The month, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is hoping to reach out to veterans and others who’ve served. Its message: you are not alone.
The VA launched its Mental Health Month campaign, and it centers on veterans telling their own stories about what changed their lives. You can find all of it at MakeTheConnection.net/MHM.
What Is the VA Mental Health Month Campaign?
Every May, the VA uses Mental Health Month to highlight veteran mental health. This year, the campaign features veterans from every branch of service and every era. They speak openly about their struggles, the steps they took to get help, and how their daily lives changed as a result.
These are not scripted stories, just veteran voices from everyday people who have been where you may be right now. Whether you deal with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, depression, or something else entirely, you can find someone on the site who gets it.
What You Can Find on the Campaign Site
Throughout May, you can visit MakeTheConnection.net/MHM to access:
- Personal video stories from veterans about their mental health journeys
- Resources for veterans, family members, and friends
- Tools to help you figure out when it might be time to ask for help
- Information about the types of mental health care that have worked for other Veterans
The site updates throughout the month, so you can keep checking back for new content.
Why This Campaign Matters for You
One of the biggest barriers to getting mental health support is the feeling that no one else understands what you went through. The VA built this campaign specifically to break down that barrier. When you hear another veteran describe the same fears, the same resistance to asking for help, and then describe how their life improved, it becomes easier to take that first step yourself.
Mental health treatment works. Recovery is possible. You do not have to wait until things get worse before you reach out.
How to Get Started
Visit MakeTheConnection.net/MHM to start exploring stories and resources. You can also share the site with Veterans you know, a family member who wants to understand what you are going through, or a friend who might be struggling.
If you are in crisis right now, call or text 988 and press 1 to reach the Veterans Crisis Line. You can also text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net. Help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Jon Rehagan is a 2-time Emmy Award-winning journalist who covers financial topics and military news for the veteran community. With 16 years in broadcast media (including roles in radio and television) Jon has spent his career writing, shooting, editing, and producing everything from long-form investigative specials to daily news broadcasts and digital content. His work has been recognized by the Kansas Association of Broadcasters, and he brings that same commitment to accurate, accessible reporting to helping service members, veterans, and military families navigate complex benefits and financial decisions.