As an Air Force Veteran who has served during the OEF and OIF Wars, navigating through Veterans Day often brought its unique set of challenges related to mental health. According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, 30% of Veterans suffer from depression symptoms. The rate of depression in Veterans is five times higher than in non-Veteran populations. Although Veterans are more likely to have mental health challenges, with support from family, friends, and the workplace, we can make sure they have the resources and support they need.

Given the unique circumstances that can cause mental health issues for Veterans, it’s important that we find ways to support these individuals in their time of need. How can organizations ensure that mental health offerings are meeting the needs of Veterans?

1. Guard their emotional space.

Sometimes asking a Veteran about their military experience can activate pain that might already be on the surface on Veterans Day. Instead, you might look to help Veterans protect themselves from the news coverage, or social media that might remind them of painful military experiences. Make sure all employees are aware of Veterans Day and have the resources to understand how to communicate respectfully with their Veteran colleagues.  For some Veterans, interacting with coworkers can be difficult on significant dates – giving them permission to take the day off on Veterans Day leaves room for them to guard their mental health. 

2. Be present.

Offer a space for Veterans to share their feelings or memories if they wish. Sometimes simply leaving space on Veterans Day for the Veteran to choose to share can be profoundly supportive, and fosters stronger connections in the workplace. Ensure that Veterans know about the resources available to them and the safe spaces available, whether those are in-person (like scheduled time for Veterans Day reflections) or virtual (like Slack channels).

3. Promote mental health resources.

‍Be sure to provide gentle reminders to Veterans – and all employees – of the available mental health resources, like coaching, therapy, or on-demand mental health content for support. Encourage conversations that foster normalizing and destigmatizing the use of mental healthcare. Remind them that accepting support, just like they accepted support in the military, can help – so they don’t carry heavy emotions or mental health challenges alone. 

4. Celebrate their service.

‍Consider commemorating the day by offering special acknowledgments for Veterans or creating space for Veterans to share their stories. It’s a warm gesture that celebrates their service and enhances community recognition, especially for groups like women Veterans who might feel overlooked. This is a good way to validate their time in service and help with the isolation that Veterans can sometimes feel. 

5. Foster connections.

‍Encourage Veterans to reach out and connect with fellow Veterans. These shared conversations often serve as a foundation of mutual understanding and encouragement. It’s a common practice for Veterans to reach out to other Veteran friends they served with on Veterans Day.  Create spaces for Veterans to connect with other Veterans to offer a word of encouragement and check in on them on Veterans Day.  

6. Personalize your appreciation.

Avoid cliches like “thank you for your service” that have become commonplace and can seem inauthentic.  Express your gratitude in a more personalized way, reflecting your unique relationship and their specific service journey. This can help Veterans feel like they are seen as an individual member of the community and help with feelings of isolation often felt by the Veteran community.

7. Encourage positive coping strategies.

On days of celebration, some Veterans may resort to substances to cope with painful memories. Encourage Veterans to adopt healthier coping strategies, offering connection to mental health resources, if necessary.  Offering other mental health resources can help Veterans seek out healthier ways to cope with difficult emotions.

8. Show your care.

‍Make a deliberate effort to show Veterans that their service is valued and respected. A simple, genuine expression of appreciation can go a long way in making them feel acknowledged and cherished. Don’t avoid thanking them because you are worried about the right thing to say. 

Supporting a Veteran's mental well-being on Veterans Day involves a compassionate approach, tailored to their individual experiences and needs. By implementing these strategies, we can make Veterans Day a more supportive and meaningful occasion for those who have selflessly served our country, and help build stronger connections within organizations and communities.