TOOLS THAT REINFORCE PSYCHOLOGICAL

HEALTH

Free, confidential resources for

VETERANS

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“We are making it a priority here at the department to ensure that our departing service members are given the support they need to pursue higher education, to find a job and to start a business.”

— Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

The Real Warriors Campaign provides free, confidential resources to veterans coping with invisible wounds. Use the resources highlighted in this brochure to help you manage common challenges experienced in your post-military life, such as transitioning to a civilian career, understanding veterans’ health benefits and coping with psychological health concerns.

CALL THE DCOE OUTREACH CENTER

866-966-1020

REACHING OUT FOR HELP IS A SIGN OF

STRENGTH. Veterans who aren’t located near a Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) medical center or Vet Center can always call one of the trained health resource consultants at the Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE). Consultants are available 24/7 to listen and provide confidential guidance about resources for getting help.

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www.realwarriors.net/livechat

2 LOG ON TO REAL WARRIORS LIVE CHAT

CONNECT INSTANTLY, anywhere in the world, with the DCoE Outreach Center by logging on to www.realwarriors.net/livechat from your computer or smartphone. Trained health resource consultants are available to provide confidential guidance on resources for transitioning from military care to VA support, employment programs for veterans and coping with invisible wounds.

WATCH WARRIORS SHARE THEIR STORIES

www.realwarriors.net/multimedia

WATCH EMPOWERING VIDEOS OF REAL

SERVICE MEMBERS and veterans who reached out for psychological support or care with successful outcomes, including learning coping skills, maintaining their security clearance and continuing to succeed in their military or civilian careers. Remember to check www.realwarriors.net/multimedia frequently for new videos of warriors who have sought and received care.

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SHARE YOUR STORY ON OUR MESSAGE BOARDS

www.realwarriors.net/forum

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EXPERIENCING STRESS and psychological health concerns is common. Interacting with others who have shared similar experiences can be a helpful part of the recovery process. No matter where you are, you can always visit the veterans section of the Real Warriors Campaign message boards to share your story and exchange tips with other veterans experiencing the transition to post-military life.

EDUCATE YOURSELF

www.realwarriors.net/veterans

THE REAL WARRIORS CAMPAIGN website features articles written just for veterans about important resources that can help you address the unique challenges of transitioning to veteran status. Topics include: applying for a discharge upgrade, translating military experience into civilian employment, tips and resources for transitioning back to school and an article series on transitioning to VA.

“This country owes a profound debt to all veterans, and military families. In these tough economic times, we’re especially cognizant of our service members transitioning to civilian life … And we must give them the best possible tools to succeed in professional pursuits.”

— Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta

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VET CENTERS provide free and confidential readjustment counseling, outreach and referral services to veterans who have served in combat zones and their families back home. Vet Centers are community based and staffed by fellow combat veterans who understand what it is like to serve. To find a Vet Center closest to you, visit www.vetcenter.va.gov.

VISIT YOUR LOCAL VET CENTER

www.vetcenter.va.gov

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SEEK ADVICE FROM THE MILITARY CRISIS LINE

800-273-8255 and Press 1

THE MILITARY CRISIS LINE connects veterans in crisis and their loved ones with confidential support 24/7. Those in need can access the Military Crisis Line at 800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online by visiting www.militarycrisisline.net or send a text message to 838255 for immediate help. The Military Crisis Line offers qualified, caring responders through its confidential toll-free hotline, online chat and text message support. Many of the responders are veterans themselves and can relate to the unique experiences, including transition challenges, that many veterans face. For more information, visit www.militarycrisisline.net.

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REACHING OUT IS A SIGN OF STRENGTHYou Are Not Alone

TALK to a trained health resource consultant 24/7 for free: Call 866-966-1020 or log on to www.realwarriors.net/livechat

CONNECT with other warriors, families and health professionals: www.realwarriors.net/forum

SPEAK with a personal coach during your transition: www.health.mill/intransition

ENGAGE with the Real Warriors Campaign community in social media: www.twitter.com/realwarriors www.facebook.com/realwarriors

VISIT your community Vet Center: www.vetcenter.va.gov

CALL the Military Crisis Line if you are in a crisis: 800-273-8255 and Press 1

To order additional copies visitwww.realwarriors.net/materials/order.