Innovative Approaches to Better Support Our Veterans

Mental health challenges among veterans have long been a topic of concern, but in recent years, the urgency to address this issue has grown as we witness an increase in suicide rates, PTSD, and other mental health conditions affecting those who served. As we acknowledge the sacrifices veterans make, it’s equally important that we support their mental health and well-being after they return home.

Stories from Veterans and their family underscore the growing recognition of mental health care in the military community and the importance of finding solutions that break down barriers to support. Veterans are at a significantly higher risk for suicide and mental health challenges compared to the general population. The stress of combat, reintegration into civilian life, and the stigma surrounding mental health care can contribute to feelings of isolation and despair. According to a 2021 report from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an average of 17 veterans die by suicide each day in 2019 (U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2021). The figure is alarming, but what is perhaps even more concerning is that many veterans are hesitant to seek help due to concerns about their personal well-being being stigmatized. The aftermath of the withdrawal from Afghanistan is a poignant example of this crisis. Many veterans who served in Afghanistan have expressed intense struggles with the rapid collapse of the government and the ensuing chaos, compounded by feelings of guilt, helplessness, and loss.

One powerful story that Sound Off highlights is the role of a military spouse in advocating for her husband's mental health. Sydney Negley Mulder, the wife of a veteran who served in Afghanistan, shares her experience of helping her husband through his struggles with PTSD and the impact of the Afghanistan collapse that led to William “Bill” Mulder to commit suicide. Recognizing the weight of her husband's mental health struggles, Sydney became a vocal advocate for the importance of supporting veterans' mental health. This personal narrative is an important part of the conversation about mental health support for veterans. It highlights that the journey to healing is not just an individual one—families are deeply involved, and their support can be transformative.

William Negley, a former CIA officer and son of a mental health professional, wanted to help other veterans and families not experience what his sister, Sydney Negley Mulder, had experienced with the tragic death of her husband. So, he created Sound Off, which is an anonymous online platform where veterans can discuss their struggles in a safe space without revealing their identity. The platform emphasizes the importance of peer support, providing veterans with a sense of community and understanding. Through Sound Off, veterans can share their stories, exchange coping strategies, and find the emotional support they need to navigate the complexities of reintegration into civilian life. The platform aims to bridge the gap between traditional mental health services and the need for immediate, peer-driven support. Sound Off’s unique approach of providing anonymity allows veterans to discuss their most vulnerable experiences without the fear of judgment, which can be a huge barrier to seeking help. This approach has helped countless veterans find support and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health care

Anonymous counseling is emerging as a powerful solution to combat the reluctance many veterans feel about seeking help. In traditional therapy settings, veterans might be concerned that their mental health struggles could affect their career or reputation. Anonymity removes that barrier, allowing veterans to talk openly about their experiences and feelings without fear of judgment or consequences. This can be especially important for individuals with PTSD or other conditions related to their service, where the stigma around "showing weakness" can be overwhelming. Several veteran support organizations have adopted anonymous counseling models, including chat-based services, hotlines, and even video therapy, where the client’s identity can remain private. These platforms have the potential to reach a large number of veterans who might not otherwise seek help, offering them an opportunity to heal and find community support without fear of judgment.

While technology plays a critical role, it’s also essential to recognize the broader societal factors that contribute to veterans’ mental health struggles. Combating stigma, offering more robust mental health resources, and fostering an environment where veterans feel valued and supported are crucial steps that need to happen both within the military and in civilian society. We must continue to create solutions that allow veterans to access the help they need, whether it’s through apps like Sound Off, anonymous counseling services, or community-based mental health programs. It's not just about preventing suicide—it's about providing a strong support network, addressing underlying trauma, and ensuring veterans have access to resources that help them build healthy, fulfilling lives after service.

References:

Murphy, J. (2022, May 17). Navy SEAL veteran develops app to help with mental health, suicide prevention. Yahoo News. https://www.yahoo.com/news/navy-seal-veteran-mental-health-suicide-app-191341053.html 

Sound Off (2025, January). Afghanistan’s collapse spotlights veterans’ mental health struggles: Could anonymous counseling help. https://sound-off.com/2023/07/01/afghanistans-collapse-spotlights-veterans-mental-health-struggles-could-anonymous-counseling-help/ 

U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. (2021) 2021 National Veteran Suicide Prevention Annual Report. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 2021.

By: Carley DeRoche

Executive Director