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What do Prince Harry, former first lady Michelle Obama and country music star Chris Stapleton have in common?

All three are involved in the Change Directions initiative. The goal of this campaign is to change the culture of mental health in America so that all of those in need receive the care and support they deserve.

In the United States, the observance of Veterans’ Day provides us an opportunity to remember our veterans’ service and sacrifice. You might be shocked and concerned by the statistic which states that 22 veterans commit suicide daily. Another statistic states that 20% of American Iraqi war veterans are affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

How should we respond?  Do we care?  What should we do?

Prince Harry of Wales says, “The military families protect and defend us.  Sometimes they come home with physical injuries.  Sometimes they come home with invisible injuries.  Mental health is a sensitive subject, but it doesn’t need to be.  We need to talk about it more.  We need to learn how to recognize the five signs when someone is in emotional pain:  They are:

• personality change
• agitation
• withdrawal
• poor self-care
• hopelessness

Michelle Obama adds, “It can be very hard to see someone you love struggling with mental health issues.  The most important thing you can do is encourage that person to seek help.”

For information on how to help a person who is in emotional pain visit Change Direction.

Also become familiar with the Veterans Crisis Line .

www.veteranscrisisline.net
1-800-273-8255, Press 1
TTY: 1-800-799-4889

This organization connects veterans in crisis (and their families and friends) with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential, toll-free hotline, online chat, or text.