you care, and you’re ready to listen. It’s natural to be nervous about starting this conversation.

The tips that follow can help you feel more prepared and comfortable.

First, focus on your own observations and share your feelings:

“You’ve mentioned feeling very overwhelmed lately, and I’m wondering how you’re doing.”

“I wanted to check in with you because you seem like you’ve been dealing with a lot.”

“I care about you and just wanted to see how you’re doing.”

“I’ve been worried about you and your health because you've seemed very stressed over the past few months.”

Do

Be yourself
Remain calm
Listen without judgment
Be positive

Don't

Argue
Lecture
Agree to confidentiality
Blame yourself

Most importantly, let your care and compassion guide you during the conversation and give your Veteran the space to speak openly. Why shouldn’t you agree to confidentiality? You don’t want to have to break your word, and if you think the Veteran’s life is in danger, you may need to speak with a mental health or medical professional.

Access resources that support Veterans and you

Whatever your need for helping the Veteran in your life, you are not alone. Perhaps you are just starting to explore what you can do. Perhaps you have tried, but feel stuck or burnt out. VA and other Veteran-focused organizations provide resources you can use to help yourself, your loved one, and your relationship with each other.

Take care of the Veteran in your life

Explore these resources to gain a greater understanding of the issues the Veteran in your life may be experiencing. Find guidance on how to help them. Find programs, counseling, and treatments. And if you qualify as a caregiver for a Veteran who needs supervision, protection, or instruction, tap into VA programs designed specifically to support you.

Also share information on these resources with the Veteran you’re trying to help; it could serve as a source of hope and encouragement. Let them know they’ve earned the resources available to them through VA. If necessary, assure them that their use of these resources does not take them away from other Veterans who they feel “deserve it more.” Tell them you are just sharing options; you understand that every Veteran needs to find the solutions that work best for them.

Related Resources

Resources for Family Members or Friends
Learn about mental health challenges and how to treat them
Visit
VA Caregiver Support Program
Caregiver Support Program for caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care
Visit
Suicide Prevention Steps and Resources
Warning signs, intervention steps, and evidence-based treatments for a loved one in crisis
Visit
Parenting For Veterans
Resources for how to navigate parenting as a Veteran
Visit
Firearm Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety
Firearm and medication storage safety
Visit
Coaching for Discussions About Suicide
Guidance and support for starting a conversation with a Veteran exhibiting thoughts of suicide
Visit