There Is Someone Who Needs It More Than Me

 By Alyssa Knoll

VA Community Engagement and Partnership Coordinator

These are the words that often echo during outreach as I share resources available to Veterans in the community and through VA: “There is someone who needs it more than me.”

In truth, we need you. Increased engagement with VA benefits leads to more local resources for all Veterans. By helping yourself, you also help others — something Veterans understand deeply.

Several barriers prevent people from receiving needed mental health care. One major barrier — for both Veterans and non‑Veterans — is the belief that their issues aren’t severe enough to warrant help.

Other reasons Veterans may hesitate to seek mental health care include believing problems will improve on their own, doubting treatment effectiveness, or holding personal negative attitudes toward mental health. Stigma, particularly from military culture, can reinforce misconceptions about weakness or fears of being treated differently.

Those who do reach out often face practical challenges such as copayment costs, lack of health insurance, not knowing where to go, or transportation difficulties; especially in rural areas like ours.

Let’s work together to break down these barriers.

Service members and Veterans are at high risk for pain-related conditions. Studies have linked migraines, back pain and psychogenic pain to higher suicide risk. Maybe you’ve been struggling for a long time — telling yourself, “It will pass,” or enduring pain that never improves. Chronic pain doesn’t resolve on its own, and when it affects your functioning or mental health, it is serious enough to seek treatment.

When transportation is a barrier, Disabled American Veterans (DAV) is one option for transportation to medical appointments. For other appointments, plan ahead with a buddy, rideshare and maybe add coffee or lunch to the outing. If you’ve had a positive experience seeking care, share it with a fellow Veteran to encourage them to do the same.

Town halls, coffee socials, resource events and Veteran service organizations offer opportunities to learn more about your symptoms and discover what might be causing them. These events also allow you to connect with others facing similar concerns or to meet subject matter experts who can help you better understand your situation.

Breaking down mental health stigma can feel daunting. The idea that seeking help is a sign of weakness comes from many parts of society. This is especially ingrained in military culture. As a therapist, every Veteran I’ve met who has faced their mental health concerns has been a champion. It takes strength to face your fears and work toward healing.

One way to reduce stigma is to share your story. If you or someone you know has benefited from a service, organization or treatment, consider sharing that experience with others who may be struggling.

Important Resources

• For mental health emergencies: Dial 988, then Press 1
• For medical emergencies: Dial 911
• For community resources in the Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin: Dial 211

Early Alert is a free service for all service members and Veterans. Sign up to receive weekly resources tailored to your needs.

Veterans who use VA services help all Veterans by increasing funding for additional programs. Please use your VA benefits.

VA Contact Information

• Enrollment and Eligibility: 906‑774‑3300, ext. 32810
• Urgent Care: 906‑774‑3300, ext. 34780
• Mental Health: 906‑774‑3300, ext. 32541
• Primary Care: 906‑774‑3300 (press 2, then press 2)
• DAV Transportation: 906‑774‑3300, ext. 32780

PACT Act Information

The PACT Act expands eligibility for Veterans exposed to toxins. To see the list of presumptive conditions related to specific locations and exposures, visit: https://www.publichealth.va.gov/exposures/

To contact with your county Veteran Service Officer (VSO): Visit https://www.va.gov/iron-mountain-health-care/health-services/patient-advocates/, scroll to the bottom of the page, expand “Veteran Service Officers,” locate your county, and find your VSO’s phone number and email.