Meeting Mental Health Needs of Service Men and Women
Cape Cod News editorial staff
By turning a loss into an ongoing mission, Heroes in Transition addresses mental health needs of military personnel and their families
"Asking for for help is difficult for anyone, but our men and women that have served or are serving in the military ... it’s hard for them to ask for help because they are the strong ones ...."
— Nicole Spencer,
Executive Director, Heroes in Transition
What are mental health needs of military personnel?
The work life of a professional soldier creates some unique challenges, espeically when juxtiposed on the expectations of civilian life. The tasks required, the separation, the confidentialy, and the limited pool of people who understand the pressures of military life can create pressures ranging from difficulty in transitioning between service and civilian worlds, to anxiety, depression, trauma and PTSD.
What are the needs of military families?
Military spouses and families form a key part of the equation. Military support nonprofit organization Heroes in Transition specifically addresses family interactions and military family mental health needs as well as part of the mental wellness landscape of both active military service men and women and veterans.
What is Heroes in Transition?
Heroes in Transition is a nonprofit organization that addresses the mental well-being of active and retired military personnel and their families. It offers services not provided by formal federal and state agencies. One of its first offerings was a service dog matching program. Today it has 13 programs includes equestrian weekends, family camps, and six-week re-entry sessions for both men and women veterans.
What is Mental Health Awareness Month?
Since 1949 each May has served as a marker month to raise awareness about mental health and remove stigma, provide support, and educate the public.
