The Disabled Veterans National Foundation (DVNF) (www.dvnf.org) is urging veterans with PTSD and/or depression to seek the help they need during the vulnerable winter months.

Depression is an illness that tends to be exacerbated by cold temperatures and shorter daylight hours. Even when veterans have been coping with the illness, the winter months can often expose vulnerability, making it harder to handle alone.

DVNF is reminding veterans that there is no shame in getting treatment, as this is a medical illness, not a weakness.

“Our veterans withstood countless perils throughout their military service, and decompressing from this can be a long process,” said Joseph VanFonda (USMC SgtMaj Ret.), CEO of DVNF. “However, I want to remind veterans struggling with depression or PTSD that there is hope, and that the earlier you seek treatment, the better of you will be.”

VanFonda is encouraging veterans in need of assistance to take a look at the following resources that are available to veterans:

If you’re experiencing a crisis, or you’re having thoughts of suicide:

• Call 911
• Go to the nearest Emergency Room
• Call the Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 
• Contact the Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1 (text 838255) or Confidential Veterans Chat with a counselor

In addition, veterans struggling with PTSD or depression can also take advantage of many additional mental health resources the VA offers.

Here are other helpful resources, courtesy of the VA’s National Center for PTSD:

PTSD Care for Everyone

• Finding a Therapist – Information, phone numbers and websites to help locate care for PTSD.
• Help for Family and Friends – Learn about resources to help you take care of yourself while supporting someone with PTSD.

PTSD Care for Veterans, Military, and Families

• See Help for Veterans with PTSD to learn how to enroll for VA health care and get an assessment.
• All VA Medical Centers provide PTSD care, as well as many VA clinics.
• Some VA’s have programs specializing in PTSD treatment. Use the VA PTSD Program Locator to find a PTSD program.
• If you are a war Veteran, find a Vet Center to help with the transition from military to civilian life.
• Call the 24/7 Veteran Combat Call Center 1-877-WAR-VETS (1-877-927-8387) to talk to another combat Veteran.
• DoD’s Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) 24/7 Outreach Center for Psychological Health & Traumatic Brain Injury provides information and helps locate resources.
• Call 1-866-966-1020 or email resources@dcoeoutreach.org
• Military OneSource
• Call 24/7 for counseling and many resources 1-800-342-9647.
• Need further assistance? Get Help with VA PTSD Care, Benefits, or Claims.

For more, visit www.dvnf.org.

About DVNF:

The Disabled Veterans National Foundation exists to provide critically needed support to disabled and at-risk veterans who leave the military wounded—physically or psychologically—after defending our safety and our freedom.

We achieve this mission by:

• Providing an online resource database that allows veterans to navigate the complex process of seeking benefits that they are entitled to as a result of their military service, as well as additional resources they need.
• Offering direct financial support to veteran organizations that address the unique needs of veterans, and whose missions align with that of DVNF.
• Providing supplemental assistance to homeless and low-income veterans through the Health & Comfort program and various empowerment resources.
• Serving as a thought leader on critical policy issues within the veteran community, and educating the public accordingly.