Family Member or Friend - Mental Health

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aria-hidden=\"true\"> </i><a href=\"https://www.va.gov/resources/the-pact-act-and-your-va-benefits\" title=\"PACT Act and your VA benefits\">Learn what the PACT Act means for your VA benefits <i class=\"fas fa-angle-double-right\" aria-hidden=\"true\"></i><\/a><\/p><\/div><\/div>"; $("body").append(alertMsg); }); </script> </div>   </div> </div> <span style="position:absolute;"><a id="main-content"> </a></span>  <div class="col-md-9"> <div class="fill"> <div id="innerContentWrapper" class="innerContentWrapperFeature"> <div id="tier4innerContent">  <h2 class="page-title">Family Member or Friend</h2>  <style></style> <script src="/includes/SpryCollapsiblePanel.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <link href="/includes/SpryCollapsiblePanel.css" type="text/css" rel="stylesheet" /> <script src="/includes/aria.accordion2.min.js"></script> <style></style> <div class="main-image"><img alt="veteran and family member looking at a tablet" src="/images/page-banners/hero-Information-Section-friends-family.jpg" width="100%" /></div> <h1 id="mhs-page-title" class="page-title-blue">Family Member or Friend</h1><div class="startnav"></div> <nav id="table-of-content" class="nav-buttons tabs" role="navigation" aria-labelledby="mhs-page-title"> <div id="toc" class="toc"> <button class="toc-toggle" type="button"><span class="sr-only">Toggle Table of Content</span></button> <ul class="menu-buttons"> <li id="overview-tab" class="toc-list-item"><a href="/families/index.asp">Overview</a></li> <li id="spanish-tab" class="toc-list-item"><span lang="es"><a href="/families/es/index.asp">en Espa帽ol</a></span></li> </ul> </div> </nav> <p>As a family member or friend of a Veteran with mental health challenges, you can play an important role in providing support for their recovery. People who are close to Veterans are often the first to notice that they are facing a mental health challenge. Letting a Veteran know you’re there for them can help start a conversation.</p> <p>Depending on your relationship with the Veteran and whatever they’re going through, your support could range from a small act of kindness, to intervening in a crisis, to encouraging them to start or continue in mental health treatment.</p> <p>As you support the Veteran in your life, VA is here to support you. Explore these resources to learn more about different kinds of mental health challenges, how they are treated, and how loved ones can help while learning tools to keep strong themselves.</p> <div class="accordion-bar"> <h2 class="button-title"><button class="accordion-trigger" type="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="EducationMHC">Education and Information on Mental Health Conditions</button></h2> <div class="accordion-bar-window" id="EducationMHC"> <p>These resources provide general education information on various mental health conditions, how a Veteran may experience them, and what symptoms may be observed by family and friends.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135"><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/family-friends/" target="_blank"><em>Make the Connection</em></a></h3> <p><strong><em>MakeTheConnection.net</em></strong> is a one-stop resource where Veterans and their families and friends can privately explore information on mental health, hear stories of resilience from fellow Veterans and their families, and easily find and access the support and resources they need. Watch video testimonials from Veterans who have found effective solutions to issues affecting their lives and learn more about treatment and recovery for the following topics:</p> <div class="row"> <div class="col-large-12 col-md-6"> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/alcohol-use-disorder/" target="_blank">Alcohol Use Disorder</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/anxiety-disorder/" target="_blank">Anxiety</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/bipolar/" target="_blank">Bipolar</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/depression/" target="_blank">Depression</a></p> </div> <div class="col-large-12 col-md-6"> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/ptsd/" target="_blank">PTSD<br /></a></p> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/schizophrenia/" target="_blank">Schizophrenia</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/problems-with-drugs/" target="_blank">Substance Use Disorder</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/traumatic-brain-injury/" target="_blank">Effects of Traumatic Brain Injury</a></p> </div> </div> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp" target="_blank">The Basics of PTSD</a></h3> <p>PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder) is a mental health condition that some people develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event, like combat, a natural disaster, a car accident, or sexual assault. Visit these resources to learn more about PTSD and treatment options.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/how_help.asp" target="_blank">National Center for PTSD: How Family Members Can Help</a></h3> <p>When someone you love has PTSD, it can affect your relationship with them. The National Center for PTSD provides information on ways to help a loved one with PTSD, including information on effective treatments.