Veterans and Mental Health

                  Since it is Memorial Day, I thought now would be an ideal time to discuss the mental health needs of our veterans. These individuals have unique needs that need to be addressed. Through their service they have earned the best care possible. Really everyone deserves high quality mental health care, but I think sometimes our veterans get overlooked.

                  There have been many veterans in my family. My grandfather was a lifelong Navy man. He served in World War II, Korea, Vietnam, and during peacetimes. My father served in the Air Force during Vietnam. I have a cousin who served in the Army and was stationed in Afghanistan. In addition, several of my great uncles served during World War II. I do not know how any of them were impacted from a mental health standpoint. I can’t ask any of them about this except my cousin,as he is the only one still with us. Many families have relatives who served in the military. It is my hope that these individuals are provided with mental health care if they need it.

                  Military personnel and veterans face many challenges to their mental health. Perhaps the most recognized is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is one of the most common mental health conditions among veterans. PTSD in veterans can be a result of combat exposure, military sexual trauma, or other life-threatening experiences. Some symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, emotional numbness, and irritability. 

Depression is another common mental health disorder facing veterans. The depression can be a result of service-related experiences or difficulties adjusting when they return home. Depression can co-occur with PTSD or substance use issues. Symptoms include persistent sadness, loss of interest in activities, sleep and appetite changes, and thoughts death or suicide. 

                  Anxiety disorders are also common in veterans. These disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and social anxiety. Deployment and military demands can lead to anxiety disorders in active military personnel. 

                  Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) can affect active military personnel and veterans. These can be caused by blast exposures, falls, or accidents during service. These can result in cognitive impairments, mood disorders, and behavioral changes.

                  It is not uncommon for alcohol or drugs to be used to cope with the emotional pain or sleep disorders faced by veterans and active personnel. Substance abuse disorders lead to risk of addiction, accidents, and homelessness. 

                  Military sexual trauma (MST) includes sexual harassment and assault during service. This can affect both women and men. MST can lead to PTSD, depression, and trust issues. 

                  Suicide risk is higher in the veteran population than in the general population. There are several risk factors including PTSD, depression, chronic pain, access to firearms, and a sense of isolation.

                  Veterans can be faced with adjustment disorders. These can be a result of difficulty adapting to civilian life, loss of identity or purpose, and issues related to employment or family reintegration. All these issues can cause distress.

                  Relationship and family issues can also cause distress. Military service can strain relationships. It is not uncommon for veterans to struggle with communication, intimacy, or parenting after deployment.

                  How can we support the mental health needs of our veterans? There are several things we can work on  to ensure they get the care they need and deserve. First, veterans need access to culturally competent mental health professionals who are familiar with military culture. Veterans need access to peer support groups to reduce isolation. Since veterans often have co-existing conditions, comprehensive treatment programs are necessary. Veterans need access to suicide prevention resources. Family therapy can be beneficial for veterans and their families as they reintegrate into civilian life. Finally, veterans need continuity of care during the transition from active duty to civilian life. 

                  A quote from Major General Mark Graham emphasizes the need to provide mental health care for veterans:               

                  “We must make it a sign of strength to reach out for mental health care.”

                  This Memorial Day as we enjoy a day off with picnics and parades, let’s take a moment to remember why this day is a holiday. It is not about BBQs and sitting in the sun. It is about honoring all the individuals who have served our country in the military. They put their lives on the line and many of them lost their lives. The least we can do is ensure that all veterans and active-duty military personnel have access to high-quality mental health care.