Military Mental Illness Education Resources
First and foremost, thanks to all veterans and active-duty personnel for your military service. We are honored you and/or your family members are here and proud to serve you!
All of our programs and contacts are judgment-free, confidential, and safe zones. NAMI now offers a free online suite of resources for caregivers, family members, and military service members and veterans designed to increase understanding, communication, wellness and advocacy skills.
NAMI Homefront Mental Health Resources is available 24/7 via computer or mobile devices. You’ll learn about:
- Mental health conditions
Treatment options
Approaches to increase overall wellness
Tips for self-care and managing stress
Communication strategies
Transitioning from military to civilian life
Links to helpful organizations and crisis services
1 in 5 U.S. adults experiences a mental illness and 1 in 25 U.S. adults experiences a serious mental illness. But, nearly 1 in 4 active-duty members showed signs of a mental health condition according to a 2014 study in JAMA Psychiatry.
Common mental illnesses:
- Anxiety Disorders
- Bipolar Disorder
- Borderline Personality Disorder
- Depression
- Dual Diagnosis
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Schizophrenia
Most Common Mental Health Concerns for
Veterans and Active-Duty Military Members
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) | The risk of PTSD is 15 times higher for military members than that of a civilian. It can be caused by military combat, assault, natural disasters, and sexual assault. These traumas have physiological and psychological responses that can have long-lasting negative effects. To name a few, trouble sleeping, anger management issues, nightmares, jumpiness, and alcohol/drug abuse. If these types of troubles are present and lasting, it could be PTSD.
Depression | Again the risk of depression in military personnel is five times higher than that of civilians. It is not a sign of weakness or merely sadness that you can just get past. It lasts for a minimum of two weeks and interferes with daily life and normal functioning. Changes in thought processes can include negative thoughts and feelings of hopelessness. Depression can also affect sleep, energy, appetite, and weight.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | When enduring significant blows to the head or body, a traumatic brain injury can result. The brain is hitting the skull bone (shell shock). Common symptoms include headaches, fatigue/drowsiness, memory problems and mood swings.
NAMI Homefront Education Program was originally developed with the help of the United States Army. It is led by trained military/veteran family members of loved ones living with mental health conditions.
Some of the topics covered are:
- Mental health diagnoses (such as PTSD and TBI from the above list)
- Treatment options
- Crisis management
- Communication skills
- The impact of combat stress and moral injury
- The stigma associated with seeking mental health treatment while serving
- Services available to both active-duty personnel and veterans
- Manage crises, solve problems, and communicate effectively
- Learn to care for yourself, including managing your stress
- Develop the confidence and stamina to support your family member with compassion
- Identify and access federal, state, and local services
- Stay informed on the latest research and information on mental health, including Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse
- Understand current treatments, including proven education therapies with mental health professionals, medications, and side effects
- Navigate the challenges and impact of mental health conditions on the entire family
NOTE: Should you or your active duty loved one need to disclose any mental health concerns while serving, the Department of Defense (DOD) follows the privacy guidelines set down by HIPAA and the Privacy Act. For veterans and their families, contact the Veterans Crisis Line for help.
NAMI Greater Mississippi Valley
We are the local eastern Iowa & western Illinois affiliate of NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness), a grassroots organization dedicated to educating everyone – from young people to mature adults – that mental health conditions are treatable and recovery is possible. Early detection, treatment and recovery aren’t just for cancer patients. They are for us, too.
If you are or a loved one is having thoughts of suicide, the Veterans Crisis Line is available 24/7 by call, chat or text. Dial 988 and press 1. Text 838255.
