When asked the question, "What does mental health mean to you?" Here's what our heroes had to say.
"Functioning in today’s society while living with the memories of what I did during the Vietnam war. Learning coping skills from counseling of how to deal with the memories and anxieties when they come back. Finding people/veterans that are trustworthy to talk to about our personal experiences and emotions from our combat experiences."
"It's hard to connect with people that haven't been in a war and feel that they truly understand. Everyone of us has fought a different war. First being in a war then the piece of it you bring home with you. I travel 2 hrs to see my practitioner because I trust her. Trust in my provider is the most important thing to me."
"The day I started focusing on my own mental health and fitness, everything else slowly fell into place. Homeless to Champion can happen if you don't give up."
"Once I realized I needed helped and started going to therapy life started falling into place!"
"Mental health means backing myself—with the right resources, solid relationships, and the skills to keep moving forward”
“To me, mental health is being able to be myself around my peers and family. Understand that sometimes you will need to ask for help which is okay.”
"Mental health to me is finding a productive way offreeing yourself of the prison that can be your owns thoughts. For me, that has been cycling and fitness. Something so small has helped me free my mind and brought me pure joy."
“Mental is very important. Mental health means not only caring for my own well-being but also being present for others—offering empathy, listening without judgment, and creating safe spaces where people feel seen and supported. Helping others through their struggles reminds me that healing is a shared journey, and kindness can be a powerful force for resilience and hope.”
“Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem — a battle lost before the fight is over. Every soldier knows that pain, fear, and chaos are part of the mission, but they pass with time and with your brothers and sisters beside you. Hold the line, because tomorrow’s fight might just bring the victory you’ve been fighting for.“
“Mental health is important for everyone! Caring for it can save lives.”