If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, confidential support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.CALL 988 — THEN PRESS 1TEXT 838255You do not need to be enrolled in VA health care or benefits to use the Veterans Crisis Line.Trained responders are available to listen, provide support, and help connect you with additional resources.If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

Professional Support for VeteransThe Department of Veterans Affairs offers mental health services for veterans experiencing PTSD, depression, anxiety, substance-use concerns, grief, and other emotional or behavioral health challenges.Depending on individual needs and eligibility, services may include:Individual and group counselingPTSD assessment and treatmentDepression and anxiety treatmentSubstance-use treatmentMedication managementSuicide prevention servicesPeer supportSupport for military sexual traumaSome VA mental health services are available even to veterans who are not enrolled in VA health care.

PTSD Is Treatable. Recovery Is Possible.Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Although PTSD is often associated with combat, it can result from many types of traumatic experiences, including military sexual trauma, accidents, injuries, and other life-threatening situations.Common symptoms may include:Unwanted memories or nightmaresAvoiding reminders of traumatic experiencesFeeling constantly on guard or easily startledIrritability or difficulty managing angerSleep disturbancesFeeling disconnected from othersDifficulty concentratingNegative changes in mood or beliefsExperiencing these symptoms does not necessarily mean someone has PTSD. A qualified health care professional can provide an evaluation.Effective treatments are available, including trauma-focused therapies.

A Place to Talk. A Place to Connect.VA Vet Centers provide community-based counseling, outreach, and referral services to eligible veterans, service members, and their families.Services may include:Individual counselingGroup counselingFamily and couples counselingReadjustment counselingPTSD and trauma-related supportMilitary sexual trauma counselingBereavement counselingReferrals to additional VA and community servicesVet Center services are free for eligible individuals, and you do not need to be enrolled in VA health care to receive them.Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387)Available 24 hours a day for veterans and families who want to talk about military experiences or readjustment concerns.

Michigan Veterans Affairs AgencyThe Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency helps connect Michigan veterans and their families with mental health services, peer support, suicide prevention resources, and other assistance programs.Michigan Link2Life ProgramMichigan's Link2Life program helps eligible veterans and their families address challenges that may contribute to mental health struggles and suicide risk.Support may include:Peer supportIndividualized service plansResource navigationAssistance with emergency needsConnections to VA benefits and servicesSuicide prevention education and outreachMichigan Veteran Resource Service Center1-800-MICH-VET (1-800-642-4838)The Link2Life program is not an emergency crisis service. If immediate crisis assistance is needed, contact the Veterans Crisis Line.

Helping Someone Who May Be StrugglingFamily members and friends often recognize changes in a veteran's behavior before anyone else.You do not have to be a mental health professional to offer support.Listening without judgment, checking in regularly, encouraging professional care, and helping someone connect with trusted resources can make a meaningful difference.The VA's Coaching Into Care program offers free, confidential guidance to family members and friends who want to help a veteran seek mental health care.Coaching Into Care: 1-888-823-7458

www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/ www.facebook.com/VeteransAffairs Veterans Crisis Line: CALL 988 — THEN PRESS 1 or TEXT 838255

Suicide Hotline: 988