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Mental Health Topic Email
October 2022
October 6 Is National Depression Screening Day
Depressive disorder can affect anyone. It may be marked by feelings of intense sadness or hopelessness, and some find that they lose interest or pleasure in activities they used to enjoy. People with depression can experience feelings of guilt, unworthiness or low self-esteem, and they may start avoiding social situations. To find out whether you’re experiencing depression, take VA’s brief, anonymous screening to assess your symptoms. Then use the screening results to consider your options, including seeing a professional and connecting with other resources.
Suicide Prevention Is a Year-Round Effort
Suicide Prevention Month may have ended, but there are ways you can help other Veterans all year long. Visit the link below to find resources for building networks of support among you and your loved ones, community-based organizations, Veterans Service Organizations, health care providers, and other members of your community that can strengthen protective factors for Veterans.
VA’s 2022 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report Is Now Available
This year’s report shows that, in 2020, the number of Veteran suicides decreased for the second year in a row. Fewer Veterans died by suicide in 2020 than in any year since 2006. As part of VA’s comprehensive efforts to end Veteran suicide, VA also announced the grantees for the Staff Sergeant Parker Gordon Fox Suicide Prevention Grant Program, a first-of-its-kind program that provides VA funding for local suicide prevention programs, and the finalists for Mission Daybreak, a suicide prevention grand challenge.
VA Supports LGBTQ+ Veterans
VA is dedicated to being a leader in providing high-quality health care for LGBTQ+ Veterans. VA also helps all Veterans manage mental health challenges in a sensitive, respectful environment. Learn more about how various challenges you may be facing can affect your health and how to talk about them with your doctor.
Learn About Treatment for Stimulant Use Disorder
Stimulant use disorder is the continued use of stimulants despite harm to the user. Stimulants include cocaine, amphetamine, methamphetamine, MDMA (also known as ecstasy or molly) and prescription drugs such as Adderall and Ritalin. VA offers many types of evidence-based therapies that can effectively treat stimulant misuse.
Trauma, Transitioning and Treatment
Stephen didn’t consider getting VA help with his transition out of the Army because he felt that other Veterans were more deserving of support. But when Stephen’s adjustment to student life proved difficult, VA counselors helped him get the tools and resources he needed to succeed in his new mission.
