Getting Help

How to get help?

It is not unusual to feel overwhelmed or stressed before, during, or after a deployment. Use the contact information below and consider seeking help if you feel you are unable to cope on your own. You may also use this list if someone you know needs help.

When should I get help?

Staying connected can sustain the support network before and during deployment, but it is natural to feel sad and anxious during these times. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed with new roles and responsibilities, or feeling helpless to support the needs of the family, we all have bad days when our spouses or loved ones are thousands of miles away for months on end. Family members should not hesitate to seek professional assistance when the sadness or anxiety interferes with our ability to cope with the stressors.

If you need help finding a provider in your area contact Military One Source at www.militaryonesource.mil.

To contact a Military OneSource consultant for assistance, use the phone numbers or tools below, anytime, 24/7. You can also read the FAQs on Website Help, Face-to-Face Counseling, Telephonic Counseling, Online Counseling, Financial Consultation, and Specialty Consultations. Here you will find articles, booklets, resources, and websites on hundreds of topics.

Phone Numbers

•  Toll-Free: 1-800-342-9647

•  En español llame al: 1-877-888-0727

•  TTY/TDD: 1-866-607-6794

Contact a professional for assistance if you experience any of the following:

•  Hopelessness; feeling like there is no way out

•  Feelings of worthlessness or guilt

•  Feeling sad or down for more than two weeks

•  Problems concentrating, remembering or making decisions

•  Problems completing daily or routine activities

•  Severe anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, restlessness, mood swings

•  Feeling like there is no reason to live

•  Rage or anger

•  Engaging in risky behavior without considering the consequences

•  Increased alcohol or drug use

•  Withdrawing from family and friends

•  Losing interest in activities you used to enjoy

•  Significant weight gain or loss

The presence of the following requires immediate attention:

•  Thoughts of death – your own, or about others

•  Thinking and looking for ways to harm or kill yourself

•  Talking about death, dying, or suicide

•  Self- destructive behavior, such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.

If you are in crisis (i.e., you or someone else needs immediate help) you can call:

Military crisis line
To reach the confidential Military Crisis Line by talk, chat, or text to get help for yourself and/or a friend or family member:

•  Dial 911, in case of emergency

•  Dial 1-800-273-8255, press 1

•  Chat at the following address: www.veteranscrisisline.net

•  Text 838255

•  In Europe call 00800-1273-8255 or DSN 118* (in Europe, toll-free service may not be available through all carriers or in all countries)

DCoE Outreach Center
1-866-966-1020 for psychological health and traumatic brain injury resources

Military Pathways online screening
If you have reservations about calling a crisis line or visiting a doctor, you can visit Military Pathways at www.militarymentalhealth.org and do an online self-screening.