What to Do if a Veteran You Know Is Struggling

When someone you care about has served in the military, you want the best for them. Veterans give so much in service, but life after the uniform can bring challenges that are often invisible to others. Some veterans face struggles with mental health, housing, or adjusting to civilian life. If you have noticed changes in a veteran you know, you may feel unsure how to respond. You may worry about saying the wrong thing, not recognizing the signs, or accidentally making things worse.

These feelings are normal. Many families, friends, and neighbors feel the same way when they see someone they love begin to withdraw, struggle, or show signs of distress. The good news is that you are not alone in this, and there are effective steps you can take to offer meaningful support. National Veterans Homeless Support (NVHS) is here to provide guidance, resources, and a safety net for veterans and their loved ones. By helping a veteran connect with NVHS, you open the door to resources, support, and a community that refuses to let them walk this journey alone.

Notice Shifts Before They Become Crises

The first step is learning to notice the signs. Struggles do not always look the same for every veteran, and many hide their pain behind silence or a brave face. Some common indicators include:

• Withdrawing from family, friends, or activities they once enjoyed
• Sudden mood changes, irritability, or anger that feels out of character
• Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares
• Expressing feelings of hopelessness, guilt, or being a burden
• Struggling to maintain work, housing, or daily responsibilities
• Increased use of alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism
• Talking about death, giving away belongings, or saying things like “you’d be better off without me”

Noticing these signs early matters. On a single night in January 2024, 32,882 veterans were counted as homeless, the lowest total ever recorded in the Point-in-Time survey. Yet even with that drop, thousands of veterans remain without stable shelter, and many more live on the edge. That’s why knowing how to recognize signs and act is critical. Recognizing when something is off gives you the chance to step in with compassion and connect them to the help they deserve.

Breaking Through the Fear of Saying the Wrong Thing

Even when you recognize the signs, you may still feel stuck. Many people hesitate to speak up for a few reasons:

• Fear of saying the wrong thing and pushing the veteran further away
• Worrying that you will not know how to respond if they open up
• Feeling like their struggles are “too big” for you to handle
• Not knowing what resources to connect them with

It is natural to feel uncertain, but silence often does more harm than reaching out. Veterans who are struggling need to know someone cares enough to ask, listen, and guide them toward help.

Words That Open Doors Instead of Closing Them

Having an honest conversation may feel overwhelming, but it does not have to be complicated. You do not need perfect words or a professional script to make an impact. Start with compassion and respect:

• Choose a quiet, private place. Create an environment where they feel safe to open up.
• Lead with concern, not judgment. Use phrases like “I’ve noticed you don’t seem yourself lately” or “I care about you and wanted to check in.”
• Listen more than you speak. Allow them to share what they feel without interrupting or trying to “fix” it immediately.
• Acknowledge their strength. Remind them that seeking help is a sign of courage, not weakness.
• Offer to stand with them. Sometimes the most powerful words are “you don’t have to go through this alone.”

By creating space for honesty, you give the veteran permission to share what they may have been holding inside for too long.

Building a Bridge From Struggle to Support

Once you have opened the door, the next step is connecting them with resources that can help. Veterans often feel overwhelmed by the maze of services and organizations available. This is where NVHS becomes a critical partner.

NVHS specializes in supporting veterans through housing, outreach, and programs designed to address immediate needs and long-term stability. Whether the veteran is facing homelessness, struggling with post-traumatic stress, or simply in need of guidance, our team can connect them with support tailored to their situation.

By guiding your loved one toward NVHS, you give them more than information. You give them a trusted ally who understands veterans, the challenges they face, and the pathways that lead to recovery and stability.

One Conversation Can Alter a Veteran’s Future

You may wonder if reaching out will really make an impact. The truth is, one person’s care can make all the difference. Taking the step to talk, listen, and connect a struggling veteran with support can:

• Reduce feelings of isolation and hopelessness
• Prevent crises, including homelessness and suicide
• Provide access to essential resources like housing, counseling, and financial assistance
• Rebuild trust and remind the veteran they are valued
• Create a bridge from crisis to stability

When you act, you become a vital part of the veteran’s safety net.

Turning Struggle Into Stability Through Hands-On Help

At NVHS, we know that no two stories are alike. That is why our programs are designed to be flexible and compassionate. Veterans who come to us receive more than a referral; they receive ongoing support from people who understand military culture and the challenges that can come after service.

Our approach includes:

• Outreach and connection to veterans living on the streets or in unstable conditions
• Transitional and permanent housing to give veterans a stable foundation
• Guidance on navigating resources, including VA benefits, counseling, and financial support
• Community partnerships that open doors to healthcare, employment, and transportation
• A focus on dignity and respect so every veteran knows they are seen, valued, and not forgotten

When you encourage a veteran to reach out to NVHS, you give them access to a complete network of care designed with their needs in mind.

Turning Compassion Into Action That Lasts

Supporting a struggling veteran goes beyond the initial conversation. You can also:

• Accompany them to appointments or meetings with support organizations
• Help them complete paperwork or applications for assistance
• Encourage consistent check-ins to show you care about their progress
• Share information about NVHS with others in your community
• Advocate for veterans in your workplace, church, or local groups

Every action, big or small, reinforces the message that veterans are not alone and that their community values them.

Acting Now Creates Brighter Tomorrows

Struggles can escalate quickly if left unaddressed. Housing insecurity, untreated trauma, and financial instability can spiral into crises that feel impossible to overcome. By taking action today, you can help prevent a veteran from slipping further into hardship.

NVHS exists to stop that spiral by providing immediate help and long-term solutions. The earlier veterans are connected with support, the greater their chances of recovery, stability, and hope for the future.

Turn Awareness Into Lasting Impact

If a veteran you know is struggling, you do not have to carry the weight of figuring it out alone. By learning to recognize the signs, approaching with compassion, and connecting them with trusted support, you become part of their path to healing.

At NVHS, we are committed to standing with veterans and their families every step of the way. Our housing programs, outreach efforts, and supportive network are designed to provide stability, dignity, and hope when it is needed most.

Now is the time to act. If you know a veteran who is struggling, encourage them to connect with our team for helpful resources. Get in touch with our team today and give them the chance to move from hardship to hope, from uncertainty to stability, and from silence to strength. Together, we can make sure no veteran is left behind.