Struggling This Winter? Veteran Mental Health Resources That Can Help
January is one of the hardest months of the year for many people—and for veterans, it can hit even harder. The holidays are over, the days are short and dark, and if you’re already dealing with PTSD, depression, or anxiety, this time of year can make everything feel heavier. If your veteran mental health has taken a dip lately, you’re not alone. And there’s help available.
Why Winter Is Hard on Veteran Mental Health
There’s a reason January and February feel so difficult. Less sunlight affects your brain chemistry, disrupting sleep, energy levels, and mood. For some people, this leads to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)—a form of depression that shows up in fall and winter and lifts in spring.
Common signs include feeling tired no matter how much you sleep, craving carbs, gaining weight, withdrawing from friends and family, and losing interest in things you used to enjoy.
For veterans already managing mental health challenges, winter can make symptoms worse. The isolation of cold weather, combined with post-holiday letdown, can amplify feelings of depression, anxiety, or hopelessness.
Roughly one-third of veterans experience symptoms of depression. And male veterans are nearly 60% more likely than non-veterans to die by suicide—for female veterans, the rate is even higher. These numbers aren’t meant to scare you—they’re meant to remind you that what you’re feeling is real, it’s common, and it deserves attention.
You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis to Get Help
One of the most important things to know: you don’t need to be in crisis to reach out. The VA offers mental health support for veterans at every stage—whether you’re just feeling off, struggling to get through the day, or somewhere in between.
Here are resources available to you right now:
Veterans Crisis Line: If you’re in crisis or just need to talk, dial 988 and press 1. You can also text 838255 or chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net. It’s free, confidential, and available 24/7. You don’t have to be suicidal to call—the line is there for any veteran who’s struggling.
VA Mental Health Services: You can walk into any VA medical center and ask for mental health support—anytime, day or night. The VA now offers same-day mental health care at many locations. And through 2027, veterans pay no copays for their first three outpatient mental health visits each year.
Vet Center Call Center: Call 1-877-927-8387 to talk with fellow veterans and family members who understand military life. Available 24/7.
Make the Connection: Visit MakeTheConnection.net to hear stories from other veterans and find resources tailored to what you’re going through.
Your Mental Health Can Affect Your VA Rating
Here’s something many veterans don’t realize: if your mental health has gotten worse, your VA disability rating may need to change.
The VA rates mental health conditions—including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and others—based on how much they affect your daily life and ability to work. Ratings range from 0% to 100%, with most veterans landing at 30%, 50%, or 70% depending on the severity of their symptoms.
If you were rated years ago but your symptoms have worsened, you may be entitled to a higher rating and more monthly compensation. Signs that your rating may be too low include:
- Difficulty holding a job or maintaining relationships
- Increased isolation, anger, or mood swings
- Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or completing daily tasks
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
- Panic attacks or a constant state of anxiety or depression
You can file a claim for an increased rating by submitting new medical evidence that shows your condition has worsened.
If your mental health prevents you from working, you may also qualify for Total Disability Individual Unemployability (TDIU), which pays at the 100% rate even if your combined rating is lower.
Small Steps Matter
While professional support is important, there are also small things you can do right now to take care of yourself this winter:
Get outside during daylight hours. Even 15 minutes of natural light in the morning can help regulate your mood and sleep.
Move your body. Exercise doesn’t have to mean the gym. A walk around the block counts.
Stay connected. Isolation makes everything harder. Reach out to a friend, fellow veteran, or family member—even a short phone call helps.
Stick to a routine. When motivation is low, structure can carry you through. Try to wake up, eat, and go to bed at consistent times.
Limit alcohol. It might feel like it helps in the moment, but alcohol is a depressant and can make symptoms worse over time.
Check in with yourself. Ask yourself honestly: Am I doing okay? If the answer is no, that’s not weakness. That’s awareness—and it’s the first step toward getting help.
We’re Here for You
At Tucker Disability Law, we fight for veterans every day—not just for their claims, but for their wellbeing. If your mental health is affecting your life and you’re not sure whether your VA rating reflects that, we’re here to help you figure it out.
You’ve already served. You don’t have to struggle alone.
Reach out for a free consultation, and let’s make sure you’re getting the support and benefits you’ve earned.
We never give up.
Use the blue contact section to call us, live chat with us, or message us. You can also message us using our confidential contact form
Crisis Resources:
- Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, Press 1 | Text 838255 | Chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net
- Vet Center Call Center: 1-877-927-8387 (24/7)
- VA Mental Health Services: Walk into any VA medical center or call to schedule
