Mental Health for Missouri's Veterans and Families

03/12/2026

State of Missouri Veterans Hiring Event

The State of Missouri is hosting a Veterans Hiring Event on Thursday, March 19, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. This event is hosted by the Missouri Office of Administration and veterans may attend at no cost. The event will be held at St. Louis Community College – Forest Park in St. Louis. Several state agencies will be on hand to provide career exploration information to veterans. For more information about preregistration, please visit https://events.mocareers.mo.gov/

03/09/2026

Path to Better Sleep (by Veterans Health Administration (VHA) - U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs)

Sleep is vital to your well-being. It affects both mental and physical health. This veteran training program is designed to help you with a variety of sleep challenges.
https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/VETERANTRAINING/sleep/index.asp

03/05/2026

Emotional wellness is the ability to successfully handle life’s stresses and adapt to change and difficult times.

How you feel can affect your ability to carry out everyday activities, your relationships, and your overall mental health. How you react to your experiences and feelings can change over time. Take a look at the Emotional Wellness Toolkit https://www.nih.gov/health-information/your-healthiest-self-wellness-toolkits/emotional-wellness-toolkit

03/02/2026

Did You Know...

According to a 2025 Missouri Rural Health Association report, more than 60% of Missouri Veterans live with service-related health issues.

Read the full report https://mrhassociation.org/research

02/26/2026

Understanding Your Risk for Cannabis Use Disorder (by CDC)

Some people who use cannabis will develop cannabis use disorder, meaning that they are unable to stop using cannabis even though it's causing health and social problems in their lives. Read the data, know the signs of cannabis use disorder, and more.
https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/health-effects/cannabis-use-disorder.html

02/23/2026

National Eating Disorders Awareness Week (Feb 23 - Mar 1)

The emphasis on physical fitness, weight, and body shape in the military increases risk for developing an eating disorder. Exposure to trauma causes emotional distress that active-duty personnel and veterans may cope with in unhealthy ways, including disordered eating. Download the Eating Disorders in Military Personnel and Veterans document to learn more https://dmh.mo.gov/veterans

02/22/2026

Does asking someone about su***de put the idea in their head?

No. Studies have shown that asking people about suicidal thoughts and behaviors does not cause or increase such thoughts. Asking someone directly, “Are you thinking about su***de?” can be the best way to identify someone at risk for su***de.

Asking the question about su***de can let the person know that you see them and that you care. Talking can give them a chance to share openly about the stressors in their life that are causing them to be at risk.
Reach out today and conduct a Buddy Check. If you notice any warning signs of su***de, ask the question. It may help save a life.
***dePrevention

02/19/2026

Understanding the Opioid Overdose Epidemic (by )

Learn about opioid-involved overdose deaths, the three waves of opioid overdose deaths, and some of the work being done through the CDC to support states and communities.
https://www.cdc.gov/overdose-prevention/about/understanding-the-opioid-overdose-epidemic.html

02/17/2026

Emotion Regulation (by Simply Psychology)

Being able to regulate emotions is important since our emotions are closely connected to how we think and feel. Essentially, emotional regulation can influence behavior.

https://www.simplypsychology.org/emotional-regulation.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawQBXgBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBicmlkETJDRTdoazc4Q0lWc3N6Ymduc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHj_roik7xFWBd4wXUl4XLoQaWqcDRCeBzn5ml9vRTMk9VbAlN3HWSuJshRU2_aem_tPcv7VzyTXlkB5O6lTht4g

Emotional regulation refers to the processes individuals use to manage and respond to their emotional experiences in appropriate and adaptive ways. It encompasses strategies to amplify, maintain, or decrease one's emotional responses.

02/12/2026

How Deployment Stress Affects Families

When a Service member deploys, a family faces change and stress. In times of war or conflict, emotions may be even higher. Learn about common challenges families face during a deployment cycle.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/family/effect_deployment_stress.asp

02/09/2026

Let's welcome our newest member to the Wellness Champion program!

Debbie is a Wellness Champion volunteer at American Legion Post 94 in Troy, Missouri. As a Wellness Champion, working with the Missouri Department of Mental Health - Veterans Services, she will:
•Inform members about a wide range of resources and assist members with connecting to local services and programs.
•Provide messaging to members on wellness related topics.
•Promote training and education opportunities related to wellness.
Debbie, thank you for being a part of this program and taking care of the post.

Commander Mike Bath, thank you for supporting Deb and looking out for the wellness of your members.

Does your post have a Wellness Champion? Call DMH Veterans Services to learn more 573-751-2368.

The American Legion Department of Missouri The American Legion National Headquarters

02/09/2026

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), some of the symptom can look like a mental health issue.

TBI is an injury to the head that affects the way the brain works. There are a few symptoms of PTSD and TBI that overlap. Some common examples include sleep problems, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and more. Learn more about TBI, symptoms, and how to seek help.

Apply for and manage the VA benefits and services you’ve earned as a Veteran, Servicemember, or family member—like health care, disability, education, and more.