May is Mental Health Awareness Month. As is true for physical health, mental health is connected to a combination of factors. Stress levels, physical comfort, relationships at home, work, or school—all these and many more affect how we feel every day.

VA’s Million Veterans Program (MVP), supported in concept by BVA, recognizes the important role that mental well-being plays in our overall health. Accordingly, during this month, MVP is sharing its studies on how genes, lifestyles, military experiences, and exposures affect health and wellness. Researchers at MVP have already identified findings related to mental health topics such as depression, PTSD, opioid use disorder, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, etc.

Dr. Nathan Kimbrel, VA Research Career Scientist at the Durham VA Health Care System, is one of many researchers passionate about this potentially life-changing research that could reduce suffering among veterans, reduce the occurrence of mental health problems affecting them, and ultimately help them live full lives. Featured in an instructive video are Dr. Kimbrel and the veterans his research seeks to help.