Introduction:
When we reflect upon veterans, we often envision honorable individuals who have selflessly served our country during challenging times. However, it is crucial to consider the profound effects of war-induced trauma on veterans, which often go unnoticed. This research aims to shed light on a common yet often overlooked issue that demands our attention.
The Burden of Mental Health Conditions in Veterans:
Among active duty members, a staggering 1 in 4 individuals exhibit signs of mental health conditions. Veterans, in particular, face a multitude of severe mental health challenges, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and substance use disorders (SUDs). These conditions not only interfere with veterans' recovery and reintegration into civilian life but also strain their relationships with family and friends. Moreover, the prevalence of mental health problems among veterans contributes to a significantly higher suicide rate, which is 1.5 times higher than that of the general population.
The Dominance of PTSD:
PTSD emerges as the most prevalent mental health issue among veterans. According to Rand.org, "one in five U.S. veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan experience PTSD and major depression." Psychiatry.org defines PTSD as a psychiatric disorder that manifests in individuals who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events or circumstances that they perceive as emotionally, physically, or life-threatening. The symptoms of PTSD, such as nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and involuntary memories, are so intense that individuals often feel as if they are reliving the traumatic events.
Substance Use Disorders:
Substance use disorders (SUDs) are indeed prevalent among veterans and military members, often as a result of the stress and trauma they have experienced during war and military service. Despite increased attention and awareness in recent years, SUDs continue to be a significant issue in this population. The use of substances such as drugs and alcohol can provide temporary relief for veterans experiencing war-related stress and anxiety, leading some to develop addictive behaviors. Studies have shown that a significant portion of suicides and high-risk behaviors among military personnel can be attributed to alcohol or drug use. In fact, approximately 30% of completed suicides and 20% of deaths resulting from high-risk behavior in this population are connected to substance use. In the general U.S. population, alcohol is the fourth leading cause of preventable death, contributing to 31% of alcohol-related driving fatalities. Substance use, in general, can have detrimental effects on physical and mental health, as well as relationships with oneself and others. Historically, there have been cases of war-induced SUD. In May of 1971, two congressmen, Robert Steele from Connecticut and Morgan Murphy of Illinois, went to Vietnam for an official visit and returned with some extremely disturbing news: 15 percent of U.S. servicemen in Vietnam, they said, were actively addicted to heroin. As a more present statistic, addictionhelp.com states that "6.2% of veterans (1.3 million people) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in 2019." It is important to acknowledge these alarming statistics and understand the challenges faced by veterans in order to advocate for their support and well-being. It is worth noting that these reported numbers may not capture the full extent of the issue, as there are likely many veterans silently suffering from substance use disorders.
A Call for Improved Mental Health Care:
In 2021, Hollyanne Simon, the wife of a Navy sailor, courageously shared her husband's story on NowThis News, highlighting the broken mental health system available to veterans and military personnel. Simon discovered that her husband, who was placed on suicide watch following his deployment, was not referred to a psychiatrist but instead saw a general doctor who diagnosed him with depression and prescribed antidepressants. Simon's concerns echo a widespread sentiment regarding the inadequate care and support provided to veterans. It is crucial to address the lack of awareness among veterans and their families about available mental health resources. While seeking help may pose challenges, there are dedicated organizations committed to improving the mental well-being of veterans.
How We Can Help Solve This Issue:
Some solutions we, as a society, can implement are to educate and raise awareness about challenges faced by veterans, veterans' families, and the general population, which will lead to the reduction of stigma around asking for mental help. We can also enhance access to care by expanding mental health clinics within the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and establishing partnerships with community-based mental health providers.
Conclusion:
By delving into the effects of war-induced trauma on veterans' mental health, this research exposes a hidden battle faced by these honorable individuals. The gravity of mental health conditions, particularly PTSD, demands our attention and calls for comprehensive and compassionate support systems. It is imperative to empower veterans and their families with knowledge about available resources and to advocate for improved mental health care that caters to the unique needs of those who have served our country. By doing so, we can work towards a society that truly honors the sacrifices made by our veterans and provides them with the care they deserve.
Sources:
navigating mental health for veterans- https://www.rand.org/health-care/projects/navigating-mental-health-care-for-veterans/mental-health-issues.html#:~:text=Anxiety%2C guilt%2C anger.,thoughts of death or suicide.
Inoue, C., Shawler, E., Jordan, C. H., & Jackson, C. A. (2021b, May 23). Veteran and Military Mental Health Issues. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34283458/
Spotlight on Mental Health- Spotlight on Mental Health
Owens, S. (2022, November 8). Supporting the Behavioral Health Needs of Our Nation’s Veterans. Www.samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/blog/supporting-behavioral-health-needs-our-nations-veterans
Armed forces and mental health. (n.d.). Www.mentalhealth.org.uk. https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/explore-mental-health/a-z-topics/armed-forces-and-mental-health
NAMI. (2014). Veterans & Active Duty | NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. Nami.org. https://www.nami.org/Your-Journey/Veterans-Active-Duty