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.ptsd.va.gov/apps/aboutface/" target="_blank">AboutFace</a></h3> <p>Watch videos of Veterans, their family members, and clinicians talking about their experiences with PTSD treatment and recovery.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/VISN16/docs/Talking_with_Kids_about_PTSD.pdf" target="_blank">Talking with Kids About PTSD</a></h3> <p>Explore this guide that was created to help Veteran parents living with PTSD talk about their feelings and experiences with their children.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn16/docs/MAPS_FINAL10-14-09.pdf" target="_blank">MAPS: A Guide to Managing Adult Psychiatric Symptoms</a></h3> <p>This educational packet is designed to give Veterans’ family members and close friends a better understanding of how to support someone with a mental illness and to also take care of themselves.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn5/programs/schizophrenia_guides.asp" target="_blank">Guides to Schizophrenia for Veterans and Their Families</a></h3> <p>These informational guides provide recovery-oriented information on schizophrenia, including treatment options, ways to support a loved one who is living with schizophrenia, and how to overcome perceptions of stigma when pursing mental health recovery.</p> </div> </div> <div class="accordion-bar"> <h2 class="button-title"><button class="accordion-trigger" type="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="CopingResources">Coping Resources To Help Families and Friends</button></h2> <div class="accordion-bar-window" id="CopingResources"> <p>Learn about programs and resources designed to support people who live with or care for a Veteran with a mental health condition.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135"><a href="/families/docs/Family-Resilience-Strategies.pdf" target="_blank">Resilience-Building Strategies for Families Dealing with a Mental Illness</a></h3> <p>These techniques can help families adapt in the face of adversity by building strengths and developing coping skills. </p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="/families/docs/Stress-Management-in-Families.pdf" target="_blank">Stress Management in Families Dealing with a Mental Illness</a></h3> <p>Learn about recognizing stress and its triggers and learn tactics for coping with stress. </p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="/families/docs/Relative-Supporting-Recovery.pdf" target="_blank">Supporting Your Relative’s Recovery From a Mental Illness</a></h3> <p>Loving a family member with a serious psychiatric illness can be challenging. Learn how relatives can take care of their loved ones and themselves. </p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.helpguide.org/articles/stress/caregiver-stress-and-burnout.htm" target="_blank" class="external">Caregiver Stress and Burnout </a></h3> <p>While caring for a loved one can be very rewarding, it also involves many stressors. Visit these resources to learn how help you take care of yourself, while also taking care of your loved one.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/stress-management/in-depth/caregiver-stress/art-20044784" target="_blank" class="external">Caregiver Stress: Tips for Taking Care of Yourself </a></h3> <p>Caring for a loved one strains even the most resilient people. If you're a caregiver, take steps to preserve your own health and well-being.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/helping-a-loved-one-cope-with-a-mental-illness" target="_blank" class="external">Helping a Loved One Cope with a Mental Illness </a></h3> <p>It can be hard to know how to best help a loved one who is going having mental health issues. Consider these tips when helping a loved one.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="/socials/index.asp">Veterans Coffee Socials</a></h3> <p>Veterans Coffee Socials provide an enjoyable place to meet friends, find resources, and have fun with other Veterans and community members. Explore this page to learn how Veterans and their family and friends can plan an event.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn16/docs/MAPS_FINAL10-14-09.pdf" target="_blank">MAPS: A Guide to Managing Adult Psychiatric Symptoms</a></h3> <p>This educational packet is designed to give Veterans’ family members and close friends a better understanding of how to support someone with a mental illness and to also take care of themselves.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.samhsa.gov/families" target="_blank" class="external">SAMHSA: Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders</a></h3> <p>When a family member is experiencing a mental or substance use disorder, it can affect more than just the person in need of recovery. Learn about the resources you can use to help your loved one find treatment.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="/suicide_prevention/coping-support/index.asp">Coping and Support</a></h3> <p>Find support for loved ones of a Veteran recovering from a suicide attempt or a Veteran who has died by suicide. VA also provides ongoing <a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/postvention/" target="_blank">postvention</a> support for those who are affected by suicide loss.