Your support changes lives. Thank you!
Learn More
Boost Search Results
Off
Military members and their families face unique challenges. Soldiers deal with stressors in combat that may not exist in civilian life.
Those exposed to high levels of combat are significantly more likely to experience acute stress and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, or PTSD. It is not unusual for servicemen and women to suffer feelings of fear, anger, sadness, and worry when returning from deployment. Adjusting to family life can be difficult for everyone.
How to Support a Loved One After Deployment:
When someone you care about comes home from deployment, they may struggle with stress or adjusting to daily life. Here are simple ways you can help:
- Encourage treatment. Offer a ride to appointments or go with them to therapy.
- Be patient. Give them time and space to settle back in.
- Respect differences. Don’t push your coping methods on them.
- Stay non-judgmental. Avoid saying things like “just get over it.”
- Know your role. You can’t fix everything, but being there matters.
- Handle home changes gently. Talk openly about decisions made while they were away.
- Offer practical help. Lend a hand with chores, errands, or childcare.
- Keep traditions alive. Celebrate family milestones and routines.
- Care for yourself too. Lean on friends, exercise, or try yoga and meditation to manage stress
ADAA Resources
- From Service to Streetwear: A Veteran's Journey of Resilience and Hope - Personal Story
- Firearm Suicide Risk in Service Members and Veterans, Blog Post
- Healing Invisible Wounds - ADAA Webinar
- Talking to Children and Teens After a School Shooting - Blog Post
- How to Prevent Trauma from Becoming PTSD - Blog Post
- Trastorno de Estrés Post-Traumático - ADAA Webinar
Explore External Mental Health Resources
Access professional support, crisis services, and tools designed to help manage anxiety, depression, and related mental health conditions. While ADAA believes these sources provide valuable information, inclusion here does not represent a formal endorsement.
U.S. Government & VA Resources
VA Mental Health Services – Access care for PTSD, depression, anxiety, grief, MST, and more. Services include crisis counseling, Vet Centers, telehealth, peer support, and walk-ins—even if you’re not enrolled in VA health care.
Veterans Crisis Line – A free, confidential 24/7 support line for veterans, service members, families, and caregivers. Call 988 then press 1, text 838255, or chat online.
USA.gov – Veterans Mental Health – A one-stop hub for VA mental health and substance abuse resources, including crisis support and treatment options.
Nonprofit & Community-Based Services
Cohen Veterans Network – Provides high-quality mental health care for post‑9/11 veterans and their families through in-person clinics and telehealth. Includes National Guard and Reserve members, regardless of discharge status.
Vets4Warriors – No-Cost Mental Health Resources – Highlights free programs such as:
Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) – Offers peer-based emotional support, crisis response, and grief counseling for families and friends of fallen service members—all at no cost.
Military OneSource – A U.S. DoD program offering free, confidential, 24/7 counseling and resource referrals for service members and families, including stress, reintegration, deployment, and relocation support.
Code of Support Foundation – Offers long-term case coordination, peer support networks, and outreach to help veterans and families with complex mental health and adjustment needs.
