How to Get Mental Health Support in the Military

By Caroline Schafer | Sep 30

2 minute read

“Reaching out is a sign of strength and resilience.” — Former Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin

Deployments, relocations, family separations, and the constant transitions that come with military life can be stressful to the point of being overwhelming. Seeking help during such a time can add to that stress, creating a difficult cycle of mental health struggles.

Thankfully, military families have an abundance of resources available to them, though they might not always know where to start. Recognizing when you or a family member might need support is the first step in anyone's mental health journey.

A great resource for mental health support is Military OneSource. They provide confidential, non-medical counseling. Their services are free, available 24/7, and connect you with licensed professionals for short-term counseling, online resources, and tools to help military families strengthen their mental wellness. This service also includes peer-to-peer coaching, offering the comfort of knowing that someone else has “been there,” too.

Furthermore, service members no longer need to be concerned with seeking mental health support thanks to the Brandon Act, a policy signed into law in 2021. This act provides service members with a confidential process to seek help, whether through a commanding officer or a supervisor.

Whether you are dealing with stress caused by your job, relationships, parenting, grief, or the challenges that come with deployments, there are tools to help you take that first step to receive the help you need.

Resources: