Our country is grateful for your service. As one American family, we all join together to welcome you back home from your service.

Your experiences during deployment have undoubtedly changed you. You have been stressed and you have grown through having to cope with very difficult situations. Your life may have been in danger, and you may have seen others killed or injured. You may have survived an attack but sustained serious injuries. During your deployment, you may have endured extreme discomfort, both physically and mentally or emotionally. Even more difficult, these challenging or traumatic experiences took place in a foreign culture. You were far from family members and those you would typically turn to for help and support. All these stressors together make it more likely that you are having stress reactions since your return.  These could include sleeplessness, irritability, fear, nervousness, abuse of alcohol and drugs, or many other possible reactions. We have designed this page to offer you information on dealing with any mental stress or challenges you are facing.

 

Reintegration

Almost all service members will have reactions after returning from a war zone. These behaviors and feelings are normal, especially during the first weeks at home.

Crisis or Thoughts of Suicide

Suicide is not the answer. If you or someone you care about is in crisis, call the Veterans Suicide Prevention Hotline* at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) and press 1. Your call is free and confidential.

Alcohol, Drugs, and Smoking

Sometimes difficulties with reintegration can lead veterans to use substances like alcohol, drugs, or tobacco, to numb the distress.

PTSD and Depression

Although most veterans will readjust smoothly, the most common mental health problems faced by returning troops are posttraumatic stress disorder and depression.

Women Veterans

An unprecedented number of women have served in the OEF/OIF conflicts.

Military Sexual Trauma (MST)

During your deployment you may have faced other very difficult stressors.

Concussion and Injury

Head injuries are common and often have the same symptoms as posttraumatic stress disorder. Other kinds of serious injuries also create the need for emotional readjustments.

Other Mental Disorders

Some veterans may experience additional challenges due to mental health problems other than those associated with returning from the war zone.

Support for Families

VA provides assistance to families of returning veterans who are dealing with "coming home" issues.

Getting Assistance and Benefits

Having problems or concerns after deployment is normal, and seeking solutions to those problems is a sign of strength. Don't hesitate to take advantage of the resources that are available to you and your loved ones.

The War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC) 

The War-Related Illness and Injury Study Center (WRIISC), pronounced "risk," offers services to combat veterans, families, and healthcare providers on deployment-related health concerns.

Other Resources

See this section for some other links to information that may be of assistance!

 

Click on the map below to locate a VA facility.

VHA provides a variety of psychiatric services at medical centers and outpatient clinics. Use the quick links to jump to a specific center to find out what service they focus on.

Services:

Select Compensated Work Therapy MIRECC My Healthe Vet National Center for PTSD Vet centers Homelessness OEF/OIF Returning Veterans Substance Abuse Women Veterans