Are You A Veteran Having Trouble With Afghanistan Pull Out? Here Are Some Numbers That Could Help

As the United States pulls out of Afghanistan, there are a lot of veterans who are reporting mental health issues with the way it is being handled and the way it makes them feel. According to Military Times, "Health officials said they have already seen an uptick in the number of veterans seeking help, and expected even more demand “as [veterans] come to terms with their service and as the Afghanistan withdrawal comes to completion.”

My son served for eight years in the Army and did three tours of duty in Iraq. He had issues when he returned from his deployments that took years to work through. He still has issues with PTSD from time to time. He has gotten help through the Veterans Administration and they have been so helpful to him. There are so many other places that veterans can turn to get help. There is no shame in saying you need that help. Veterans, please reach out to any of these entities for help.

We can never repay you for your service, but we can help when you need it. For emergency mental health care, you can also go directly to your local VA medical center 24/7 regardless of your discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.

Veterans Crisis Line - If you are having thoughts of suicide, call 1-800-273-8255, then PRESS 1 or visit http://www.veteranscrisisline.net/

Vet Centers - Discuss how you feel with other Veterans in these community-based counseling centers. 70% of Vet Center staff are Veterans. Call 1-877-927-8387 or find one near you.

VA Mental Health Services Guide - This guide will help you sign up and access mental health services.

MakeTheConnection.net - information, resources, and Veteran to Veteran videos for challenging life events and experiences with mental health issues.

RallyPoint - Talk to other Veterans online. Discuss: What are your feelings as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement?

Download VA's self-help apps - Tools to help deal with common reactions like, stress, sadness, and anxiety. You can also track your symptoms over time.

Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) - Request a Peer Mentor

VA Women Veterans Call Center - Call or text 1-855-829-6636 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 6:30PM ET)

VA Caregiver Support Line - Call 1-855-260-3274 (M-F 8AM - 10PM & SAT 8AM - 5PM ET)

Together We Served - Find your battle buddies through unit pages

George W. Bush Institute - Need help or want to talk? Check In or call:1-630-522-4904 or email: checkin@veteranwellnessalliance.org

Elizabeth Dole Foundation Hidden Heroes - Join the Community

American Red Cross Military Veteran Caregiver Network - Peer Support and Mentoring

Team Red, White & Blue - Hundreds of events weekly. Find a chapter in your area.

Student Veterans of America - Find a campus chapter to connect with.

Team Rubicon - Find a local support squad