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Family-to-Family" target="_blank" class="external">National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-to-Family</a></h3> <p>NAMI offers free educational programs for family members, partners, and friends of people experiencing mental health conditions. In addition to their <a href="https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/NAMI-Programs/NAMI-Family-Friends" target="_blank" class="external">Family and Friends seminar</a>, <a href="https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Homefront" target="_blank" class="external">NAMI Homefront</a> provides a six-session educational program for families, caregivers, and friends of military service members and Veterans.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/resources" target="_blank" class="external">American Psychological Association Resources</a></h3> <p>The American Psychological Association provides resources designed to be shared with caregivers of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/VISN16/docs/Talking_with_Kids_about_PTSD.pdf" target="_blank">Talking with Kids About PTSD</a></h3> <p>Explore this guide that was created to help Veteran parents living with PTSD talk about their feelings and experiences with their children.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://sesamestreetformilitaryfamilies.org/" target="_blank" class="external">Sesame Street Resources for Military Families with Young Children </a></h3> <p>Military life can be hard on families with young children. Here are ways to talk, listen, and connect. </p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/talk2kids/" target="_blank">How To Talk to a Child About a Suicide Attempt in Your Family</a></h3> <p>This guide offers support to the whole family for addressing a love one’s attempted suicide.</p> </div> </div> <div class="accordion-bar"> <h2 class="button-title"><button class="accordion-trigger" type="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="ProgramsServices">Programs and Services for Veterans’ Families</button></h2> <div class="accordion-bar-window" id="ProgramsServices"> <p>Learn about programs and services available to obtain support and mental health care for yourself and the Veteran in your life, both through the VA and through community organizations and providers.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135"><a href="https://mobile.va.gov/appstore/mental-health" target="_blank">VA Mental Health Apps</a></h3> <p>These apps provide tools and information to assist you in managing symptoms and stress, learning to practice mindfulness, and strengthening parenting skills.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.caregiver.va.gov/" target="_blank">VA Caregiver Support Program</a></h3> <p>The VA Caregiver Support Program offers training, educational resources, and a variety of tools for Veterans’ caregivers.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=vet_center" target="_blank">Vet Centers</a></h3> <p>Community based <a href="https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=vet_center" target="_blank">Vet Centers</a> provide confidential counseling, community engagement and referral services to <a href="https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/Eligibility.asp" target="_blank">eligible</a> individuals and their families. You don't need to be enrolled in VA healthcare or have a service connection to receive services.</p> <p>Vet Centers offer services such as:</p> <ul> <li>Individual and group counseling</li> <li>Family and couples counseling for military transition to civilian life</li> <li>Bereavement (grief) counseling</li> <li>Medical and benefits referrals</li> <li>Employment assessment and referral</li> <li>Substance abuse assessment and referral</li> </ul> <p><a href="https://www.va.gov/find-locations/?facilityType=vet_center" target="_blank">Find a Vet Center near you</a> or call 1-877-927-8387, 24/7. The <a href="https://www.vetcenter.va.gov/media/Call-Center-PSA.asp" target="_blank">Vet Center Call Center</a> is available to Veterans, service members and their families to talk about your military experience or other concerns during your transition from military to civilian life. The team is comprised of Veterans from several eras as well as family members of Veterans.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/resources/" target="_blank">U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Resource Finder</a></h3> <p><strong><em>Make the Connection</em></strong> provides a resource finder to help anyone find VA programs and resources in their area.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.samhsa.gov/families" target="_blank" class="external">SAMHSA: Resources for Families Coping with Mental and Substance Use Disorders</a></h3> <p>When a family member is experiencing a mental or substance use disorder, it can affect more than just the person in need of recovery. Learn about the resources you can use to help your loved one find treatment.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.caregiver.org/" target="_blank" class="external">Family Caregiver Alliance (FCA)</a></h3> <p>FCA is a public voice for caregivers, offering information, education, services, research, and advocacy programs to support and sustain the important work of families who are caring for loved ones with chronic, disabling health conditions.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://giveanhour.org/get-help/military-resource-center/" target="_blank" class="external">Give an Hour</a></h3> <p>This program provides free mental health services to U.S. military personnel and their families.