Hey Women Warriors,

Welcome to May: Mental Health, Appreciation & Action!

This month, we’re talking real about what’s under the armor with Tough, Trained, and Totally Human—a straight-up guide to veteran mental health. We’re saluting the superheroes behind the scenes with our Military Spouse Appreciation Day poem, busting PTSD myths in the VA Claims Corner, and tackling the awkward but essential: doc visits, Pap smears, and mammograms—oh my!

Don’t miss our shoutout to veteran-owned businesses during National Small Business Week and check out this month’s free resources, observances, and VA updates to keep you supported and seen.

You’re not just a warrior—you’re human, too. And that’s your superpower.

Let’s go!​

- Tough, Trained, and Totally Human: A Real Talk Guide for Mental Health
- Military Spouse Appreciation Day Poem
- News: Straight Outta The VA

- May Special Observances
- Free Mental Health, Military Spouse, Small Business, and Women's Health Resources
- “Doc Visits, Pap Smears, and Mammograms... Oh My!”

- VA Claims Corner: Busting PTSD Myths

What year was PTSD officially recognized as a diagnosable disorder by the American Psychiatric Association?
A) 1978
B) 1980
C) 1985
D) 1991
​
​(Scroll to the end for the answer.)

It’s Mental Health Awareness Month, and yep—we’re going there. Because the truth is, even the toughest among us can struggle with things we can’t see. And that’s okay.

Here are 5 common mental health challenges that many of us face—especially after service—and what they actually mean (in regular people talk):

1. Anxiety:
 Ever feel like your brain’s running sprints while your body’s standing still? That’s anxiety. It’s more than nerves before a job interview. It can show up as panic attacks, constant worry, or feeling watched even in a calm room. PTSD and social anxiety fall under this umbrella too.
2. Mood Disorders: 
Feeling “blah” for a day is normal. But when the blah won’t go away? That could be depression or bipolar disorder. It’s like your emotions get stuck on max volume—high or low—and don’t know how to chill. You're not "too emotional." You're human.
3. Psychotic Disorders:
 These can mess with what feels real. Think: hearing or seeing things that others don’t, or being absolutely sure of something that isn’t true. Schizophrenia and delusional disorder fall in this category. It’s not a moral failure—it’s a brain issue.
4. Dementia
Dementia: It isn’t just “forgetting stuff.” It can affect thinking, memory, and even personality. It’s more common with age, but vets with head injuries might notice changes earlier. Knowing the signs matters.
5. Eating Disorders:
 These aren't just about food. They're about control, emotion, and sometimes trauma. Whether it's eating too little, too much, or trying to "undo" meals—eating disorders are serious and treatable.

You’re not broken, sister. You’re brave.
If anything here sounds familiar, you’re not alone.

Support is strength. See the FREE Resources section for more information.

Let’s take care of what’s inside the armor, too. ❤️

Struggling with stress, trauma, or just trying to feel better day to day? The Veteran’s Guide to DIY Mental Health is your go-to playbook. Written specifically for veterans, this guide uses the VETERAN Mindset method to help you take charge of your mental health—on your terms. Inside, you’ll find powerful mindset shifts, coaching tools, journaling prompts, and practical exercises to help you feel stronger, clearer, and more in control. Ready to start feeling better? Grab your copy.

You hold the fort while boots deploy,

You fix the sink, you find the joy.

You PCS with grace (or gritted teeth),

You know the regs and what's beneath.

You're the cheer, the calm, the brains, the brawn,

You’ve mowed the lawn at zero dawn.

You’ve smiled through moves and duty calls,

And dodged your fair share of base housing walls.

For the women vets who also wed,

You're double-tough from toe to head.

And husbands of women who served with pride—

We see you rollin' as the support ride.

So here’s to the spouses, fierce and true,

Who make this mission possible too.

With humor, love, and patience wide…

We salute you—now go enjoy that ride!

