VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System

Make the Connection

The VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System wants to educate our Veterans, their families and friends on the conditions that surround mental health and how to seek help if it is needed.

Long stigmatized in the past - based on a lack of understanding - enlighten attitudes towards mental health issues are changing. Today, treatment is readily available to help diagnose and work on recovery. Quality of care for Veteran’s includes raising awareness around important health topics including mental health.

Along with the delivery of quality and effective treatment for mental health the VA also strives to provide the best mental healthcare possible by focusing on research and recovery.  We continue to learn how various treatments and medications can be improved to help veterans cope while recovering.

Take the first step - Reach out and ask for help
Mental health issues can cause changes in thinking, feelings, behavior, and physical activity, but it can be difficult to tell if you or your loved ones are affected by a mental health illness. Without seeking help, mental health issues could potentially impact careers, families, social interactions, and often contributing to veteran homelessness. 

The VA has made ending Veteran homelessness a top priority, undertaking an unprecedented campaign to dramatically increase awareness of VA services available for homeless Veterans and Veterans at risk of becoming homeless.

The most important thing to remember is to talk with your primary care or mental health care provider when you are experiencing problems.  Your health care team is there to help you figure out what’s going on and what to do about it.

Signs and symptoms of mental health conditions can include:

• Feeling nervous or very sad
• Weakness and muscle tension
• Headaches or other physical pain
• Irritability or anger
• Having less energy, motivation, or interests
• Problems functioning at home, work, or school
• Problems with attention, concentration, or memory
• Changes in sleep, appetite, weight, or being intimate with a loved one
• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, or hopelessness
• Unhealthy and risky behaviors (misusing drugs, alcohol, food, or excessive spending to cope with stress)

If you or a loved one is experiencing any of the symptoms associated with mental health disorders you owe it to yourself and loved ones to get help.  By knowing the risks and taking steps to get help we can bring our loved ones and ourselves closer to living mentally-healthy lives!

VA Resources include:

Veterans Crisis Line
1-800-273-8255 and Press 1

Send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Support for Deaf / Hard of Hearing
TTY service 1-800-799-4889

Step Forward - Make the Connection

Mental Health – MyhealtheVet

Mental Health Problems and Stigma - MyhealtheVet