The new year is here. It’s time to step forward with a new mindset. For Veterans, the fight for mental health is constant, but the new year brings a fresh opportunity to tackle it head-on. Whether you’re dealing with PTSD, mTBI, or the weight of your military service, setting clear, achievable mental health goals can be the key to moving forward.
It’s not about perfection—it’s about progress. In this guide, we’ll dive into the practical ways to take control of your mental well-being in 2025. We’re talking therapy, self-care, and exercise—the pillars of a stronger mind. We’ll also explore the power of Veterans helping Veterans and how connecting with others who understand the fight can make all the difference.
- Stop Putting Therapy on the Backburner
It’s easy to tell yourself that you’ll get around to therapy, but how long has that been the plan? This year, take your mental health seriously. Therapy isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. PTSD, depression, anxiety, and trauma don’t disappear on their own. So stop ignoring the elephant in the room.
- Set goals: Maybe it’s committing to a certain number of sessions per month. Maybe it’s trying a new form of therapy—like Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) or therapeutic horsemanship. If you’re avoiding therapy, ask yourself why. Is it pride? Shame? Let that go. You deserve better.
- Group therapy or peer support: Get in the room with other Veterans who know exactly what you’re dealing with. Veterans helping Veterans isn’t just a catchphrase—it’s a lifeline. You’re not alone in this, but you won’t know that until you show up.
Don’t let your mental health slide this year. Take the first step, even if it feels uncomfortable.
- Get Your Body Moving – It’s a Game Changer
Listen, sitting around thinking about how messed up you feel doesn’t help. But moving your body? That’s a different story. Exercise is a proven stress-buster, mood-booster, and mind-clearer.
- Get real with your fitness goals: Whether it’s running, swimming, or hitting the gym, set a plan that works for you. You don’t have to become a bodybuilder, but commit to something. A few times a week, get your body in motion. Your mind will thank you.
- Try group exercise: Find a community. Whether it’s yoga, martial arts, or a running group, working out with others builds camaraderie and offers accountability. Plus, it’s way easier to keep going when you’re not alone in the struggle.
Exercise isn’t just about getting stronger physically—it’s about taking back control of your mental state. Veterans helping Veterans through fitness has power, and it could be just what you need to break free from the darkness.
- Self-Care Isn’t Just for “Soft” People – It’s For You, Too
Self-care is not a luxury—it’s a necessity. So stop pretending like it’s just for others. You need it, too. Life as a Veteran comes with a lot of stress, trauma, and exhaustion. Taking time to rest and recharge isn’t weak—it’s smart.
- Set aside time every day for things that bring you peace. Maybe it’s listening to music, maybe it’s taking a quiet walk, or maybe it’s something as simple as just sitting with no distractions. It’s okay to take a breather.
- Mindfulness: Meditation, deep breathing, or journaling—whatever helps you stay grounded in the present, commit to it. The only thing that’s too soft is your mindset if you ignore your needs.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. Make self-care part of your plan for 2025. Without it, you’re setting yourself up for burnout. And that’s a fight no one wants to win.
- Cut the Isolation—Connect with Your Fellow Veterans
There’s power in community. And for Veterans, there’s no better group to lean on than each other. This year, prioritize building those connections that matter.
- Find or create a support group: Don’t let pride keep you isolated. When you share your experiences with people who get it, healing starts to happen. If you can’t find a group, create one.
- Volunteer: Whether it’s at a retreat, a charity event, or in your local community, giving back can help you feel more grounded and connected. There’s nothing more powerful than helping someone else who’s been through the same struggles.
It’s time to end the loneliness. Connecting with others who understand you can be the difference between staying stuck and moving forward.
- Set Boundaries and Stick to Them
You can’t be everything to everyone. And trying to do it all will run you into the ground. Setting boundaries isn’t selfish—it’s necessary for your mental health.
- Create a daily routine: Structure your day to include time for work, rest, and personal activities. It’s amazing how much clearer your head gets when you have a plan for each day.
- Say no when things get too overwhelming. It’s okay to protect your mental health by turning things down. You’re in control.
This year, make sure you’re not giving away pieces of yourself to everyone around you. Protect your energy and focus on what matters most—yourself.
- Gratitude is Your Secret Weapon
Gratitude isn’t some fluffy concept—it’s a powerful mental health tool. Focusing on what you’re grateful for has been shown to improve mood, reduce stress, and increase overall well-being.
- Start a gratitude journal: Every day, write down three things you’re thankful for. They don’t have to be monumental—small moments count, too. It could be something as simple as having a hot cup of coffee or a good conversation with a fellow Veteran.
- Celebrate your wins: Don’t wait for a perfect moment to celebrate your progress. Every step forward is a win. Acknowledge it.
Gratitude shifts your perspective. It makes everything feel just a little more manageable.
Own 2025—Make Your Mental Health a Priority
This year, stop waiting for a miracle. Take control of your mental health, even when it feels tough. Therapy, exercise, self-care, connection—these are your tools for success. And don’t forget the power of other Veterans. Whether it’s in therapy, group activities, or just talking with someone who’s walked the same path, you don’t have to fight this battle alone.
Make an ORWF retreat part of your 2025 wellness plan: https://orwfoundation.org/
