Topic: “Family and Relationships”
Learn more and watch videos of Veterans sharing their experiences with family and relationships and what they did to manage relationship issues.
Veteran Combats Isolation With Therapy and Community
David slipped back into depression and felt isolated after leaving the Marines, but mental health treatment and a video gaming community for Veterans helped get him back on track. “I love being with people,” he says.
3-minute read
Stress and Anxiety, Family and Relationships, Depression
Veteran Opens Up to Family To Help Heal Her Wounds
After being sexually assaulted while serving in the Navy, Tonya’s behavior changes destroyed her relationships with family and friends. Therapy started the healing process. Telling her family she experienced military sexual trauma helped advance it.
4-minute read
Military Sexual Trauma, Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships
Army Veteran Describes How He Learned To Love Himself Again
Zack blamed himself for an ambush that killed 6 Soldiers. Then an injury ended his military service and left him “mad at the world.” Eventually, therapy guided the Army Veteran to facing and managing his feelings so he could rediscover life’s joys.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Anger and Irritability, Transitioning From Service
Family Concern Prompts Air Force Engineer To Seek Help
Dave didn’t notice how much his temperament changed after his Air Force deployment, but his wife and children did. Persuaded to seek help, he received treatment for anxiety disorder and discovered how beneficial therapy can be. “They want to offer you solutions,” says Dave, now a Veteran.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, Stress and Anxiety
Therapy and Golf Help Keep Navy Veteran on Course
Paul’s drinking and drug use cost him his marriage and friends. Therapy helped the Veteran face his problems, begin his healing journey, and refocus on giving to others. Golfing also provides some of the camaraderie he had been missing.
3-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships
At a Low Point, Veteran Finds a Path to Sobriety and Success
After a troubled end to a promising Navy career, Manuel’s drug use led him to crime and a lengthy prison term. Now he’s hoping the story of his journey back to success will prove to other Veterans that change is possible for anyone.
3-minute read
Financial and Legal Issues, Problems with Drugs, Family and Relationships, Student Veterans
Therapy Helped Marine Navigate Grief and Transition
Marissa’s transition from active-duty service got off to a rough start, compounded by the death of a fellow Marine. Then therapy helped the Marine Corps Reservist strengthen her relationships and feel more connected.
2-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Stress and Anxiety
Veteran Finds Healing in Being True to Who You Are
“It really feels good when you finally figure out how to be your authentic self,” says Penn, a transgender Navy Veteran who found that suppressing one’s identity negatively affects mental health. Counseling helped Penn become a calmer and more content person.
3-minute read
Coming Out to Your Health Care Provider, Family and Relationships, Anger and Irritability, Problems with Alcohol
Whole Health Approach Paves Veteran’s Path to Sobriety
“Being sober has given me life,” says Alison, a Marine Corps Veteran whose alcohol use disorder derailed her career and motherhood. She got her life back on track by addressing her drinking and mental health challenges simultaneously.
4-minute read
Problems with Alcohol, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Homelessness, Military Sexual Trauma
Mental Health Care Options Give Veterans Many Ways To Heal
The stories that Ryan, Greg, and Bridget are sharing for Mental Health Month show there are many treatment paths Veterans can take to reach the same destination: enjoying a fuller life.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Traumatic Brain Injury, Physical Injury, Flashbacks, Depression, Nightmares
Mental Health Care Inspires Veterans To Embrace New Passions
This Mental Health Month, learn how some Veterans pursued treatment that helped them empower their recovery, manage their symptoms, embrace their passions, and improve their lives.
5-minute read
Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Problems with Alcohol
“Do Not Shy Away From Those Difficult Conversations”
How do you persuade a Veteran in your life to seek help for mental health challenges? First, you have to begin the conversation. Members from three Veteran families share what they learned about initiative and persistence in encouraging loved ones to seek and continue treatment — and how their efforts were rewarded.
