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DISCLAIMER: This web site is not monitored 24/7. If you are in crisis or suicidal, please call the suicide hotline listed below (right), 911 in the United States, or go to your nearest emergency room. Please read more on this site's confidentiality and exemption of liability here.

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Utmost gratitude to the Patton family for touching all of us today with their incredibly heartfelt story about their son who committed suicide 2 years ago. Your efforts to raise suicide awareness to protect Soldiers from committing this irreversible tragedy is appreciated. Thank you for your time!
— Charlie Company, 82ND BSB, 3rd BCT, 82nd ABN DIV

It was very powerful message. I think it reached a lot of people's hearts and will remind them to keep an eye out for their friends. Thank you.
—Soldier from Fort Bragg

Great presentation and message today. Very grateful to have been able to be there for it.
— Soldier from Fort Bragg

I am more than 100% sure that she will save lives.
— Soldier from Fort Bragg

I like the website because the information is arranged in small sections and it is easy to understand. It helped me understand what I am feeling.
— From a Veteran

This is so awesome!!! He had such a big heart as well!!
— Soldier from Fort Hood

Real Stories from Active-Duty and Veteran Service Members and Families Like Yours

Active-Duty Service Member Story

Usually, MFP receives stories via the website that go through my email for editing to ensure anonymity. Recently, I received a call because the person in question wanted to tell me his story instead of writing it down. That is fine with me because I read through the stories anyway. This story involves a Soldier’s encounter with mental health professionals while active duty and the need for support as a Veteran. Read more.

This Soldier had problems seeking out mental health services because of stigma and problems with his leadership. Once he had the courage to seek out help, he felt the doctors didn't really care. Read more.

Veteran Service Member Story

A Veteran describes the negative consequences that can happen when a Service member leaves his or her branch of service unprepared because of inadequate preparation from his or her Service branch. Read more.

A Veteran talks about a therapy called Alpha Stim and how it is working, or not working, for him or her. Read more.

A Veteran, who decided he was ready for mental health care, specifically counseling, asked MPF for help finding a mental health center that would potentially do some sessions over the phone because he travels daily. This Veteran dislikes the VA and does not trust it, so MPF found something similar that fills his needs. He is now in counseling. Read more.

Military Family Story

Here is a tragic story that illustrates how mental health issues affect generations of family members. The person who submitted this story urges everyone to seek care to achieve mental health wellness. Read more.

Here is a story from a woman who is heart broken from losing the man she loved; a love that began years ago when she saw him across a diner and then bloomed when given a second chance when they met again years later. Their story ends tragically, like many these days, when he died as a result of what we now know as PTSD. He served in Vietnam where the symptoms were seen as they are today. He suffered especially from substance use, hypervigilance and a severe sleep disorder, but he didn’t have the current medical diagnosis of PTSD until it was too late. Like Veterans today, he endured bad and inappropriate care from the VA and he solved the problem the way too many Veterans do; he ended is his pain by putting a bullet through his head. Now, this woman suffers, as do many of us. Please read this poignant, heartbreaking story to understand we need action now. Our Veterans have been suffering far too long and suicide should never be an option. Read more.

One spouse explains how they were not properly educated about health care benefits prior to her husband's separation from the Army. Read more.

About Matthew Story

This is a story written by a friend of Matthews while he was active-duty. Thank you for writing in about our son. Read more.

Latest News

"Male depression: Understanding the issues"

Mayo Clinic is a worldwide nonprofit leader in medical care, research, and education for people from all walks of life. As such, you can consider Mayo Clinic a credible and reliable resource for learning about and understanding your medical conditions. Mayo Clinic published an article called, "Male depression: Understandng the issues" that describes how the signs and symptoms of male depression can differ from female depression. Since the military population is disproportionately male (per the DoD, the total military force is 84% male), MPF believes this information is important to pass along. Read more.

"Effectiveness of Prazosin for PTSD Patients"

The drug prazosin* (Minipress and Minipress XL) has been around for years. It is a drug used for lowering blood pressure. However, ongoing studies for over a decade have shown that it effectively relieves PTSD-related nightmares. Although, this news is not considered “latest news,” enough Service members and their Families have not heard about prazosin, so providing information about this drug is necessary. Prazosin is an alpha-blocker that blocks alpha receptors in the brain and smooth muscle, which relaxes blood vessels, thus lowering blood pressure. Read more.

"Mental Health First Aid Program Available for Vets"

Written by Deborah Brauser, this article explores the newest mental health first aid program available for Veterans. Read more.

More News