*My cousin Mickey is pictured on the left

There is a base level of stress that we are living in right now and I think that it is important to recognize that. The past two years have created an environment in which it is always important to check in with your mental health and how you feel and the past 2 weeks with what has happened in Afghanistan and the loss of brave American soldiers has made that even more important. Personally, I have a cousin in the Marines who also is an Arabic translator and been deployed numerous times to the Middle East. I checked in with him and some of my other family members to ask them how they felt and tell them that they are loved and important. The images and situation in the Middle East right now can bring up a lot of feelings for current military and veterans and their family and friends who love them. Please reach out to each other. We are all one big family.

Mental Health Services – VA North Texas Health Care System

Fort Worth Vet Center – Fort Worth Site – Mental Health TX