VETERANS PRESS: Military culture

Military culture is internalized by most service members and veterans but sometimes a mystery to their family members and friends. Military values such as sacrifice, honor, humility, collective effort, and a desire to limit risk or harm to others are important to understand. Veterans share a special camaraderie and bond between them because they go through challenging situations both in training and during deployments. They also share a sense of Duty to Country. 

When a veteran is reluctant to get help, these values can become your talking points to getting the veteran in your life to consider mental health treatment. Make it the family mission. But first and foremost, validate their feelings and just listen. Don’t bombard them with questions. If needed, help them find help. See the “North Idaho Resource Directory” in this edition.