Honoring Veteran’s Mental Health
As the nation prepares to honor its servicemen and women this Veteran's Day, there is a renewed focus on not just physical, but also mental wellbeing. This observance comes amid growing awareness of the mental health challenges veterans face and the importance of providing them with adequate support.
Veteran's Day, observed annually on November 11, commemorates the end of World War I when hostilities ceased on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month in 1918. Originally known as Armistice Day, the U.S. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and November 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938. After World War II and the Korean War, the holiday was renamed Veteran's Day to honor American veterans of all wars.
The sacrifices made by veterans are immeasurable. Along with physical injuries, many veterans return home with unseen mental and emotional scars. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety are prevalent among this group, making the conversation around mental health ever more critical.
For those seeking help or resources related to veteran mental health, the Department of Veterans Affairs provides comprehensive support and services. This Veteran's Day, the call is clear: prioritize mental health and ensure that our heroes receive the care they deserve.
What is Mindfulness?
Mindfulness is the practice of being present and fully engaged in the present moment, without judgment or distraction. It involves paying attention to your thoughts, emotions, and sensations in a non-judgmental way, while also being aware of your surroundings.
The goal of mindfulness is to cultivate a sense of calm and inner peace, by focusing on the present moment and letting go of worries or distractions. This can be done through a variety of techniques, such as meditation, breathing exercises, or simply paying attention to your thoughts and feelings as they arise.
One of the key benefits of mindfulness is that it can help reduce stress and anxiety, by helping you to stay centered and focused on the present moment. It can also help improve your overall well-being, by promoting a sense of calm and inner peace.
There are many different ways to practice mindfulness, and what works best for one person may not work as well for another. Some people find it helpful to meditate regularly, while others prefer to engage in mindful activities like yoga or walking in nature. The important thing is to find a practice that works for you, and to make it a regular part of your routine.
Free Mental Health Resources in Cibola:
New Mexico Crisis and Access Line | www.nmcrisisline.com Crisis and Access Line | 1-855-NMCRISIS | 1-855-662-7474 Peer-to-Peer Warmline | 1-855-4NM-7100 | 1-855-466-7100 NMConnect smartphone app helps you easily access support in the moment you need it.
Call or Text 988 for quick, free, mental health support.
Village of Milan Police Department has a chaplain program that supports first responders in need. Understanding the wide community need for mental health support, MPD’s chaplain program can also serve the wider public, visit MPD at 619 Uranium Avenue, Milan, New Mexico, 87021.
MPD has a YANA Program to help those feeling lonely or depressed. People in the program will receive a free, daily phone call and will get the opportunity to chat. Visit https://www.villageofmilan. com/y.a.n.a._registration/ index.php for more information.