Military

Mental Health Support Available for Veterans Coping With Afghanistan News

August 17, 2021Hannah Ray Lambert
mental health

Airman 1st Class Taylor Davis, 455th Air Expeditionary Wing Honor Guard member, folds a flag during a retreat ceremony Aug. 15, 2016, at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. US Air Force photo by Senior Airman Justyn M. Freeman.

As Afghanistan unraveled and the Taliban took control over the weekend, hundreds of thousands of veterans who served in the country experienced a wave of emotions ranging from anger and betrayal to unfathomable grief for the friends left behind in a war-torn nation. The Department of Veterans Affairs is reminding veterans to check on each other and seek help if the news of Afghanistan’s collapse is sparking anxiety or other mental health issues.


“Reactions aren’t always what people think they are going to be, and that’s okay,” Dr. Jennifer Vasterling, chief of psychology at the VA Boston Healthcare System, said in a statement.


While feelings of sadness and confusion are normal, mental health experts encourage veterans to talk to their friends, family, and battle buddies. Veterans and their loved ones should watch for red flags like isolating, using alcohol or drugs, or any abnormal increase in unhealthy coping mechanisms like excess work or even video games.


A United States Army loadmaster stands on the rear ramp of a CH-47F Chinook and watches the sunset as it flies over Kabul, Afghanistan, Sept. 8, 2017. US Army photo by Julie A Kelemen.

The VA anticipated a potential increase in mental health requests amid the Afghanistan withdrawal and launched a four-part series about Afghanistan veterans and how they can get help earlier this month. Health facilities were also already seeing an increase in veterans seeking help before Afghanistan fell to the Taliban over the weekend, according to the VA. Officials expect demand to rise even more as the withdrawal comes to completion. They released a list of resources for veterans needing to talk it out. 



  • Veterans Crisis Line — Free, anonymous, and available for any service member or veteran to talk about anything that’s on their mind. Call 800-273-8255, then press 1.

  • Veterans can also go directly to their local VA medical center for emergency mental health care, regardless of discharge status or enrollment in other VA health care.

  • Vet Centers — Community-based counseling centers where 70% of staff are veterans. Call 877-927-8387 or find one online.

  • RallyPoint — An online forum for the military community to connect and discuss relevant issues. Right now, there’s an active thread about what veterans are feeling as the Taliban reclaim Afghanistan after 20 years of US involvement.


Other nonprofits and advocate groups are also urging veterans to reach out during this troubling time. The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America said Monday that the weekend’s events are “weighing heavy on many veterans” and called on struggling veterans — or anyone who knows of a veteran struggling to cope with the news — to contact the organization’s Quick Reaction Force at 855-917-2743.




 












View this post on Instagram























 


A post shared by Tim Kennedy (@timkennedymma)





Many prominent veterans are sharing their experiences in Afghanistan and thoughts on the withdrawal on social media, prompting discussion and words of support.


VA Secretary Denis McDonough also expressed support for troops past and present through a statement.


“Our nation is indebted to the men and women who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, because they made our world infinitely safer,” McDonough said. “Their service did not come without sacrifice as some carry physical and emotional wounds. We must ensure they get the world-class care they’ve earned and deserve.”


Read Next: How We Can Help Afghan Special Operators Fight the Taliban



Hannah Ray Lambert
Hannah Ray Lambert

Hannah Ray Lambert is a former staff writer for Coffee or Die who previously covered everything from murder trials to high school trap shooting teams. She spent several months getting tear gassed during the 2020-2021 civil unrest in Portland, Oregon. When she’s not working, Hannah enjoys hiking, reading, and talking about authors and books on her podcast Between Lewis and Lovecraft.

More from Coffee or Die Magazine
Coffee Or Die Photo
From the Team Room to Team Room Design: An Operator’s Creative Journey

BRCC partners with Team Room Design for an exclusive T-shirt release!

Coffee Or Die Photo
Get Your Viking On: The Exclusive 30 Sec Out BRCC Shirt Club Design

Thirty Seconds Out has partnered with BRCC for an exclusive shirt design invoking the God of Winter.

Grizzly Forge BRCC shirt
Limited Edition: Grizzly Forge Blades on an Awesome BRCC Shirt

Lucas O'Hara of Grizzly Forge has teamed up with BRCC for a badass, exclusive Shirt Club T-shirt design featuring his most popular knife and tiomahawk.

BRCC Limited Edition Josh Raulerson Blackbeard Skull Shirt
From Naval Service to Creative Canvas: BRCC Veteran Artist Josh Raulerson

Coffee or Die sits down with one of the graphic designers behind Black Rifle Coffee's signature look and vibe.

Medal of Honor is held up.
Biden Will Award Medal of Honor to Army Helicopter Pilot Who Rescued Soldiers in Vietnam Firefight

Biden will award the Medal of Honor to a Vietnam War Army helicopter pilot who risked his life to save a reconnaissance team from almost certain death.

dear jack mandaville
Dear Jack: Which Historic Battle Would You Want To Witness?

Ever wonder how much Jack Mandaville would f*ck sh*t up if he went back in time? The American Revolution didn't even see him coming.

west point time capsule
West Point Time Capsule Yields Centuries-Old Coins

A nearly 200-year-old West Point time capsule that at first appeared to yield little more than dust contains hidden treasure, the US Military Academy said.

  • About Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Careers
Contact Us
Contact Us
© 2024 Coffee or Die Magazine. All Rights Reserved