Each May, National Military Appreciation Month serves as a time to recognize and honor the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who serve or have served in the United States Armed Forces. It is a moment for gratitude, but also for awareness. Beyond ceremonies and thank-yous, this month offers an opportunity to reflect on the ongoing challenges many service members, veterans, and military families face, particularly when it comes to mental health and substance use.

Honoring military service means more than recognition. It means supporting the well-being of those who have given so much.

The Invisible Weight of Service

Military life often requires individuals to operate in high-stress, high-risk environments. From deployment and combat exposure to long separations from family, service members carry experiences that can deeply impact their mental and emotional health.

Many veterans and active-duty personnel experience conditions such as:

• Post-traumatic stress (PTS/PTSD)

• Depression and anxiety

• Sleep disturbances

• Moral injury or survivor’s guilt

• Difficulty transitioning to civilian life

These experiences are not signs of weakness. They are natural responses to extraordinary circumstances. However, without proper support, they can lead to ongoing distress and challenges in daily life.

The Link Between Mental Health and Substance Use

For some service members and veterans, substances such as alcohol or drugs may be used as a way to cope with stress, trauma, or emotional pain. While this may provide temporary relief, it can lead to longer-term complications, including substance use disorders (SUDs).

Several factors can contribute to substance use within military and veteran populations:

• Exposure to trauma or combat-related stress

• Cultural norms around drinking in certain military environments

• Chronic pain or injuries leading to prescription medication use

• Barriers to seeking mental health care, including stigma or fear of career impact

• Challenges reintegrating into civilian life

It is important to understand that substance use is often connected to underlying mental health needs. Addressing both together through integrated care is key to effective recovery.

Breaking the Stigma Around Seeking Help

One of the biggest barriers to care within military communities is stigma. Service members are trained to be resilient, self-reliant, and mission-focused. While these qualities are strengths, they can also make it difficult to ask for help.

There may be fears about being perceived as weak, concerns about career consequences, or uncertainty about where to turn. National Military Appreciation Month is an opportunity to change that narrative and remind service members and veterans that seeking support is a sign of strength, not failure. Mental health care and substance use treatment are essential forms of readiness, resilience, and long-term wellness.

Pathways to Healing and Support

Recovery and mental wellness are possible with the right resources and support systems. Many services are available specifically for military members, veterans, and their families, including:

• Veterans Affairs (VA) services, offering mental health care, substance use treatment, and specialized programs

• Peer support groups, where shared experiences foster understanding and connection

• Trauma-informed therapy, including approaches tailored to military experiences

• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate

• Family and relationship counseling, supporting both individuals and their loved ones

In addition, practices such as mindfulness, physical activity, structured routines, and creative outlets can complement formal treatment and support emotional healing.

Supporting Military Families and Communities

The impact of military service extends beyond the individual. Families often experience stress, uncertainty, and adjustment challenges alongside their loved ones. Supporting military mental health means supporting the entire community.

Friends, family members, and communities can help by:

• Encouraging open, judgment-free conversations

• Learning about military-specific mental health challenges

• Offering consistent support and patience

• Sharing resources and helping reduce stigma

A Deeper Way to Show Appreciation

National Military Appreciation Month is more than a time to say “thank you.” It is a chance to show appreciation through action by advocating for accessible care, promoting awareness, and supporting those who may be silently struggling.

By recognizing the connection between mental health, substance use, and military service, we take an important step toward honoring not just the service, but the whole person behind the uniform.

This month, and every month, let us commit to supporting healing, fostering resilience, and ensuring that those who serve are never alone in their journey.