Recent events regarding American military operations in Afghanistan are affecting our military-connected community. The Carolina Veterans Resource Center (CVRC) has been working with military-connected students to provide support on this matter. We write to share information and resources that you may find useful in providing guidance and support.
Our military-connected students may exhibit a number of stress-related behaviors that could signal a need for additional support and resources:
- Frustration, sadness, helplessness, grief or distress
- Anger or feelings of betrayal
- Changes in mental health, such as symptoms of PTSD, depression or anxiety
- Lack of sleep
- Increase in substance use/abuse
- Social avoidance or aversion to media
Military-connected students may not feel comfortable or ready to share their experiences in the context of a classroom discussion. If a student appears to need a break from class, please consider offering them flexibility in terms of attendance or participation, as appropriate.
It can be helpful to encourage veterans to understand that feelings of distress are a normal reaction, and they should not try to avoid or repress them. Often, these feelings will naturally run their course. If they continue without easing up, or if a military-connected student appears overwhelmed, please connect them with the Carolina Veterans Resource Center (CVRC), the Dean of Students staff, or Counseling and Psychological Services—or submit a Care Referral directly through the Dean of Students website.
We encourage you to learn more about this student community by reaching out directly to the CVRC and/or participating in an upcoming Green Zone training. The Green Zone program educates participants about the experience of our veterans and military-connected students and how to support them inside and outside the classroom.
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Support Resources for Student Veterans and Military-Connected Students
- Veterans Crisis Line: 800- 273-8255 (press 1)
- Coaching into Care (family members): 888-823-7458
- Vet Centers (Readjustment Counseling) Call Center: 1-877-WAR-VETS (927-8387)
- Download VA self-help apps: https://mobile.va.gov/appstore/mental-health
- Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS)
- VA Women Veterans Call Center: 1-855-829-6636
- Durham VA Health Care System: 919-286-0411
- Military OneSource: 800-342-9647
- Rally Point peer support