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Mental health awareness for the Military community

Man thinking

Mental health issues can impact one’s wellbeing, families, and social interactions and can be common for military members and their families who may experience traumatic life events. We are committed to providing access to resources to help individuals seek help.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide is the second leading cause of death among people aged 10–34 and the 10th leading cause of death overall in the U.S. Suffering from a mental health disorder or recovering from a traumatic event can increase the risk of suicide.

Signs and symptoms of mental health disorders may include:

  • Withdrawal from friends and family
  • Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
  • High and low extremes of emotion
  • Changes in sleeping or eating habits
  • Increased worries or fears
  • Substance misuse or other unhealthy behaviors
  • Suicidal thoughts

Seeking support is a great first step to take if you have symptoms of a mental health disorder.

Help for military members, veterans, or family members:

  • Connect with a health care provider to check your mental health. Seeking evaluation from your care provider can help you if you believe you may be suffering from a mental health condition. They will be able to recommend treatment to help you with your condition.
  • Seek out Cigna’s Veteran Support Line, which is free for veterans and their families. Call 1 (855) 244-6211, 24/7/365 to be connected with a qualified responder.
  • Visit Military OneSource, a free service provided by the Department of Defense to help service members and their families during tough times.

If you need help immediately or know someone who does, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline:

These resources are free and confidential. You’ll be connected to a trained counselor in your area.

Together, we can reduce stigma about mental health and encourage care for the military community. Seeking support is a sign of strength.

Published October 7, 2021

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