Spring is here!  And Coaching Into Care needs your help increasing awareness.

• Call (888) 823-7458 Monday through Friday 8am to 8pm EST to speak with one of our responders about mental health concerns, treatment options and resources
• Give our number to a family member or friend who has concerns about a Veteran
• Visit our web site to learn more about our valuable VA phone service: www.va.gov/CoachingIntoCare
• Download our logo or web button and feature us on your website or blog!
• Call us to request materials (brochures, poster, mug, sticky notes, and magnets) to get the word out so we can help more Veterans’ families and friends!

April - Sexual Assault Awareness Month

Military Sexual Trauma (MST) can impact a Veteran’s physical and mental health for years. Veterans and their families should know that recovery is possible and VA can help. CIC responds to callers with sensitivity and prioritizes confidentiality. We can inform you about VA services and help you find ways to talk about your concerns with a Veteran who may be struggling. Read more at www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp. You also can see videos featuring the recovery stories of Veterans who have experienced MST by visiting the Make the Connection website.

May - Mental Health Awareness Month

Last year, the President proclaimed May to be National Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to shine a light on and address issues such as depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. He said, “for many, getting help starts with a conversation.” The VA’s Coaching Into Care call line helps you have those conversations. Callers are empowered to try new approaches to help a Veteran make a decision to access the care he or she needs. Read more about how CIC can help at http://www.mirecc.va.gov/coaching/help.asp.

June – PTSD Awareness Month

Coaching Into Care promotes awareness of PTSD with our callers throughout the year. Since 2010, Congress has dedicated June 27 as PTSD Awareness Day. CIC routinely directs callers to the information and resources available on the website for The National Center for PTSD. There, visitors can find articles on effective treatments and how to help a family member. The About Face website allows you to view videos that may help reduce the stigma of seeking help. At CIC, we understand the unique challenges families and Veterans face and tailor our coaching services to meet their individual needs and strengths.

Read more about Post-Deployment Stress: What Families Should Know, What Families Can Do.

The following is based on a real case that illustrates the work CIC does. All identifying information has been changed.

Raina, the spouse of a 31-year-old USMC Veteran, called with concerns about anger, PTSD and depression. Her husband was refusing to apply for VA health benefits because he “did not want any handouts,” and he was reluctant to seek mental health treatment because he was not "crazy."  She had given him an ultimatum that she would leave with the children if he didn’t get help. He responded by threatening suicide.

A coach provided education about the caller’s concerns and helped Raina try different approaches. She was encouraged to not push so hard and to focus more on improving the trust and safety in the relationship. The coach shared links to videos of Veterans talking about their symptoms and treatment experiences. Videos helped the caller learn more about what her husband was experiencing. Sharing the videos with her husband helped normalize his stress reaction and address some of the stigma he was feeling.

By taking a different approach, Raina was able to encourage her husband to enroll for VA care. Her coach helped her locate a VA facility closer to home where he was evaluated, prescribed medication and started treatment. Things began to improve, and Raina was pleased with the progress. Some problems persisted, and he couldn’t be seen as frequently as he needed. The coach worked with Raina to find additional resources for coping skills such as the PTSD Coach Mobile App, non-profit retreats for OEF/OIF Veterans and their families, and equestrian programs.

This family has dramatically improved in their communication and understanding of one another as well as in their ability to discuss and problem-solve the choices they have. The coach continues to work with Raina providing support, validation and suggestions for options to help her spouse get the treatment he deserves.

When a Veteran You Know Needs Help, call Coaching Into Care at 888-823-7458 M-F 8AM-8PM Eastern. 

Some Veterans avoid getting help for mental health problems because of stigma. Stigma is when you feel that others are judging you based on a personal quality or label for problems you may have. Stigma is real, but it also can result from feelings of shame or lack of self-worth.

Examples of mental health stigma include the false belief that people with PTSD are dangerous or unstable and that people with depression are weak. Other examples include discrimination at work or school because of a mental health diagnosis. A major concern among service members is that treatment could damage their career.

These concerns are difficult to overcome, but here are some things family members and friends of Veterans can do to help.

• Validate concerns about stigma that are real, but help him or her look at it realistically, too. Getting help is good problem-solving. There is courage in asking for help, strength in learning to manage struggles, and pride in meeting challenges.
• Argue back against “worst case scenario” thinking. Make a list of the Pros and Cons of getting help. This will help someone make a better decision based on evidence and not fear.
• Communicate messages like “You can’t control what others think about mental health or PTSD, but you can stop it from getting in your way.”
• Avoid using labels and watch that your language doesn’t reinforce stereotypes.  You may "feel" depressed, but you are not a depressive person.
• Talk about your own recovery and share your experiences, feelings and fears with others to help them understand and lessen the burden.  
• View and share video testimonials from Veterans who talk about their symptoms and treatment experiences, using web sites such as Make the Connection, About Face, and Medal of Honor Speak Out!

For more information on getting help for a Veteran you know with mental health issues, contact Coaching Into Care at (888) 823-7458.

Learn more about stigma at After Deployment and Real Warriors.  

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