Military and Veteran Issues
Veterans are men and women who served in the United States military, Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force or Coast Guard, in times of war or peace. Of the 25 million veterans currently alive, nearly three of every four served during a war or an official period of hostility. About a quarter of the nation's population—approximately 70 million people—are potentially eligible for Veterans Affairs benefits and services because they are veterans, family members or survivors of veterans.
From Our Collection
The Military & Stress
When a family member goes to war, the impact upon those left at home can be daunting. There is often tremendous uncertainty about the dangers that exist where the loved one is being deployed and about when he or she will return. In addition to having to adjust to the loved one's absence, the families of those who have been deployed may live in constant fear of harm to their loved one.
The stressful conditions encountered by members of the military while deployed can be difficult to overcome, even after they return home. Mental health problems are some of the most common and disabling conditions that affect military service members, particularly service members who have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan. Alcohol and other substance use disorders may also affect the returning veterans.
Source: United States Department of Veterans Affairs
Help in Connecticut
The Connecticut Military Support Program of the Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services offers free and confidential assistance to service members who are awaiting deployment to, currently a part of, or back from Operation Enduring Freedom or Operation Iraqi Freedom. Family members are also eligible. Services include:
- Counseling for relationship and family issues, substance use and mental health disorders
- Information and referral services regarding benefits and entitlements, education services, family readiness group meetings and dependent military ID cards
Call the Connecticut Military Support Program at 866.251.2913.
Self-Help Groups
Apps
BeyondMST
An app created for survivors of military sexual trauma (MST), with information and resources to help you cope with challenges and improve your health, relationships, and quality of life. Learn more on the VA website.Breathe2Relax
This app trains you on the “belly breathing” technique that has proven benefits for overall mental health.
CBT-i Coach
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is an evidence-based psychotherapy for treating insomnia. CBT-i Coach is a mobile app for people who have trouble sleeping and are engaged in CBT-I with a mental health care provider. Learn more on the VA website.PTSD Coach
An app designed for Veterans experiencing symptoms of PTSD, with convenient, easy-to-use tools to help you handle stress symptoms. Learn more on the VA website.VetChange
An app for veterans and service members who are concerned about their drinking and how it relates to posttraumatic stress, and for all people who are interested in developing healthier drinking behaviors. Learn more on the VA website.
Videos
Podcasts
Trainings
- Addiction Treatment in Military & Veteran Culture Certificate (NAADAC)
- Center for Deployment Trauma Trainings
- Child Maltreatment and Domestic Violence in Military and Veteran Families (NCTSN)
Intimate Partner Violence in the Military and Veteran Community (SAMHSA) Invisible Wounds of Service: PTSD, TBI, and Moral Injury (SAMHSA) Problem Gambling Among Service Members & Veterans: Education, Awareness, and Outreach (SAMHSA) - PsycArmor
Fact Sheets
Curricula & Lesson Plans
- Calmer Life Program for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Anxiety
From the VA: Patient workbooks and provider manuals.
- Living with Purpose: A Guide for Getting More Out of Each Day
From the VA: A self-help workbook and clinician guide for mild to moderate depression.
- Moving Forward: Overcoming Life's Challenges
From the VA: a course to help you address common challenges.
- MyBriefCBT
From the VA: A provider manual and patient workbook focused on different skills for mood and well-being.