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, PTSD, Stress and Anxiety, Depression, Trouble Sleeping, Physical Injury, Traumatic Brain Injury
Veteran Pays It Forward After Substance Misuse Treatment
After experiencing decades of despair and drug misuse, Kevin found treatments that empowered him to rebuild his life and relationships. He also found a new purpose: helping other Veterans with substance use disorder navigate their obstacles to recovery.
4-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Physical Injury, Homelessness, Feelings of Hopelessness, Family and Relationships
Mental Health Treatment Gives These Veterans a New Start
Addressing mental health challenges can open up new opportunities in family relationships, career pursuits, community connections and more. Veterans Tom, Michelle and Tony share the ways they blossomed after they sought treatment.
4-minute read
Transitioning From Service, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Military Sexual Trauma, Trouble Sleeping, Depression, Stress and Anxiety, Problems with Alcohol
For These Married Veterans, Mental Health Is a Team Effort
Mike and Valerie faced different challenges following their military service. But they share a commitment to work through those challenges with mental health treatment, therapeutic activities and mutual support.
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, PTSD, Military Sexual Trauma, Suicide, Problems with Alcohol, Anger and Irritability
Veteran Overcomes Her Fear of Mental Health Care
This Air Force Veteran, who survived a terrorist bombing at her barracks, says requesting mental health care from women providers made it less intimidating to seek support through VA, enabling her to get the help she needed.
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, PTSD, Transitioning From Service
When These Veterans Needed Answers, Therapy Helped Give Them
Four U.S. Army Veterans share how their decision to ask for mental health support helped them identify the true source of their challenges and unlock their full potential.
2-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Anger and Irritability, Military Sexual Trauma
Depression Is a Treatable Condition
Feeling hopeless is a symptom of depression, not a reflection of reality. Two Veterans explain how they overcame hopelessness and found support and treatments that turned their lives around.
4-minute read
Depression, Feelings of Hopelessness, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Problems with Alcohol
Veterans’ Next Mission: Serving Those Who Served
These Veterans took different paths after military service, but they arrived at the same destination: becoming part of a community and helping fellow Veterans. Hear their stories in the newly released Season Two of the Make the Connection: Real Veterans. Real Stories. podcast.
4-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Student Veterans, Financial and Legal Issues, PTSD, Jobs and Employment, Problems with Alcohol, Homelessness, Family and Relationships
Veteran’s Treatment Opens Up “Whole New Life”
Bill, a U.S. Army Veteran, waited 25 years to seek help with anger issues that stemmed from his wartime experiences. The treatment has now paid off for more than two decades.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, PTSD, Problems with Alcohol
Iraq War Veteran With PTSD Finds His Own Path to Peace
VA counseling helped Duane change his mindset about who he was and what he could achieve, empowering him to discover a new sense of purpose in the fashion industry.
3-minute read
PTSD, Problems with Alcohol, Physical Injury, Student Veterans, Family and Relationships
When To Start Talking With a Veteran About Mental Health
For many Veterans, an open conversation about mental health with a loved one makes it easier to address mental health challenges in therapy.
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, Trouble Sleeping, Feeling on Edge, Military Sexual Trauma
Processing the Pain after Military Sexual Trauma
Anna explains how analyzing her emotions with a counselor taught her to stop blaming herself for experiencing military sexual trauma (MST) while in the Air Force
3-minute read
Military Sexual Trauma, Trouble Sleeping, Family and Relationships, PTSD
Families Can Spot Signs of Veterans’ Mental Health Concerns
Family members and friends are often the first to see anger, isolation and other signs that a Veteran may be experiencing a mental health challenge.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Spread the Word
After a Wake-Up Call, a Navy Veteran Confronts His PTSD
Joey, a Navy Veteran, knew he needed help managing his PTSD symptoms when he saw fear in his 3-year-old son’s eyes.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Anger and Irritability
A Vietnam Veteran’s Journey: Retirement, Depression, Therapy and a New Life
Transitioning from the Navy into a politically divided world was not easy for Michael. He shares his story of experiencing depression and isolation after serving in Vietnam and then finding a new perspective that helped him create a life he loves.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Depression, Transitioning From Service
Finding Support From Fellow Veterans To Cope With Trauma
“I wish I would have done it sooner”: A Veteran’s story of seeking support from other Veterans and finding relief from memories of trauma.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Nightmares, Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships
Finding Her Direction
Mary Ann’s focus on her children kept her motivated to seek and stick with VA treatment for substance use disorder and severe depression. The Navy Veteran found recovery, housing and a fulfilling job — all thanks to the treatment she had been avoiding for years.