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.militaryonesourceconnect.org/achievesolutions/en/militaryonesource/home.do" target="_blank" class="external">Joint Service Support: Local Community Resource Finder</a></h3> <p>Members of all military branches and their families can use this local community resource locator to find a Family Program Team, Transition Assistance Advisor, and more.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.militaryonesource.mil/family-relationships" target="_blank" class="external">Military OneSource Family Support</a></h3> <p>This free service of the Defense Department helps Service members and their families plan for deployment and access resources for education, employment, nonmedical counseling, and financial management.</p> <ul> <li>Call 24/7 at <a href="tel:8003429647" class="no-break">1-800-342-9647</a>.</li> </ul> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.nami.org/Support-Education/Mental-Health-Education/NAMI-Family-to-Family" target="_blank" class="external">National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Family-to-Family</a></h3> <p>NAMI offers a free, eight-session educational program for family members, partners, and friends of people experiencing mental health conditions.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.operationfamilycaregiver.org/" target="_blank" class="external">Operation Family Caregiver</a></h3> <p>Operation Family Caregiver coaches transitioning Veterans and their families to manage challenges when Veterans come home.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://hiddenheroes.org/resources/?type=resource&filters=%5B%5B%22type%3Aresource%22%5D%5D" target="_blank" class="external">Hidden Heroes </a></h3> <p>Hidden Heroes connects military caregivers and their families to national and local resources and programs.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.apa.org/pi/about/publications/caregivers/resources" target="_blank" class="external">American Psychological Association Resources</a></h3> <p>The American Psychological Association provides resources designed to be shared with caregivers of individuals experiencing mental health challenges.</p> </div> </div> <div class="accordion-bar"> <h2 class="button-title"><button class="accordion-trigger" type="button" aria-expanded="false" aria-controls="SPCResources">Suicide Prevention and Crisis Resources</button></h2> <div class="accordion-bar-window" id="SPCResources"> <p>Explore these resources to learn techniques for handling crisis situations, provide support to Veterans who are facing a serious mental health challenge, and encourage Veterans to start or continue in mental health treatment.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135"><a href="https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/" target="_blank">Veterans Crisis Line</a></h3> <p>This confidential toll-free hotline, text messaging, and online chat service connects Veterans and Service members in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring VA responders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.</p> <ul> <li><a href="tel:988">Dial 988 and Press 1</a>.</li> <li>Text to <a href="sms:+838255" class="no-break">838255</a>.</li> <li><a href="https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/get-help-now/chat" target="_blank">Chat online</a>.</li> </ul> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="/suicide_prevention/coping-support/index.asp">Coping and Support</a></h3> <p>Find support for loved ones of a Veteran recovering from a suicide attempt or a Veteran who has died by suicide. VA also provides ongoing <a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/postvention/" target="_blank">postvention</a> support for those who are affected by suicide loss.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.mirecc.va.gov/visn19/talk2kids/" target="_blank">How To Talk to a Child About a Suicide Attempt in Your Family</a></h3> <p>This guide offers support to the whole family for addressing a love one’s attempted suicide.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://starttheconversation.veteranscrisisline.net/topic/start-the-conversation/" target="_blank">Start the Conversation</a></h3> <p>These resources can help you learn simple ways to show your support and encouragement of a Veteran you are concerned about, tips for speaking with a Veteran in need of support, and questions you can ask to keep the conversation going.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/conditions/suicide/" target="_blank"><em>Make the Connection</em> – Suicide Prevention</a></h3> <p>Learn more about Veterans’ experiences with suicidal thoughts and behaviors, evidence-based treatment options, self-help tools, and resources to help you reconnect and find hope.</p> <h3 class="smaller-135 rule-above"><a href="https://www.va.gov/reach/spm/" target="_blank">Take a Moment To Reach Out</a></h3> <p>Find four things anyone can do now to help prevent Veteran suicide and explore materials to raise awareness about Veteran suicide prevention.