A dedicated space for information, tools and guidance to support the mental health of those who have served and the leaders who work beside them.
The content and resources on this page are sourced in partnership with Under the Hat’s trusted mental health partners and clinical experts.
Together, we aim to help veterans and their teams build understanding, strengthen everyday wellbeing,
and create workplaces that honor service with empathy and respect.
You have already handled tough missions. Taking care of your mental health is one more way to stay strong — at work, at home and in your community.
Leaving the military means trading one culture for another. Civilian life can feel less structured and sometimes confusing. You might be figuring out new routines, reconnecting with family or finding where you fit on a new team. These shifts can bring pride, excitement, frustration or restlessness. All of it is valid.
Tip: adjusting does not mean starting over. Carry your discipline, focus and teamwork into a new mission — your wellbeing.
Not every veteran experiences PTSD, but it is common to face stress that feels deeper or harder to shake. You might notice sleep problems, irritability, pulling away from people, or guilt and sadness that linger. You are not alone, and you do not need to push through it. Counseling, peer support or group programs can make life easier and calmer.
Talking about it does not make you weak. It means you are choosing to stay mission ready for yourself and the people who count on you.
Asking for help takes strength. Messages about self-reliance run deep, but mental health is not a solo operation. Whether you want short-term counseling, family support, or specialized care, there are trusted, confidential options.
Learn about services in your country.
Downloadable toolkits, support guides and caregiver resources tailored to veterans and their families.
Support is available 24/7 across North America. You are never alone — help is always one call or text away.
If someone is in danger, stay with them and connect them to help. You do not need to fix it — just being there matters.
Leaders play a critical role in helping veterans feel seen, valued, and supported. You don’t need to diagnose or fix — your role is to listen, set clear expectations and remove barriers so every employee can thrive.
Veterans often adjust from structured, mission-based teams to more fluid civilian workplaces. Clear leadership lines and communication expectations may feel different. Give time for learning, feedback and growth — these differences are about culture, not capability.
“Your job isn’t to diagnose, it’s to understand and lead with clarity.”
Trust grows from reliability and respect, not grand gestures.
Not everyone who’s struggling will say so. Watch for sudden changes in behavior, mood, or focus. If you notice a shift, approach with care and respect:
When leaders talk about mental health, stigma fades. Remind teams that benefits are confidential and meant for everyone. Model healthy boundaries: take breaks, use time off and share simple coping strategies that work for you.
“Stigma disappears when leaders model care.”
Trauma-informed workplaces assume people may carry unseen experiences. Create safety by being respectful, consistent and transparent:
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Listen more than you speak. | Asking intrusive questions about service or deployments. |
| Use plain, clear communication. | Using jokes or stereotypes about toughness or trauma. |
| Offer flexibility without singling anyone out. | Treating all veterans as the same. |
| Reinforce confidentiality. | Discussing someone’s mental health or veteran status publicly. |
If a team member opens up about stress or difficulty, acknowledge their courage. Ask what would help most and guide them to confidential options like your company’s EAP, the VA or trusted local providers.
Good leaders don’t need special training to make a difference, they need to listen, respect privacy and follow through. Veterans bring focus, discipline and problem-solving skills to your team. When they feel understood, everyone performs better.
“Support starts with empathy and ends with action.”