4-minute read
Problems with Drugs, Depression, Family and Relationships, Homelessness
Trauma, Transitioning and Treatment
Two Veterans discuss the traumas of their combat service in Iraq, the difficulties they faced when they transitioned out of the U.S. Army, and the therapies that worked for them.
4-minute read
Nightmares, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Traumatic Brain Injury, Trouble Sleeping, Problems with Alcohol
Veterans Discuss Isolation
These Veterans learned that isolation can be the cause or the result of physical and mental health conditions. They describe how it felt to be isolated, how it affected their lives, and what they did to start feeling better.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Depression, Stress and Anxiety
Turning Pain Into Prose
When Sarge returned from three combat tours in Vietnam, his waking hours were punctuated by bouts of hypervigilance and rage, and his sleep was fraught with nightmares. As part of his healing process, Sarge started writing down the thoughts that were too hard to voice. His words became poems, then music, and then his salvation.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Nightmares
Better Together
Hear how this Veteran couple restored their mental health and their marriage through treatment.
2-minute read
Family and Relationships, Physical Injury, Problems with Drugs
Teacher Helps a Veteran Heal
The elementary school teacher who sparked Joseph’s love of science returned years later to help lead the Navy Veteran toward healing and recovery.
3-minute read
Suicide, Family and Relationships, Student Veterans
Saving a Life With Strength and Love
Nick and Felicia’s whirlwind romance was affected by the aftermath of his multiple combat deployments, PTSD, suicide attempts, and alcohol use. But instead of giving up, Felicia summoned her strength and told Nick he had to get help. Her support saved his life.
3-minute read
Problems with Alcohol, PTSD, Family and Relationships
Turning Grief Into Giving Back
As a U.S. Army Veteran, the wife of an Army Veteran, and the mother of a fallen Soldier, Lauri has experienced military life in a way that few others have. Now, she works directly with Veterans and their families as a county Veteran Service Officer, and her life experience earns her clients’ trust right away.
3-minute read
Transitioning From Service, Retirement and Aging, Family and Relationships
Getting Help Shows Strength
A deployment with the Army in Afghanistan that led to a long separation from her toddler daughter left Nicole depressed and hypervigilant. After getting the treatment she needed at VA for adjustment disorder and PTSD, Nicole learned that she had the inner strength and resources to seek help again whenever she might need it.
3-minute read
PTSD, Feeling on Edge, Family and Relationships
Grace Is a Gift for Yourself
Forgiving doesn’t mean forgetting. It means letting go of the hurt and regaining your power — and it’s a form of self-care that can enhance your mental health.
3-minute read
Military Sexual Trauma, PTSD, Family and Relationships
Confronting the Aftermath of Military Sexual Trauma
Survivors of military sexual trauma can face a range of challenges, including substance misuse, feelings of depression, trouble sleeping, and more. But support for recovery is available.
5-minute read
Military Sexual Trauma, Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships
Living in the Present Can Create a Better Future
After years of moving from place to place, Brian stopped trying to outrun his past. By learning how to manage his PTSD symptoms and live in the present, Brian set a path toward a better future — for himself and his family.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
Stand By a Veteran
“Stand By a Veteran,” a new public service announcement from Make the Connection, encourages families and friends to pay attention to changes in the Veterans they care about.
1-minute read
Family and Relationships
Be Mindful of Your Alcohol Use During the Holidays
Find resources to help Veterans cope with a drinking problem or maintain their sobriety around the holidays.
