They are being brave by coming in to see you. If you feel resistance from a veteran to engage then put it out there on the table to discuss. Ask direct questions about what is causing their hesitancy.
You don’t have to commit to a certain political belief or swear an oath to a political party, you don’t have to be “pro-war” or “anti-war,” it’s how you feel in your heart about service to our country’s Warriors and the families who support them.
There are many ways to serve your country, what’s yours? Consider how your “WHY” for working in mental health matches up with the military member’s concept of selfless service. Identifying these correlations will build trust, safety, and empathy for both you and the person you are working with.
In the United States, individual goals and accomplishments are highly valued and encouraged while in the U.S. Military collective goals and accomplishments of a group are far more valued. When working with active duty service members and veterans we must understand how this mindset benefits the individual while also modeling how to integrate both ways of thinking.
Connect with one on one resources to get the help you need now.
24/7 Confidential crisis support for Veterans and their loved ones. Veterans are not required to be enrolled in VA health care or registered with VA to connect with support.
Free service for families and friends of Veterans. Licensed responders will assess your concerns and provide appropriate resources, referrals, and guidance for starting conversations with the Veteran in your life about their mental health or substance use.
Practical knowledge, insights and guidance on engaging with the military experience.
Online education and self help.
Websites and online resources
They served us with excellence; we owe it to them to support them with excellence.