Each year on November 11, we observe Veterans Day; this federal holiday always falls on November 11 in recognition of World War I formally ending at 11 a.m. on November 11, 1918. Veterans Day is a time to honor military veterans and acknowledge the mental health stories of servicemembers. The most publicized mental health challenges facing veterans are post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and traumatic brain injury (TBI) usually the result of a significant injury to the head or body.
Other mental health challenges this population faces are suicidal ideation/death by suicide, substance use, and interpersonal violence. Unfortunately, these issues can have a ripple effect not only impacting service members but also their friends and families. Often, there is no specified timeline for the presentation of these mental health concerns and they can occur at any time after their discharge or release from the military.
Combat exposure, when service members are exposed to traumatic events (seeing injury or death, being in a serious accident, handling human remains and more) and leaving active military service are challenging times for this group. Upon returning home, servicemembers may face various mental health concerns like PSTD, depression and substance use. Servicemembers may also experience some emotional letdown while adjusting to life after military service; returning to civilian life is a huge change and can bring strong emotional responses.
If you know someone who has recently returned from deployment remember that reintegration into everyday life takes time, grace and patience. However, warning signs that last for months can affect relationships and overall well-being if left untreated. Some warning signs to seek outside help include:
- Family and social relationship troubles like frequent and intense conflicts, poor communication, and inability to meet responsibilities
- Work, school, or community issues — frequent absences, conflicts, inability to meet deadlines, poor performance
- Frequent or severe depression or angry moods — especially if there is a possibility they are going to hurt themselves or someone else
- Being regularly hyperalert or on guard
If a servicemember’s reactions and behavior are causing significant distress or interfering with normal functioning, they might benefit from seeking help. Starting the conversation could look like simply letting them know you're interested in hearing about their feelings and experiences, asking how you can support them (and keep asking), and reminding your servicemember that reaching out for help is not a sign of weakness.
A resource to save is the Veterans Crisis Line. This line is available year-round, 24/7 for all veterans, National Guard Reserve and their families and friends. Connect with a trained counselor by calling 988 and pressing 1, texting 838-255, or chatting online. JCMHC is also here for you 24/7 at 913-268-0156. You may want to contact us when you have feelings of hopelessness, experience anxiety or agitation or just feel overwhelmed.
What you can do this Veterans Day:
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Attend a Veterans Day event. This year, the county will host an in-person celebration at 11 a.m., Friday, Nov. 11 at the Lenexa National Guard Armory. The event will also be live-streamed on Johnson County’s Facebook page and online at jocogov.org/JoCoHonorsVets.
- Familiarize yourself with some of the resources in the "Resources for your mental health section" to utilize for yourself or someone you may know who needs support.
- Reach out to a veteran in your life and thank them for their service.
Photo by Caroline Gamon
