Mental Health Conditions Common to Veterans

Veterans are a unique and diverse population with elevated risk for a range of mental health conditions, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), depression, substance use disorders, and suicidality. These conditions often present alongside social stressors such as housing instability, difficulty transitioning to civilian life, and limited access to consistent care. Nurses in all roles and settings must be equipped to recognize, assess, and respond to the distinctive mental health needs of veterans. This continuing education course explores evidence-based, trauma-informed strategies for nursing care of veterans with common mental health conditions. Learners will deepen their understanding of the neurobiology, clinical presentations, and comorbidities that influence treatment, and will build confidence in applying veteran-specific knowledge to clinical decision-making and interdisciplinary collaboration.