(Also, someone please give them a nap. 💤)​

The Department of Veterans Affairs and the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline have joined with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention to create the Veterans Self-Check Quiz. This is a safe, easy way to learn whether stress and depression might be affecting you.
https://www.vetselfcheck.org/welcome.cfm

MyVetBENEFITS is a mobile app and website that instantly matches veterans, military members and their families to a personalized list of benefits and services they’ve earned.
https://www.myvetbenefits.com/​

May is: 
- Mental Health Awareness Month 
- National Stroke Awareness Month 
- Foster Care Awareness Month 
- Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month 
- Jewish American Heritage Month 

May 1 - Silver Star Service Banner Day – Honors service members who have been wounded, ill, or injured in combat. 
May 1- World Laughter Day
May 4-10 - National Small Business Week 
May 5 - Cinco de Mayo 
May 5-9 - National Teacher Appreciation Week 
May 8 - VE (Victory in Europe) Day – Marks the end of World War II in Europe in 1945.
May 9 - Military Spouse Appreciation Day 
May 11 - Mother’s Day 
May 11-17 - National Women’s Health Week 
May 13 - Children of Fallen Patriots Day – Honors children who lost a parent in military service. 
May 17 - Armed Forces Day – Celebrates all active-duty military personnel. 
May 22 - National Maritime Day – Recognizes the contributions of the U.S. Merchant Marines. 
May 26 - Memorial Day – Honors fallen military service members who gave their lives for the country. 
2025 Memorial Day Schedule of Major Events​

MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES:
- 22 Zero- https://22zero.org
- Battle Buddy Response Team- https://battlebuddyresponseteam.org/
- Give an Hour- https://giveanhour.org/military
- Head Strong- https://theheadstrongproject.org/get-help
- Help Yourself Help Others- http://www.helpyourselfhelpothers.org/
- Military One Source Non-Medical Counseling- https://www.militaryonesource.mil/non-medical-counseling/military-onesource/military-counseling-for-stress
​- Sea Waves- https://sea-waves.org/

MILITARY SPOUSE RESOURCES:
- VA Caregiver Support Line- https://www.caregiver.va.gov/help_landing.asp
- Military Spouse Employment Partnership (MSEP)- https://msepjobs.militaryonesource.mil/
- National Military Family Association- militaryfamily.org 
- Veteran Spouse Network- https://veteranspousenetwork.org/
​- Vets 2 Industry Mil Spouse Networking Event monthly- https://vets2industry.org/events-page/ 

SMALL BUSINESS RESOURCES:
- Boots 2 Business - Small Business Administration- https://sbavets.force.com/s/
- Institute of Veteran and Military Families (IVMF) – Syracuse University-  https://ivmf.syracuse.edu
- Mil Mentor- https://milmentor.com/
- SCORE- https://www.score.org/

WOMEN'S HEALTH RESOURCES:
​- Center for Veteran Women- https://www.va.gov/womenvet/
​- Health and Wellness Programs- https://www.va.gov/health-care/wellness-programs/
- Path To Better Sleep- https://www.veterantraining.va.gov/insomnia/index.asp 
- She Wears The Boots podcast- https://www.va.gov/madison-health-care/stories/she-wears-the-boots-a-podcast-for-women-veterans/
​- VA Infertility Services- https://www.womenshealth.va.gov/topics/infertility-and-ivf.asp#what-services
​
​MOTHER'S DAY:
- Shop the Women Veterans Alliance's Mother's Day Gift Guide:  https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/holiday-gift-guide/ 
- Mother's Day Coloring Pages: For Girl  For Boy

A funny, friendly guide to routine checkups—why they matter and how to actually go.

We know you’ve done hard things—like sleeping in a gas mask, doing PT at 0500, or surviving the barracks bathroom situation. But somehow, making that doctor’s appointment? Way harder.

Let’s be real—Pap smears, mammograms, and routine checkups don’t exactly top anyone’s “favorite things” list. But here’s the deal:
Your body has had your back for years. It’s time to return the favor.

