The Building Blocks of Adversity
By Kimerly Chillers In general, no one really wants to go through adversity or face adverse circumstances. However, from the perspective of someone who has been working in the field on prevention i.e. suicide, substance abuse and other behaviors that elevate one’s risk factors for more than 10+ years; not talking about how to leverage adversity would be missed opportunity for a prevention professional. Simply put, adversity is hard times or difficult situations. The goal is when going through adversity, one is trying to move through with the least amount of harm to mind, body, spirit, emotions, family, finances etc. One key ingredient to life is adversity. In other words, accepting the fact, not if but when life gets difficult, is the difference between resilience vs having unrealistic expectations that lead to a fragile mindset. Knowing how to leverage adversity cycles by applying a strategic approach that recognizes the potential for growth and resilience during hard times is key for a thriving mindset. Here are a few suggestions: Promote Resilience Building: Take advantage of training, books, podcasts, workshops that teach coping strategies, enhancing problem-solving skills, and emotional intelligence. These are all great ways to navigate adversities more effectively. Maintain an Awareness: it is said one person’s problem maybe someone’s pleasure is true…nevertheless EVERYONE will face hard times. Sometimes when you’re the one going through challenges, it can feel very isolating but maintaining the awareness that everyone goes through difficulties can be sobering. Which leads to the next protective factor. Utilize your support networks: utilizing your support network when going through adversity will create a greater sense of commitment and encourage others in that network to lean in for support when they need it. It can also foster a sense of self-worth when someone is able to assist during difficult times. It strengthens a sense of community and belonging, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting mutual support. Opportunity to share: Our struggles, regardless of how painful, can be repurposed to empower someone else to not give up hope and aid in connecting with a greater purpose. When you allow others to help you, you are giving them an opportunity to invest in the relationship Adversity Benefits: Protective Factors & Interventions:
More Than Benefits: How Filing for VA Benefits Can Help Reduce Suicide Risk
By Lindsey H. Adams When we talk about suicide prevention among service members, veterans, and their families, we often focus on crisis response. While crisis support is critical, true prevention starts much earlier – by reducing stress, improving access to care, and strengthening connection. One powerful but often overlooked prevention tool is filing for VA benefits and enrolling in VA health care. These steps are more than administrative tasks. For many veterans, they are a pathway to stability, support, and hope. Why Benefits Matter for Mental Wellness Veterans face unique stressors after military service – financial strain, chronic pain, service-connected injuries, difficulty accessing care, and challenges navigating civilian systems. These stressors can compound over time and increase risk for depression, anxiety, substance use, and suicidal thoughts. Suicide prevention isn’t only about responding in moments of crisis. It’s also about addressing the underlying pressures that make life feel unmanageable. VA benefits help reduce those pressures by supporting both physical and mental wellness. When basic needs are met and care is accessible, veterans are better positioned to heal, connect, and move forward. VBA Benefits: Reducing Stress and Increasing Stability The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) provides benefits that can make a meaningful difference in daily life, including: Financial stress is a known risk factor for mental health challenges and suicide. Stable income and benefits can reduce anxiety, restore a sense of control, and ease the constant strain of “getting by.” Just as important, filing a claim can be validating. For many veterans, having their injuries or conditions formally recognized helps reduce feelings of shame, self-blame, or isolation. It reinforces an important message: your service matters, and so does your health. VHA Enrollment: Access to Care Before Crisis Enrolling in the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) opens the door to comprehensive health care – and veterans do not need to be in crisis to enroll. VHA services include: Every VA medical center has a Suicide Prevention Coordinator, and many facilities offer same-day mental health access. Early and consistent care can prevent issues from escalating into emergencies. Ongoing care also means ongoing continuity of treatment – regular appointments, follow-ups, and sustained engagement with providers who can recognize changes in risk and respond early. This continuity of care is a well-established protective factor in suicide prevention. Ensuring timely, effective and ongoing access to evidence-based care for individuals at risk is a core component of comprehensive suicide prevention efforts. The Role of a VSO: You Don’t Have to Do This Alone Filing claims or enrolling in VA care can feel overwhelming. The paperwork, deadlines, and terminology can discourage veterans from starting – or finishing – the process. That’s where Veterans Service Officers (VSOs) come in. VSOs: Most importantly, a VSO adds a human connection. They help veterans understand their options and stay engaged rather than giving up out of frustration. You do not have to navigate the VA system alone – and you shouldn’t have to. Filing for Benefits Is an Act of Strength Some veterans hesitate to file because they don’t want to ask for help, believe others “need it more,” or feel they should handle things on their own. These beliefs are common – and understandable – but they can become barriers to care. Seeking benefits is not weakness. VA benefits are earned through service. Filing a claim or enrolling in health care is a proactive step toward stability and wellness, not a failure. Taking care of yourself also helps protect your family, your future, and your fellow veterans. Take the First Step Today If you are a veteran – or supporting one – consider taking these steps: If you or a veteran you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available 24/7.Call or text 988, then press 1 to connect with the Veterans Crisis Line. Support is confidential, free, and always available. Suicide prevention starts with access – access to care, to trusted resources, and to knowledgeable professionals who understand military and veteran experiences. Filing for VA benefits and working with a Veteran Service Officer (VSO) can be and important first step in accessing health care, mental health services, and ongoing support systems. These pathways help reduce barriers to care and connect veterans to services that can identify risk early and support long-term well-being.
