Supporting Veterans’ Mental Health: How Families and Communities Can Help

When veterans return home, the adjustment can be overwhelming. Transitioning from military life back into civilian routines brings unique challenges — trauma, mental health struggles, and uncertainty about where to turn for help. Families, friends, and communities play a critical role in this reintegration.

In this episode of Giving Voice to Depression, Dr. Don Sanz — a combat veteran, psychologist, and advocate for veterans’ mental health — explains how we can better support veterans as they navigate life after service. He outlines practical ways to show compassion and provide meaningful support: listening without judgment, observing changes in behavior, encouraging professional help, and practicing patience as veterans heal.

Whether you’re a family member, friend, or neighbor, this conversation will help you understand how to show up for the veterans in your life in ways that truly matter.

Primary Topics Covered:

• Unique challenges veterans face when transitioning to civilian life
• The importance of listening without judgment
• How to observe veterans’ behavior and mood with care
• Encouraging veterans to seek available mental health services
• Why patience is critical during reintegration
• The role of families in learning about available resources
• How neighbors and coworkers can show nonjudgmental support
• The value of welcoming veterans and expressing gratitude
• State-run veteran service offices and how they help
• Why healing and adjustment take time after returning home

Timestamps:
 00:00 – Introduction to the podcast and episode focus
 01:07 – Why this week’s episode centers on veterans’ mental health
 02:06 – Introducing guest Dr. Don Sanz, combat veteran and psychologist
 02:54 – Why many veterans don’t disclose their service experience
 03:20 – Understanding unique pressures across different wars and conflicts
 03:52 – Veterans’ mental health challenges after returning home
 04:34 – Three key supports: listen, observe, and encourage
 05:43 – Why nonjudgmental listening matters
 06:59 – Learning about resources before a veteran returns home
 07:32 – How neighbors and communities can support veterans
 08:46 – State-run veteran service offices explained
 09:53 – The difficulty of navigating resources after service
 10:17 – Why the transition home is often overwhelming
 11:06 – The importance of patience with reintegration
 11:37 – Closing thanks and reflections

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