2-minute read
Problems with Alcohol, Family and Relationships, Homelessness
Rebuilding Family Bonds
When Drew, a U.S. Army Veteran, transitioned out of military service, he faced depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic stress disorder, and he withdrew from his family and friends. Treatment helped him address these challenges, and a heartfelt conversation with his dad helped rebuild his family bonds.
5-minute read
PTSD, Flashbacks, Family and Relationships
Stay Safe and Connected
When physically distancing from others, it’s important to prevent social isolation from setting in. In fact, during these stressful times, it may be more important than ever to connect emotionally with others and practice various methods of self-care to support your mental health.
2-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Jobs and Employment, Family and Relationships, Trouble Sleeping, Nightmares, Stress and Anxiety
Support for Women Veterans
“For You,” a new PSA from Make the Connection, highlights the challenges that women Veterans may face as mothers, wives, daughters, and friends.
2-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Stress and Anxiety
“Don’t Give Up”
The continued support of her son has helped Agatha, a U.S. Army Veteran, address the anxiety she has faced since leaving military service.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service, Depression, Problems with Alcohol
"They Didn’t Understand Why We Were Never There"
After returning home from her deployment, Nicole began to understand its effects on her children.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
Helping Hands
Serving as a Navy Seabee, Phillip escaped certain death when an unseen hand rescued him from a mudslide in Honduras. A decade later, when he found himself mired in PTSD, anger, aggression, and drug use, it was VA that pulled him up. Now, Phillip is a state-certified peer specialist, offering a helping hand to other Veterans in crisis.
5-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Nightmares, Homelessness
Healing Together
Honesty, openness, and a willingness to seek help: that’s what saved Vanessa’s marriage to Robert, a U.S. Navy Veteran who experienced the effects of military sexual trauma for more than 40 years.
4-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships, Military Sexual Trauma
A Sister's Support
Jenny was there to support her brother David when he experienced posttraumatic stress disorder years after returning from Vietnam.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Alcohol
“If It Wasn’t for My Wife, I Wouldn’t Be Here”
After his wife encouraged him to seek mental health support, Jeff, a U.S. Army Veteran, learned to confront his anger and other challenges with EMDR therapy and recreational therapy, including gymnastics and dance.
4-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Traumatic Brain Injury
It’s Never Too Late To Find Support
“The Moment When,” Make the Connection’s latest public service announcement, encourages Vietnam Veterans to reach out for resources to help manage mental health challenges and reconnect with their families.
2-minute read
Family and Relationships, Retirement and Aging
"He's My Best Friend Now"
Follow the journey of Ed and his daughter Jasmine — from his drug use and homelessness to one phone call that changed everything.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Homelessness
An Air Force Colonel’s Mental Health Journey
Finding support to cope with his anxiety was the moment when this Air Force colonel started to feel like himself again — and when his family started noticing a positive difference.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Stress and Anxiety
Turn This Moment Into a Movement
Discover three simple ways to support a Veteran’s mental health recovery journey during Mental Health Month and all year long.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships
The Moment When Recovery Begins
Mental Health Month can be the moment when all Veterans see that recovery is possible.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Alcohol
“Today, I Welcome the Day In”
Vernon, a U.S. Army Veteran, found support for coping with the effects of a traumatic training accident and problems with drugs.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs
Father and Son: Support Comes Full Circle
Liam was there every day when his father, Troy, was dealing with his anxiety after serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. Now, Troy is able to pass on the lessons he learned to his children.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Stress and Anxiety
Technology Breaks Down Barriers to Treatment
Jennifer served for nearly 20 years in the U.S. Army and Reserve, but she faced her greatest challenge when she returned home. Hear how support through VA TeleMental Health services helped her overcome depression.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships
My Story, My Connection: True Partnership
Daniel and Sara, a military couple, stand by each other’s side to overcome problems with alcohol and a loss of identity.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
Veterans on Parenting
Hear how treatment helped these Veterans manage their mental health and become better mothers and fathers as a result.
