For Veterans, Resilience, Hope, and Help

For many veterans, a return home signals the beginning of a new phase of service—one devoted to their families and communities.

It’s not a smooth transition for everyone, and many veterans find that extra support can make a big difference. In fact, data show that veterans who use Veterans Affairs services have lower rates of suicide than those who do not.

“Veterans Day is a day to recognize and honor those who served and to convey that it’s ok to ask for a little extra help,” says EDC’s Jerry Reed. “We need to ensure that every veteran gets the help they need and can find a community that understands the unique camaraderie and challenges of military service.”

EDC has partnered with the Veterans Administration to build technology-based tools that both support veterans’ healthy return to civilian life and offer them a sense of community.

• Make the Connection  
  Real stories from real veterans—that’s what makes Make the Connection so powerful. This online resource offers veterans and their families stories of hope, recovery, and resilience, and it speaks to the life-changing benefits of seeking support.
• PTSD Coach Online  
  Individuals living with PTSD can develop a range of mental health conditions—including sadness, anxiety, and stress—that interfere with their quality of life. PTSD Coach Online offers self-help tools to help people develop strategies to live healthier, happier lives.
• VetChange  
  Many veterans struggle to manage problem drinking in the months and years following military deployment. VetChange is a free, online tool that helps veterans track their drinking habits, identify situations that trigger these behaviors, and set personal goals to change their drinking patterns.
• AboutFace
  No two people experience PTSD the same way. AboutFace is an online tool that offers veterans real stories from fellow veterans about how they experienced—and treated—their PTSD symptoms.

If you or someone you know is in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, reach out to one of the following resources:

• The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
• Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255 and press 1.

Both lines are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Learn more about EDC’s work to expand access to quality health care for veterans and others.