Peer Support and Managing Mental Health for Veterans 

If you know a Veteran who’s in an immediate crisis in the US or Canada, dial 988, or text 838255. If you’re doing research for the sake of preventative care, this article will point you toward some of your most valuable resources. Be advised that I am in no way a mental health professional, and I’m not at all qualified to issue any kind of advice, but I can point you toward some great options. If Peer support is what you’re looking for, please feel free to skip down to that section of the article. But if you’ll indulge me, I’d like to recommend a few resources to check out first. 

Walk the Talk America

For anyone who owns a firearm, there’s understandably a concern about losing access to your gun, or being perceived as a danger to yourself and others. That’s why Walk the Talk America has a directory of gun-friendly mental health providers.  If you happen to have read my interview with Michael Sodini of Walk the Talk America, you’ll probably remember that they offer pro-2A cultural competency education for mental health providers. So, you know you’re likely to be in good company if you use their database of health care professionals. But, even still, talking to someone about mental health concerns can be tough, to say the least. If you’re wondering whether or not you should, or if it’s even necessary, there’s a good chance that it may be a good idea. 

Walk the America provides free online mental health screenings, which can be a great first step. You can track your results over time to get a sense of how your mental health is progressing. But even if you find that things are improving, it’s best to heed Mental Health America’s advice: things typically don’t get better on their own. It may be best to check out their list of contacts and find a therapist online or in-person near you. There’s even free, peer-run call lines for those who are looking for a friendly ear.  

Gallant Few

GallantFew offers confidential, veteran-centered clinical counseling for those navigating the invisible wounds of service. Whether you’re dealing with trauma, transition stress, relationship challenges, or just feel stuck, this is a safe place to talk, process, and heal. 

The Importance of Peer Support

At the risk of stating the obvious, veterans have experiences that civilians simply don’t. And for some, talking to someone who doesn’t have those experiences can sometimes be really difficult- especially when it comes to mental health concerns. Rest assured, Peer support groups are available through the Wounded Warrior Project, and the VA also has peer support resources. If you’re looking for peer support groups in particular, it might require a little road trip to arrive at one near you if you happen to live in a less populated area. If you’re looking for something more, or if traveling for a shorter meeting just isn’t for you, Project Odyssey may be worth considering.  

Project Odyssey is a no-cost, 12-week group retreat that lets veterans get a little distance from their day-to-day life, have an adventure, and develop coping and communication skills. Groups can be either coed, single gender, or family. And if you’re looking to bring a significant other along, they even have spots for couples. No matter where you are in your mental health journey, connecting with new people is always worth your time. And who can say no to a little adventure? 

Secure Storage

While being proactive about mental health care, it’s equally important to be proactive about secure storage. As you know, secure storage is paramount for all firearms owners, and it may save the life of someone in a mental health crisis. PTSD has the potential to be higher among veterans than civilians and veterans are at an increased risk of suicide by firearms. If owning a safe is cost-prohibitive, consider more affordable options, such as cable locks, trigger locks, or trigger guards. Your local shooting range or firearms salesperson may be able to advise you on affordable, or perhaps even free, secure storage options. So ask! And remember that you don’t have to provide a reason. If someone asks why you need it, just point out that everyone who owns a firearm needs secure storage. 

Written by: Lanna Perkins