Veterans Day Encouragement

On this Veterans Day and every day, we encourage you to reach out to each other, engage, and connect with our nation’s Veterans and other members of our military community. One of the most significant challenges faced by Veterans and members of the military community is a cultural disconnect we experience with the civilian community. This disconnect or military-civilian divide can lead to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and anonymity. The late Dr. Paula Caplan used the term “soul crushing isolation” to describe this experience.

The fact sheet about Veteran’s loneliness from the Foundation for Art and Healing helps us to understand the need for Veterans to have culturally relevant and sustained social connections.

Veterans loneliness fact sheet

At Operation Strong Mind, we get it. Our mission includes efforts to raise awareness and promote social connections for Veterans and other members of our military community.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 or visiting the website 988lifeline.org to access free, confidential support by phone or text message 24/7.