Awareness on Mental Health Issues Among Veterans and Military Personnel: Essential Information to Understand
Experiencing Military Service? Mind Your Mental Health
Being in the military may pose various challenges to your mental health. Here's why it's crucial to understand the importance of mental well-being for veterans and the common stressors encountered by service members.
When you sign up for military duty, you're often separated from loved ones and familiar surroundings, possibly for extended periods. Your environment might involve high-stress or traumatic situations, such as combat and stressors unique to military life. The hardships faced during service and the emotional toll of these experiences can put you at risk for both psychological and physical health issues.
Data shows that an astounding one in four active duty military members exhibit signs of at least one mental health condition[1]. With such high numbers, it's essential to have awareness and resources when it comes to veterans and mental health care.
Adverse Effects of Military Life on Mental Health
Life in the military can take its toll on mental health in numerous ways. The challenges faced during service and the after-effects significantly impact servicemen and women.
Separation and Loneliness
With time spent away from family, friends, and support systems, military life can be isolating. Spending long periods separated can have a profound impact that may linger even after leaving the military.
Stress and Trauma
Servicemen and women face numerous stressors, including the risk of physical harm and combat. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result from such experiences, making it challenging to transition back to civilian life.
PTSD and Civic Adjustment
Leaving the military and entering civilian society can be difficult for veterans dealing with PTSD. Many individuals encounter relationship troubles, social exclusion, personality disorders, and even homelessness, making their transition more challenging[1].
Mental Health Statistics for Veterans
The statistics on mental health issues among veterans are concerning. Nearly a quarter (25%) of non-deployed, active-duty military members display symptoms consistent with a serious mental health condition, with 11% showing symptoms of multiple conditions[1].
Common Mental Health Concerns for Veterans
PTSD
The incidence of PTSD in veterans is higher than in the general public: approximately 12.9% of veterans receive a PTSD diagnosis[1]. In a 2014 study, 87% of veterans reported experiencing at least one traumatic event[2].
Depression and Suicide
Depression is the most widespread mental health condition among military members, with an estimated 23% of active service members and veterans suffering[1]. Tragically, there's a high rate of suicide among veterans with depression, particularly in men. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs reports that the suicide rate for veterans is 57% higher than for civilians[3].
Addiction
Many veterans struggle with addiction, with more than 1 in 10 veterans having a substance use disorder[4]. Alcohol is the primary substance abused, with 65% of veterans seeking addiction treatment reporting addiction to alcohol[4].
Psychiatric Disorders Post-Traumatic Brain Injury
From 2000 to 2017, there were over 375,000 traumatic brain injuries among members of the armed forces.[5] Mental health problems can follow TBIs, as up to 1 in 5 people experience symptoms after such injuries[6].
Overcoming the Stigma of Mental Health in the Military
Despite alarming statistics, many service members don't seek treatment for mental health concerns. One study found that a devastating 60% of military members ignore mental health problems[7]. The stigma surrounding mental health issues may dissuade service members and veterans from getting the help they need.
Fear of career repercussions, coupled with the belief that asking for help signifies weakness, may deter individuals from seeking assistance[8]. Sadly, veterans face similar stigmas, with research suggesting that most veterans who struggle with mental health issues never seek treatment[9].
Resources for Veterans Seeking Mental Health Support
Though there are challenges to overcome, help is available for veterans who are ready to seek treatment. Organizations, hotlines, and online resources are there to support veterans on their journey to mental well-being.
The Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is accessible 24/7 to support veterans in need. You can reach out by calling, texting, or chatting online with a qualified care provider who can connect you with local resources and support.
Vet Centers
Vet Centers are counseling centers located across the United States, staffed by professionals who strive to help veterans transition to civilian life. The centers offer a variety of services designed to support servicemen and women, including counseling and guidance.
Solid Start
The VA's Solid Start program aims to support military personnel as they make the transition to civilian life. Solid Start representatives will help veterans manage stress, connect with resources, and find support during the adjustment period.
The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
The National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a research and educational organization focused on understanding traumatic stress and trauma-related illnesses, with a specific emphasis on the experiences of veterans. Their mission is to improve the understanding of PTSD, help individuals heal, and ultimately reduce the number of people impacted by PTSD.
The Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System of Care
The Veterans Affairs Polytrauma System of Care is a network of rehabilitation programs that help veterans dealing with traumatic brain injuries and multi-trauma recovery. The programs provide case management, care plans, rehabilitation treatments, and psychosocial support.
Remember, seeking help for mental health issues is a demonstration of strength, not weakness. Utilize the resources available to veterans to find the support you need. Don't suffer in silence.
References:
- National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) (2022). Veterans & Active Duty. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Veterans-Active-Duty
- Kessler et al. (2014). Thirty-day prevalence of DSM-IV mental disorders among nondeployed soldiers in the US army. JAMA Psychiatry. 71(5), 504. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/1835338
- Kessler et al. (2005). Prevalence, severity, and comorbidity of 12-month DSM-IV disorders in the National Comorbidity Survey Replication. Archives of General Psychiatry, 62(6), 617. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamapsychiatry/fullarticle/208671
- Wisco et al. (2014). Posttraumatic stress disorder in the US veteran population. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 75(12), 1338-1346. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25551234/
- U.S. Department of Defense (n.d.). Traumatic brain injuries fact sheet. https://www.defense.gov/Newsroom/Factsheets/Traumatic-Brain-Injuries
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (n.d.). Traumatic brain injury. https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Health-Information/Disorder/Traumatic-Brain-Injury
- Sharp et al. (2015). Stigma as a barrier to seeking health care among military personnel with mental health problems. Epidemiologic Reviews, 37(1), 144-162. https://academic.oup.com/epirev/article/37/1/144/423274
- Kline et al. (2022). Mental health care use among U.S. military veterans: Results from the 2019-2020 National Health and Resilience in Veterans Study. Psychiatric Services, 73(6), 628-635. https://ps.psychiatryonline.org/doi/10.1176/appi.ps.202100112
- Wounded Warrior Project (2016). 2016 Wounded Warrior Project Survey Report. https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/media/qibpphny/2016-wwp-annual-warrior-survey.pdf
- seeking help for mental health concerns related to military service, such as depression or PTSD, is crucial, with approximately one in four active duty military members exhibiting signs of at least one mental health condition[1]
- online therapy and support resources, like the Veterans Crisis Line, Vet Centers, and the National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, can provide valuable assistance to veterans dealing with their mental health
- scientific research shows that mental health conditions, like depression and PTSD, are more common among veterans than the general public, highlighting the need for awareness, resources, and destigmatization of mental health in the military.