</p> </div> </div> <h2 class="rule-above dark">Stories of Support</h2> <div style="margin-bottom: 20px;" class="videoWrapper"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ul_9peEte8I" title="Family stories of shared support and experiences" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen="" loading="lazy"></iframe></div> <p>In this video, Veterans’ spouses, partners, and other family members discuss what the Veterans in their lives experienced and how they were able to provide support along their shared journey of recovery. Veterans’ loved ones also describe how they discovered that getting support for themselves helped them better support a Veteran.</p> <p><a href="https://www.maketheconnection.net/" target="_blank">View More Stories On Make the Connection</a></p>  <script src="/includes/external-link.js" type="text/javascript"></script> <div class="usa-alert usa-alert-email" id="newsletter-signup"> <div class="usa-alert-body"> <h2 class="usa-alert-heading">Newsletter Sign Up</h2> <form id="GD-snippet-form" action="https://public.govdelivery.com/accounts/USVHA/subscribers/qualify" accept-charset="UTF-8" method="post"><input name="utf8" type="hidden" value="✓" /> <input type="hidden" name="topic_id" id="topic_id" value="USVHA_36" /> <fieldset> <p>Receive monthly emails about the latest mental health and suicide prevention resources and research from VA.</p> <ol class='form'> <li class='email_fields' style='display: block'> <label for="email"><img class="required" alt="" aria-hidden="true" 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>Apply for Health Care</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.myhealth.va.gov/pharmacy">Prescriptions</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.myhealth.va.gov/" >My Health<span>e</span>Vet</a></li> <li><a href="https://benefits.va.gov/insurance/choose.asp" >Life Insurance Online Applications</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/vaforms/" >VA Forms</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/landing2_locations.htm" >State and Local Resources</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/op3/docs/StrategicPlanning/VA2014-2020strategicPlan.pdf" >Strat Plan FY 2014-2020</a> </li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/performance/index.asp" >VA Plans, Budget, & Performance</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/ogc/accreditation.asp" >VA Claims Representation</a></li> </ul> </div> </div>  <div class="col"> <span class="blue-hdr top-level"><a href="javascript:void(0)">RESOURCES</a></span> <div class="ftrcls"> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/jobs/">Careers at VA</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.vets.gov/employment/">Employment Center</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.oefoif.va.gov/" >Returning Service Members</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/vocrehab/index.asp" >Vocational Rehabilitation & Employment</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/homeless/" >Homeless Veterans</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/womenvet/" >Women Veterans</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/centerforminorityveterans/" >Minority Veterans</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/opa/Plain_Language.asp" >Plain Language</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/survivors/" >Surviving Spouses & Dependents</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/adaptivesports/" >Adaptive Sports Program</a></li> </ul> </div> </div>  <div class="col"> <span class="blue-hdr top-level"><a href="javascript:void(0)">ADMINISTRATION</a></span> <div class="ftrcls"> <ul> <li><a href="https://www.va.gov/health/default.asp" >Veterans Health Administration</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.benefits.va.gov/benefits/" >Veterans Benefits Administration</a></li> <li><a href="https://www.cem.va.gov/" >National Cemetery Administration</a></li> </ul> </div> </div>  </div> </div> </div> <div id="sub-footer"> <p>U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs | 810 Vermont Avenue, NW Washington DC 20420</p> <p class="small-print">Last updated August 15, 2024</p> </div> </div> </div> <div id="modal-crisisline" class="va-overlay va-modal va-modal-large" role="alertdialog" > <div class="va-crisis-panel va-modal-inner va-rounded--all"> <h2 id="va-crisis-title" class="va-text-center va-uppercase">Get help from Veterans Crisis Line</h2> <div class="va-overlay-body va-crisis-panel-body"> <ul> <li><a href="tel:988" tabindex='0' id="va-crisis-primary"><i class="fas fa-phone icon-left" aria-hidden="true"></i> Call <strong>988 (Press 1)</strong></a></li> <li><a href="sms:838255"><i class="fas fa-mobile-alt icon-left" aria-hidden="true"></i> Text to <b>838255</b></a></li> <li><a href="https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/ChatTermsOfService.aspx?account=Veterans%20Chat"><i class="far fa-comments"></i> Chat <b>confidentially now</b></a></li> <li ><i class="fa fa-fw fa-deaf icon-left margin-right-2 margin-top-2 fa-lg" aria-hidden="true"></i><a href="tel:18007994889"> Call TTY if you have hearing loss <strong>1-800-799-4889</strong></a></li> </ul> <p>If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, visit <a href="https://www.veteranscrisisline.net/">VeteransCrisisLine.net</a> for more resources.</p> </div> <button class="va-modal-close va-overlay-close" type="button" id="va-vcl-close-btn"><span class="usa-sr-only">Close this modal</span> <i class="far fa-times-circle fa-2x va-overlay-close usa-text-blue" aria-hidden="true" title="close this modal"></i> </button> </div> </div> <script src="/va_files/2014/responsive/scripts/crisis-modal2.js"></script> </body> </html>

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