How Veterans can find relief when life gets heavy, or just heavier

Find support and tools to ease the pressure before it feels like too much

We’ve all felt pressure. Maybe it starts small. Like a few bad days or a feeling you can’t quite shake. You try to keep it in and keep going. But little by little, it piles up until suddenly it’s too powerful to ignore. Veterans know this feeling, too. Whether it’s transitioning back into civilian life, feeling overwhelmed at work or class, caring for a loved one or just trying to get through the day on little sleep, pressure looks different for everyone. But the weight can feel the same—heavy and exhausting.

When you’re under that kind of strain, it can leave you feeling stuck. Like what you’re going through isn’t “bad enough” to ask for help. But you don’t have to wait until you hit rock bottom to reach out. Support is here for you, anytime. Even right now.

Take a closer look at what’s going on inside

Sometimes the first step is to stop what you’re doing and find a quiet place. Put your phone down. Sit quietly and take a few minutes to really think about how you’re doing. Not every Veteran in crisis feels like they’re “in crisis,” but that doesn’t mean what you’re going through isn’t worth paying attention to.

The Veterans Self-Check Quiz is a low-pressure way to understand what’s weighing on you and it can help you check out support at your own pace. It’s confidential and only takes about 10 minutes. You’ll answer a few short questions and then get a personal response from a Veterans Crisis Line responder.

From there, the choice is yours. You can keep chatting with the Veterans Crisis Line responder anonymously, ask for a referral to talk with someone in person, or decide to hold off for now. Nothing moves forward unless you want it to.

Tools you can use anytime, anywhere, no matter what

The Veterans Crisis Line is always available. You don’t have to explain what you’re going through or even explain why you’re calling. You just have to reach out. Dial 988 then Press 1, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 to connect with a responder who understands the challenges Veterans face.

Support can be in your pocket, too. VA offers free mobile apps designed to help Veterans manage stress, practice healthy coping skills and get better sleep. A few examples include:

• AIMS for Anger Management: Track and manage anger, build custom coping tools and stay in control.
• Insomnia Coach: Follow a five-week plan to improve sleep with relaxation techniques, a sleep diary and practical tips.
• PTSD Coach: Access guided relaxation, soothing sounds and relationship tips to ease stress symptoms.

You can find these and more in the VA App Store—ready whenever you need them.

Find support close to home

Sometimes what you need most is to know where to turn to, and nearby. The VA Resource Locator makes it simple. Just enter your zip code to find the nearest VA medical center, outpatient clinic, suicide prevention coordinator, Vet Center or benefits office. You’ll get details like address, phone number, hours and services—everything you need to connect with support quickly.

No “crisis” is too small

Life is full of pressure. Some of it we can handle, and some of it feels like too much. What matters is knowing you don’t have to face it alone.

Here are a few ways to take the weight off your shoulders:

• Call, chat, or text the Veterans Crisis Line, anytime, for any reason.
• Take the Veterans Self-Check Quiz to get a clearer picture of what you’re facing.
• Download VA’s apps to help you manage stress and build coping skills.
• Use the Resource Locator to find nearby support.

You’ve carried a lot. Let us carry some of it, too. Asking for help isn’t a weakness, and it doesn’t have to be a last resort. It’s wise to stay connected with what’s really going on inside. And it’s crucial to reach out for help when you need it. We’ll be here for you when you do.