The Challenges of Transitioning from Military to Civilian Life
The transition from military to civilian life can be complicated. If you are struggling with adjusting to civilian life, you are not alone. Pew Research reports that most veterans say that the military prepared them for active duty, but only about 50% say that they were well prepared for the transition to civilian life.
The Role That Peers Play in Active Recovery
Peer support, or engaging with someone who has successfully recovered from substance abuse increases the odds of successful recovery. Find Virginia peer supports groups here.
Depression Is More Than a Weakness
Many people believe that depression is something that will go away just by toughing it out. Individuals who serve in the military, or those that have served, are especially subject to the instilled demands and expectations of readiness which perpetuate the idea that they must never allow their mental health to interfere with their assignments in life. Likewise, if treatment for depression is sought, service members mistakenly view it as a sign of weakness.
Losing a Loved One to Suicide
When someone completes a suicide, it’s hard to push thoughts like ‘Is there something that I could have done?’ away. It’s normal to have many difficult, and sometimes even conflicting, emotions when you experience the loss of a loved one from suicide, but it is NOT your fault, and you do not deserve to feel like this.
Veterans Day Message
Written by William McNeill, Regional SMVF Navigator Origins of Veterans Day On the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month of 1918, the incessant boom of artillery abruptly went silent along the Western Front in France. World...
The Growing Youth Mental Health Crisis – Why Is It Happening and What Are We Doing?
You might have heard that we’re in the midst of a youth mental health crisis, but what does that mean, exactly? New data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) was released in March 2022, and the numbers show that U.S. youth are experiencing high levels of poor mental health. What’s behind the rise in mental health conditions among youth – and what can we do about it?
Who Are Crisis Care Navigators? – Why Region Five Takes Your Crisis Call One Step Further
A Care Navigator – someone who’s personally responsible for following up with you and making sure you have all the support and resources you need to take the next step – will do everything they can to ensure that we’re providing the best care possible to our community members in crisis.
Help Is Available for Mental Health Even if You Cannot Afford Therapy
Whether you receive crisis intervention, same-day access to clinician mental health services, or private ongoing counseling or therapy, there are a variety of ways to pay that ensure everyone can afford the care that they need. Our CSBs are required by the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health Services and by the Code of Virginia to charge fees for services. Services are billed on a fee-for-service basis, and this is determined when you come in for an assessment.
Signs You Might Need Mental Health First Aid – And How to Get Help
What is a mental health crisis, exactly, and what are simply normal symptoms of mental illness? Just like you would open up your first aid kit if you cut or burned yourself, you should also seek mental health first aid if you’re suffering from a critical mental health condition. Learn more about what to do and how to know if you need help.