Why They Matter:
​🩺 Pap Smears: Catch signs of cervical cancer early. It’s quick, it’s awkward, and it could save your life. (Bonus: You get to wear a paper gown—so chic.)
🎯 Mammograms: A fancy word for boob-squishin’ x-rays. Not fun, but they can spot breast cancer before you feel anything.
💬 Routine Checkups: Think of these as your wellness recon. Blood pressure, labs, screenings—all the stuff that keeps your system running like a well-oiled Humvee.

How to Actually Go:
Step 1: Tell yourself it’s a mission. Because it is. You’re the mission.
Step 2: Call the doc (or the VA) like you’re ordering ammo. Clear. Direct. “I need an annual checkup, a Pap smear, and a mammogram, please.”
Step 3: Put it on your calendar and reward yourself after. Coffee, a nap, a new hoodie—whatever keeps you motivated.

You don’t have to love it. You just have to do it. Because the world needs more women warriors healthy, happy, and kicking butt well into their 90s. 

Let’s stay strong and stay seen.
You’re worth the appointment.​

Because who better to have your six than someone who’s been in your boots?

It’s National Small Business Week, and here’s a shoutout to the warriors swapping uniforms for business cards! From coffee roasters to tech consultants, women veteran entrepreneurs—and their battle buddies—are turning missions into movements.

Veterans OWN it.
Veterans are twice as likely to start a business as civilians. Why? Because we know how to lead, adapt, and handle chaos (hello, field rations and 24-hour watches). Women veterans are launching everything from wellness brands to logistics firms—and they’re doing it with grit, grace, and a killer spreadsheet.

Support Your Own.
When you buy from a veteran-owned biz, you’re not just shopping—you’re investing in someone who’s walked through fire and come out fierce. You’re helping them rebuild purpose, community, and yes—pay the bills. That support means the world.

Own a Biz? Show It Off.
Put “veteran-owned” front and center. Use the hashtag. Tell your story. Let folks know who’s behind the brand. People want to support you—but they have to know you’re one of us.

Looking for Vets to Support?
Check out the Women Veterans Alliance Mother's Day Gift Guide:  https://www.womenveteransalliance.com/holiday-gift-guide/

So whether you’re running a side hustle, dreaming big, or already crushing it—this week’s for YOU.
Let’s keep showing the world that the mission doesn’t stop at ETS. It just evolves.

Buy vet. Hire vet. Be vet proud.
We’ve got businesses to build and legacies to leave.
​

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that can affect veterans long after their service ends. It doesn’t always show up right away—it can sneak in years later, causing nightmares, anxiety attacks, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to deal with it alone, and the VA does recognize it—even if your trauma wasn’t from direct combat.

Here are some common misconceptions about PTSD:

1. “I wasn’t in heavy combat, so I can’t claim PTSD.”
False. PTSD can result from many types of trauma—workplace accidents, MST (military sexual trauma), witnessing violence, and more. You don’t have to be Rambo to qualify.

2. “If I get rated 100%, I won’t be able to work.”
Also false. You can still work with a 100% PTSD rating. Only those receiving “individual unemployability” payments face work restrictions.

3. “The VA will take away my guns.”
Not unless you’re a danger to yourself or others and have been legally committed. Most PTSD ratings do not affect gun ownership.

4. “The VA won’t believe I was sexually assaulted.”
They will. Many veterans—men and women—report MST without naming their attacker. Your story matters.

5. “Only women can claim PTSD from MST.”
Men can—and should—report MST too. You’re not alone.

6. “People will judge me.”
Your mental health is your business. You don’t have to tell anyone, not even your employer. The choice to share is yours.

If you think you might have PTSD, don’t wait. Talk to a VA provider, check the VA website for more info, and most importantly—know you’re not alone.

In crisis? Call the VA Crisis Line: 988 (Press 1).
You are not weak. You are worthy of healing.
​

What year was PTSD officially recognized as a diagnosable disorder by the American Psychiatric Association?
A) 1978
B) 1980
C) 1985
D) 1991
​