Every year on Veterans Day, people across the United States take time to recognize and thank the men and women who have served in the military. While parades, ceremonies, and moments of remembrance are meaningful, Veterans Day is also an opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of veteran mental health and therapy for veterans.

Therapy for veterans can provide a safe, confidential space to process difficult experiences, navigate life after military service, and build healthy coping skills for the future. This Veterans Day, learning more about the challenges veterans may face and the resources available can help reduce stigma and encourage more conversations about mental health.

Common mental health challenges veterans face

Military service can be deeply meaningful, but it can also expose individuals to experiences that are physically and emotionally demanding.

Some factors that may contribute to veteran struggles include:

  • Combat exposure and combat stress
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Military sexual trauma (MST) and sexual harassment
  • Repeated deployments or long periods away from loved ones
  • The transition from military to civilian life
  • Difficulty finding employment or establishing a new routine
  • A loss of identity or purpose after leaving the military
  • Feelings of isolation or loneliness
  • Stigma surrounding asking for help

Every veteran’s experience is unique, and there is no single reason why someone may struggle after their military service. Instead, mental health concerns may result from a combination of experiences during and after service.

Suicide among veterans

Suicide among veterans continues to be a critical public health crisis in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ 2025 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report, which analyzes 2023 data:

  • Approximately 61% of veterans who died by suicide in 2023 had not received VA health care during the year before their death.
  • The suicide rate per 100,000 veterans increased for both male and female veterans in 2023.

Statistics like these highlight that many veterans who are struggling may never receive mental health treatment before reaching a crisis. Increasing awareness, reducing stigma, and improving access to care remain critical parts of supporting veterans.

Mental health and substance use

Some veterans experience symptoms of anxiety, depression, difficulty sleeping, irritability, emotional numbness, or challenges reconnecting with loved ones. For some individuals, alcohol or drugs may become a way of coping with painful emotions or difficult memories, increasing the risk of developing a substance use disorder.

It’s also important to recognize that these experiences can overlap. Someone may be adjusting to civilian life while also grieving the loss of military community, navigating chronic pain, or struggling with relationship changes at home.

Military culture often emphasizes resilience, self-reliance, and completing tasks despite adversity. While these qualities can be valuable during service, they can make it harder for some veterans to ask for help after returning home.

Another challenge is that symptoms don’t always appear immediately. Some veterans may not notice emotional difficulties until months or even years after leaving the military, such as during major life transitions like starting a new career, becoming a parent, or experiencing another stressful event.

How therapy can support veterans

Therapy for veterans is often tailored to each person’s experiences, goals, and symptoms. Whether someone is working through trauma, adjusting to civilian life, navigating relationship challenges, or managing stress, therapy can provide a supportive environment to explore those experiences.

Many veterans prefer working with a therapist who has experience supporting military populations. Some therapists may receive specialized training in trauma-informed care, military culture, and the unique experiences veterans and active-duty service members may face.

Depending on a person’s needs, therapy may help veterans:

  • Process traumatic experiences in a safe environment
  • Learn healthy ways to manage stress and overwhelming emotions
  • Reduce fear and avoidance related to traumatic memories
  • Explore feelings of guilt, shame, or self-blame
  • Improve communication with loved ones
  • Build healthy coping skills for difficult emotions such as anxiety, sadness, anger, or stress
  • Adjust to life after military service
  • Reconnect with personal values, goals, and a renewed sense of purpose

Some veterans may benefit from individual therapy, while others may find support through group therapy, family therapy, couples therapy, or other forms of counseling depending on their needs. For some people, having a consistent place where they can speak openly can be an important part of the healing process.

It’s also important to note that reaching out for support doesn’t require someone to be in crisis. Some veterans may choose to begin therapy because they want to strengthen relationships, manage everyday stress, improve sleep, or navigate major life changes. Mental health care can be valuable at any stage of life, whether someone recently separated from the military or has been a veteran for decades.

