On Tuesday, the nation honored its military veterans. Families as Allies expresses our deep gratitude to all who served and are serving. We also recognize that those in the military, veterans, and the families of those who serve can experience unique stressors that sometimes lead to mental health challenges. We compiled these resources for military families who might be seeking additional support.
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s (AACAP) Military Families Resource Center offers a number of practical resources to military families to support their children, including:
- Frequently Asked Questions, such as “How should I talk to my children about an upcoming deployment?” and “What should the adult at home do about children’s exposure to media reports when a parent is in a war zone?“
- A list of AACAP’s Facts for Families publications that are particularly relevant to military families; for example, Military Families, Military Families: Coming Home and Terrorism and War: How to Talk to Children.
- Clinical resources that address practical issues, such as different types of therapy for children and how to understand medication options.
- How to find a mental health provider for a child;
- Additional helpful resources.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) created several fact sheets for military families and those working with military families, including For Military Parents and Caregivers: Supporting Your Children Throughout Deployment and Understanding Child Trauma and Resilience: For Military Parents and Caregivers.
In this Psychology Today article, Looking Deeper on Veterans Day: How we can support our warriors’ invisible mental health scars, Sarah Allen Benton LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC, shares suggestions for how both lay people and clinicians can support the mental health of veterans who have served in times of conflict.
The ARCH National Respite Network shared these resources for respite for veterans:
- Hidden Heroes from the Elizabeth Dole Foundation provides military and veteran caregivers with a directory of more than 200 carefully vetted resources and access to an online peer support community exclusively for caregivers.
- Nine Steps to Respite for Military and Veteran Caregivers. Respite, a short break for caregivers and their families, is an essential support service for Military and Veteran Caregivers, who often face unique challenges. This fact sheet is designed to help family caregivers access and utilize respite services, accompanied by a Matrix of Federal Programs for Respite Care for Military and Veteran Families.
- VA Caregiver Support Program: The Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers is available to caregivers of Veterans from all eras. Call 855-260-3274 or find your Caregiver Support Coordinator.
