Recovering Is Easier with a Friend Who Understands – Connecting with Peer Supports
In general terms, a peer is defined as someone who we can identify with. A friend is much more. A friend is a peer whom we can trust and rely on, and a person who understands where we are in life and where we are going. In mental health and recovery, a peer refers to someone who shares the experience of having lived with a mental disorder or addiction and has successfully recovered. Peer supports provide a human aspect of real connection with people through shared understanding and respect, and ultimately this supports abstinence and success in the recovery process.
How DEI Programs Can Impact Your Community
DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion) programs have become more prevalent in the last couple of decades, especially in the business world. CEOs and others in leadership positions have found that not only does working to improve diversity, equity and inclusion create a culture where employees feel valued and respected, it also has a range of positive benefits for the organization. But DEI programs aren’t just good for businesses. When we focus on DEI in our institutions, like our schools and health care organizations, we directly impact our communities for the better.
5 Ways You Can Help Support the Mental Health of a Veteran in Your Life
Veterans face unique mental health challenges in life that civilians do not, such as transitioning from military to civilian life, and psychological distress caused by wartime experiences. Research indicates that fewer than 50 percent of veterans returning from duty receive any mental health treatment, and in recent years, approximately 17 veterans die by suicide every day. Those that realize that they need mental health treatment often avoid doing so because of barriers such as stigmas, shame, fear, pride, lack of understanding, and lack of resources. Family and close friends typically are the first ones that notice the mental health challenges that veterans experience, and they often struggle with finding ways to provide support.
Empowering BIPOC Starts with Access to Mental Health Care
While equality means that we give everyone the same things to improve their quality of life, equity means that we give different groups of people what they need specifically to improve their quality of life. This could mean that disadvantaged or vulnerable groups might need to receive different resources or more resources than other groups. Both equality and equity attempt to make things fair for everyone, but only equity can promote true fairness.
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?