2-minute read
Family and Relationships
My Story, My Connection: A New Mission
Hear how Linda, who served as a combat trauma nurse in Iraq, reached out to overcome symptoms of PTSD.
2-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships
My Story, My Connection: Healing, Decades Later
Rick, a U.S. Army Veteran, finds support decades after serving in Vietnam.
2-minute read
Anger and Irritability, Family and Relationships
3 Things to Consider in Finding the Right Therapist
Finding the right therapist is an important step in your path to mental health recovery.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships
Turn Hope Into Action
The latest Make the Connection video, “Turn Hope Into Action,” lets families, friends, and Veterans know that mental health treatment works and recovery is possible.
1-minute read
Family and Relationships
Q&A With Capt. Sullenberger on Mental Health
We spoke with Capt. Chesley Sullenberger, an Air Force Veteran, about his experience with mental health challenges, his work in the Veteran community, and what he hopes others take from his story.
4-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships
What Does Mental Health Mean to You?
“What does mental health mean to you?” That’s what we asked a group of Veterans and their family members. Their answers ranged from strengthening relationships to focusing on self-care, highlighting many things that are possible through mental health treatment.
2-minute read
Family and Relationships
4 Ways to Make a Difference During Mental Health Month
May is Mental Health Month. Discover simple actions to support a loved one’s mental health or improve your own well-being.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships
Mental Health Recovery: By the Numbers
These five numbers affirm what can be possible with mental health treatment — from scaling the highest summit in Antarctica to celebrating decades of marriage.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships
“She Lost Her Legs, Too, That Day”
A Marine Veteran and his wife navigate life and parenthood after his injury from an IED blast in Afghanistan.
6-minute read
Family and Relationships, Physical Injury
Better, Together
Cheryl helps her partner, Jerry, a U.S. Air Force Veteran, overcome addictions.
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs
Tips From Military Parents
Veterans share the challenges they’ve faced and tips they’ve learned as military parents.
5-minute read
Family and Relationships
Tips for Managing Stress Around the Holidays
Information for military Veterans on ways to manage stress around the holiday season.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Feeling on Edge
“I Never Realized That I Needed Help Too.”
For the National Day of the Deployed, Military Spouses Share Their Stories
5-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
PTSD and Relationships: Supporting a Veteran Loved One
Military spouse Tass discusses her experience in helping to identify and manage her husband’s PTSD.
4-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships
3 Generations of Navy Veterans Share Stories of Hope
Navy Veterans from three generations talk about their stories of mental health challenges and recovery.
4-minute read
Family and Relationships, Problems with Alcohol
Still Supporting Veterans, a Half Million Video Views Later
Military couple and Make the Connection participants Hector and Trista make a lasting impact on the lives of Veterans in Minnesota and beyond.
4-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships, Military Sexual Trauma
This Military Couple Stood Side by Side
Veteran couples can face a unique challenge: How do I manage my own mental health while also supporting my partner? Read this military couple’s story.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Transitioning From Service
This Marine Shares His Story to Help Other Veterans With PTSD
Hear how Josh, a U.S. Marine Corps Veteran, learned to manage his PTSD triggers after service in an Iraq combat zone.
3-minute read
PTSD, Family and Relationships
Four Ways to Make a Difference During Mental Health Awareness Month and All Year Long
Use your voice to change how people think about mental health — to show Veterans and our country that any of us could one day face a mental health challenge, that treatment works, and that recovery is possible.
3-minute read
Family and Relationships, Spread the Word
Veterans: Choose Strength Over Silence
The latest Make the Connection video, "Strength Over Silence," highlights stories of how Veterans used their voices and reached out for mental health treatment to improve their lives.
3-minute read
Jobs and Employment, PTSD, Family and Relationships, Problems with Drugs, Transitioning From Service, Trouble Sleeping
Three Ways to Start the Conversation About Mental Health Treatment
Bringing up mental health with a Veteran can be challenging, but there are VA mental health resources to help. Learn how to start the conversation about mental health.
6-minute read
Family and Relationships