Marriage counseling for veterans and their partners

Military service doesn’t just affect the person who serves; it can impact spouses, children, and other loved ones. Deployments, relocations, and the transition back to civilian life can all place additional stress on relationships.

For some couples, a veteran and their spouse or partner may find themselves adjusting to new routines, different communication styles, or emotional challenges that neither expected.

Some ways couples therapy or marriage counseling for veterans may help include:

  • Creating a safe space for open, honest communication
  • Learning how military trauma or experiences may affect relationships
  • Identifying emotional triggers and developing healthier ways to respond
  • Rebuilding trust and emotional connection
  • Strengthening problem-solving and conflict resolution skills
  • Learning coping strategies for stressful situations
  • Supporting both the veteran and their partner as they adjust to civilian life together

Military service can sometimes leave couples feeling disconnected, even when they deeply care about one another. Therapy may help partners better understand each other’s perspectives and create new ways of supporting one another through life’s challenges.

Resources for veterans and active duty military

Whether someone is looking for ongoing therapy, immediate crisis support, or community-based services, there are many organizations dedicated to supporting military mental health and veteran well-being.

Some resources include:

  • Veterans Crisis Line: Veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members, and their loved ones can call or text 988 and press 1, or chat online, to reach trained responders 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
  • VA Mental Health Services: The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs offers outpatient mental health care, PTSD services, substance use treatment, peer support programs, and other behavioral health services for eligible veterans.
  • Wounded Warrior Project: This nonprofit organization offers programs that support veterans and service members through mental health services, peer connection opportunities, career resources, and wellness initiatives.
  • The Headstrong Project: Headstrong connects eligible veterans, service members, and their families with confidential, evidence-based mental health treatment through a nationwide network of providers.
  • Stop Soldier Suicide: This nonprofit organization focuses on suicide prevention by helping veterans and service members access mental health care, case management, and other supportive services designed to reduce suicide risk.

If someone is experiencing thoughts of suicide or another mental health emergency, it’s important to seek immediate help by contacting the Veterans Crisis Line, calling 911, or going to the nearest emergency department.

How loved ones can support a veteran’s mental health

Often, the most meaningful support can come from creating an environment where someone feels respected, heard, and accepted.

Some ways to support veterans include:

  • Let them share their experiences on their own terms.
  • Listen with empathy rather than immediately jumping to solve the problem.
  • Respect their need for personal space while reminding them you’re available when they’re ready.
  • Encourage professional support.
  • Offer to help them find a therapist near them or mental health resources.
  • Continue checking in.

Supporting a veteran having suicidal thoughts

If someone talks about feeling hopeless, says they don’t want to live, or expresses thoughts of suicide, it’s important to take those statements seriously.

According to the 988 Lifeline, you can support someone by:

  • Staying with them if they’re in immediate danger
  • Listening calmly and without judgment
  • Helping them contact the Veterans Crisis Line by calling or texting 988 and pressing 1
  • Calling 911 or taking them to the nearest emergency department if their safety is at immediate risk

Some people worry that asking someone about suicide will increase the risk. Research shows this is not the case, and that talking about suicide may reduce suicidal ideation. Asking directly and compassionately can help someone feel heard and connected to support.

Remember that loved ones can be an important source of encouragement, but they are not expected to replace professional mental health care. Encouraging treatment, offering practical support, and simply being present can make a difference.

Takeaway

Military service can shape a person’s life in many positive ways, but it can also bring experiences that continue to affect emotional well-being long after service ends. Whether someone is adjusting to civilian life, processing trauma, navigating relationship changes, or looking for anxiety and depression support, seeking help is a courageous step. Mental health challenges are not a reflection of weakness, and support is available for veterans, active duty service members, and their loved ones.

This Veterans Day, remembering those who have served also means recognizing the importance of supporting their mental health throughout the year. If you or someone you care about is considering therapy for veterans, taking the first step toward finding a therapist nearby may help open the door to healing and hope.

If you’re ready to explore therapy, findmytherapist.com can help you browse licensed mental health professionals based on your preferences, specialties, insurance, and location.