Supporting a Veteran Loved One: How to Help Protect Veterans’ Mental Health

Having a loved one who has served in the military comes with unique challenges that many people may never fully understand. Military service often brings a complex mix of emotions, including pride, grief, fear, loss, resilience, and accomplishment. These experiences can affect any veteran, regardless of age, branch of service, combat exposure, or years served.

One thing many veterans have in common, however, is an increased risk for mental health challenges and suicide. Understanding how to support a veteran loved one can play an important role in protecting their mental health and helping them feel connected, understood, and supported.

Veteran Suicide and Mental Health: What Families Should Know

Many people are aware that veterans face a higher risk of suicidal ideation and suicide compared to civilians. According to research, male veterans are significantly more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans.

Several factors may contribute to this increased risk, including:

• Greater exposure to trauma and stressful experiences

• Increased tolerance for pain and discomfort

• Reduced fear of death due to military training and life-threatening situations

• Difficulty transitioning to civilian life

• Barriers to accessing mental health care

  
  

As a spouse, parent, sibling, friend, or caregiver, you may wonder:

• “How can I support my veteran loved one?”

• “What are the warning signs of suicide?”

• “How can I help keep them safe?”

  
  

Understanding the key factors connected to suicide prevention is an important first step.

Three Key Factors That Impact Suicide Risk

Research shows that several factors can increase or decrease a person’s risk of suicide. Three of the most important include:

1. Access to lethal means

2. Mental health support

3. Social connection and community

1. Access to Lethal Means

According to the VA’s Annual Suicide Prevention Report, many veterans own firearms, and some store them loaded and unsecured in their homes. Because veterans are often highly trained and comfortable handling weapons, access to firearms during a mental health crisis can significantly increase the risk of suicide.

Many suicide attempts occur during short-term emotional crises when a person acts impulsively. Limiting immediate access to lethal means can save lives.

In addition to firearms, some veterans may have access to prescription medications such as:

• Painkillers

• Sedatives

• Sleep medications

• Anti-anxiety medications

  
  

When mixed with alcohol or misused, these substances can become especially dangerous.

How Families Can Help

There are practical ways to reduce suicide risk by creating safer environments:

• Use gun locks or gun safes

• Store firearms unloaded and securely

• Safely dispose of unused medications

• Monitor and organize prescription medications

• Avoid mixing medications with alcohol

  
  

Reducing access to lethal means does not remove independence—it creates time and space during moments of crisis. For more information about how to reduce access to lethal means in your home, visit our RALM training online here.

2. Mental Health Support for Veterans

Many veterans face significant barriers when trying to access mental health care.

Common challenges include:

• Limited access to VA or community mental health services

• Financial stress

• Lack of transportation or healthcare coverage

• Missing documentation of mental health concerns during military service

• Fear of judgment or stigma

  
  

Unfortunately, stigma surrounding mental health remains one of the biggest obstacles for both active-duty service members and veterans. Many individuals worry that asking for help may make them appear weak or negatively impact their careers or relationships.

As a result, some veterans struggle silently.

How Loved Ones Can Help

Families and friends can make a meaningful difference by:

• Encouraging open conversations about mental health

• Normalizing therapy and counseling

• Listening without judgment

• Helping veterans locate resources and providers

• Supporting treatment plans and appointments

  
  

Compassion, patience, and understanding can help reduce stigma and encourage veterans to seek the support they deserve.

3. Social Connection and Suicide Prevention

Strong social connection is one of the most powerful protective factors against suicide.

Studies consistently show that people who feel supported, accepted, and connected are less likely to experience suicidal thoughts or behaviors.

For many veterans, however, reconnecting after military service can be difficult. Combat experiences, trauma, PTSD, and military culture may create emotional distance between veterans and their loved ones.

Family members often want to help but may feel unsure how to relate to experiences they have never lived through.

Why Connection Matters

Veterans who feel emotionally isolated may struggle with:

• Depression

• Anxiety

• PTSD symptoms

• Shame or guilt

• Hopelessness

  
  

Creating safe, supportive relationships can help veterans feel seen, valued, and less alone.

Simple actions can make a difference:

• Checking in regularly

• Spending quality time together

• Encouraging healthy routines

• Learning about PTSD and military trauma

• Participating in veteran support programs or trainings

  
  

Learn How to Better Support Your Veteran Loved One

If you want to better understand how to support a veteran struggling with mental health challenges or suicidal ideation, education can help.

Our Supporting Your Veteran Loved One Training explores practical ways families and friends can support veterans, strengthen communication, and reduce suicide risk.

Join us on Friday, June 12th at 10:00 AM for this free educational webinar. Registration is required. Visit this link here for more details.

If You’ve Lost a Loved One to Suicide

Even when we do everything we can to support someone, there are still situations beyond our control. Losing a loved one to suicide can bring overwhelming grief, confusion, guilt, and unanswered questions.

If you are grieving the loss of someone to suicide, support is available.

Call or text 988 to connect with the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline and speak with a trained crisis counselor.

You do not have to navigate grief alone.