After returning from military service, where they experienced traumatic events like killing, being attacked, or watching others be wounded or killed, it is highly likely for veterans to have mental issues. They face trouble when trying to forget or cope with these feelings, and some of them even develop suicidal thoughts. While the feelings fade away for most veterans as they transition to civilian life, it becomes hard for some to deal with these feelings, requiring medical help. This article will discuss the common mental issues experienced by veterans.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Many veterans suffer from PTSD after spending a significant part of their lives in war. Although they are trained and guided in handling traumatic situations, it is hard for them to forget some events as humans. The traumatic events they faced during service keep lingering in their minds, and anything remotely similar to the event can trigger feelings of immense stress. Studies show that most people exposed to war or other natural disasters tend to have PTSD. This can affect anybody, regardless of age or gender. That is why veterans are not an exception. Being exposed to loud noise or seeing a traffic accident can trigger stress and create fear in the veteran’s mind. The government is working with wounded veteran non-profit organizations to ensure veterans get the medical support they need to improve their mental status. Improving their well-being helps them relate well with others.
Depression.
Depression has been a serious mental health issue among veterans. With depression, a veteran will face trouble when trying to transition to civilian life. Due to bad experiences during service and lack of acceptance that they now have a new and different life, many veterans enter into depression. This condition makes it hard for them to relate with others and enjoy life as a normal civilian. If you live close to a veteran or have one as afamily member, you should know the signs of depression in order to seek help when needed. Behaviors such as lack of hope, lack of concentration, suicidal thoughts, and loss of interest in things are some of the symptoms of depression. Depression is also a leading cause of substance use and suicide.
Substance Use Disorder.
When they are unable to forget the horrible experiences they experienced during service, some veterans turn to drugs while trying to look for a solution. As a result, they become addicted to drugs and start living miserable lives. At first, drugs and alcohol provide the victim with temporary relief,but they end up having severe long-term health effects. One becomes used to drugs and finds it hard to concentrate on anything when they are not under the influence. Substance use disorder has been the leading cause of accidents and preventable deaths. The user develops a dire need to use the drugs, even when they have a desire to stop. A person also starts to hallucinate and lose self-control over drugs.
Suicide.
The rate of suicide among veterans has been the highest in history. While other parts of the population commit suicide too, veterans lead in the list. Most veterans commit suicide due to a lack of hope and finding it hard to integrate into the community. Additionally, many bad experiences haunt them, and if medical help is not offered at the right time, they can end up killing themselves. Addiction to drugs also increases the chances of ending their lives. The defense department recognizes this challenge and works with other organizations to prevent these deaths. Wounded Warrior Family Support is among those organizations working to ensure these deaths are eliminated by offering support to the wounded veterans and their families.
Veterans are important members of society, and that is why their health is significant. Their sacrifice for the nation leaves them with memories that can negatively affect their life after military service. Most of them get PTSD and depression and even start using drugs while trying to seek solutions. However, drugs cannot offer the solution they desire, but instead destroy their health and lead to death. That is why the Department of Defense, the government, non-private organizations, and the community should all work together to improve veterans’ lives. Come up with ways to help them transition smoothly and feel like apart of society.
