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Topic: “Family and Relationships”

Read Stories > Topics > 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 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 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

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

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