Exploring Mental Help-Seeking Behaviors, Health, and Well-Being in Rural Veterans with Chronic Health Conditions: A National Rural Health Study

<b>Background/Objective:</b> Veterans in the United States have increased significantly, with a substantial proportion residing in rural areas. This study aims to examine the relationship between help-seeking behaviors and well-being, controlling demographic variables and service-connected disability status. It also explores mental health-seeking behaviors, health outcomes, and overall well-being among rural Veterans with existing health conditions. <b>Methods:</b> Data was collected through surveys distributed across multiple channels, including social media platforms. <b>Results:</b> Results indicated that willingness to seek psychological help was positively associated with the well-being of rural Veterans. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings underscore the critical importance of both willingness to seek mental health support and access to mental health and substance use care services for rural Veterans.