The U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained by our nation's courageous service members is causing frustration, raising questions and bringing back difficult memories for many of our nation's service members, veterans and their families. The Tug McGraw Foundation is committed to empowering our nation's military, veterans, their families by continuing to share and connect them to timely resources from our expansive, vetted military-civilian network.
Veterans Affairs says you are not alone.
"Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service. It’s normal to feel this way. Talk with your friends and families, reach out to battle buddies, connect with a peer-to-peer network, or sign up for mental health services"
The following resources are available from Veterans Affairs:
Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/
For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.
Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.
VA Mental Health Services Guide - This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.
MakeTheConnection.net - information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.
RallyPoint - Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?
Download VA’s self-help apps - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - Request a Peer Mentor
VA Women Veterans Call Center - Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 6:30PM ET)
VA Caregiver Support Line - Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 5PM ET)
Together We Served - Find your battle buddies through unit pages
George W. Bush Institute - Need help or want to talk? Check In or call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org
Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes - Join the Community
American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network - Peer Support and Mentoring
Team Red, White & Blue - Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area.
Student Veterans of America - Find a campus chapter to connect with.
Team Rubicon - Find a local support squad.
Source: Department of Veterans Affairs
Additional Resources:
USSOCOM Care Coalition- US Special Operations Warrior Care-1-877-672-3039 or 813-826-8888 or email: ussocomcarecoalition@socom.mil
Navy SEAL Foundation-Here to support members of the NSW active duty and veteran community. Call 1-757-744-5326
Safe Project | Safe Veterans: Dedicated to connecting veterans, active duty service members, their families and caregivers to the resources they need to combat substance use disorder.
Wounded Warrior Project: Visit www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Call Resource Center at 1-888-997-2586
Common Reactions In reaction to current events in Afghanistan, Veterans may:
Feel frustrated, sad, helpless, grief or distressed
Feel angry or betrayed
Experience an increase in mental health symptoms like symptoms of PTSD or depression
Sleep poorly, drink more or use more drugs
Try to avoid all reminders or media or shy away from social situations
Have more military and homecoming memories
Veterans may question the meaning of their service or whether it was worth the sacrifices they made. They may feel more moral distress about experiences they had during their service.
Veterans may feel like they need to expect and/or prepare for the worst. For example, they may:
Become overly protective, vigilant, and guarded
Become preoccupied by danger
Feel a need to avoid being shocked by, or unprepared for, what may happen in the future
Feeling distress is a normal reaction to negative events, especially ones that feel personal. It can be helpful to let yourself feel those feelings rather than try to avoid them. Often, these feelings will naturally run their course. If they continue without easing up or if you feel overwhelmed by them, the suggestions below can be helpful.
Source: Department of Veterans Affairs
Updated: 08 Aug 2021
Ya Gotta Believe and Respect for what this veteran had to say...
"Leaders - in light of current events in Afghanistan, don’t forget to do a battle buddy check on your current and former Soldiers/Marines/Airmen/Sailors. A lot of guys and gals are not doing well today. Remind your high-risk folks to stay away from the bottle today. Suggest they go for a jog, lift weights, watch a movie, or hang with buddies instead. 22 a day is enough as it is. We need to stay vigilant on this right now. Shoot some texts out and make some calls."