So my wife and I went to a local festival yesterday. She set up her booth, and we got the word out not only about her Animal Aid fund she runs, but I also got the word out about my walk. So many good people still left in this world. I promise they are out there. While there, there were a couple of Military type booths set up next to us, one offering services to help soldiers find housing and a job after the military tour ends. The other offered therapy services of all kinds to help soldiers struggling with mental/ physical issues. Wonderful things that both of these groups are doing, and no surprise, but not funded by the government.
According to an internet search; The most widely publicized mental health challenges veterans and service members encounter are posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression. Research indicates that approximately 14% to 16% of the US service members deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq have been affected by PTSD or depression.
Here's a summary of information related to mental health issues among soldiers returning from overseas:
* Prevalence: A significant portion of soldiers experience mental health challenges upon returning home. Estimates range from 11% to 20% for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD. * Factors: Deployment-related trauma, operational stress, and pre-existing vulnerabilities contribute to these issues. * Resources: The VA offers extensive resources and support programs for veterans facing mental health struggles. Where to find more information: * National Center for PTSD: (https://www.ptsd.va.gov/) * Department of Defense Mental Health Resources: (https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/2737954/department-of-defense-mental-health-resources-for-service-members-and-their-fam/) * Veteran Crisis Line: Dial 988, then press 1 Important Note: These are just estimates. The true number of affected soldiers is likely higher due to underreporting.
These young men and women, go off to fight for our country, then are left broken and dismayed once they come home, especially if they have seen combat. Projects like Wounded Warrior do help.
And groups like the two that were at the festival yesterday, make a huge difference in peoples lives. unfortunately, with the stigma placed around admitting you are having a mental health crisis, especially if you are a" big tough solider". Thats another reason the mental health care in this country needs to change. We think that giving someone pills, and maybe someone to talk to is going to do the trick. Make them better, make them not so sad anymore. But medicine and talking is only part of the equation. There needs to be more emphasis put on Mental Health Care, how do we find a way forward, when we don't want to be on pills, when talking to a stranger feels uncomfortable, and people look down their nose at you when you say you go to therapy and take anti-depressants. People are always so quick to judge " why are you taking those? " "you don't need pills, you need to quit being sad" " what do you have to be sad about anyway"...this list of Unhelpful phrases goes on and on. This way of thinking has to stop.
Not everyone with a mental health issue is crazy... but friends, family and even doctors can make them feel that way. Trying to talk someone out of being sad or depressed is never going to work. Pestering them is never going to help. But maybe saying to them, hey why don't we go for a walk today? Then you just walk with them, no need to say anything about their sadness, depression or current painful situation. Just be there for them, and if they decide to talk, let them. No need to give advice, just listen and love them where they are in that moment.
If you or someone you know is a veteran, and you need help. Please reach out
if you are a soldier and are feeling suicidal and need to talk call 988 and press 1
Department of Veterans affairs : https://www.va.gov/
Wounded Warrior Project: https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org
you can also google Support groups for Military or former military personal.
I would like to encourage you to get out and start walking, make a goal to do a big hike, then work hard towards that goal. I would love to see some of you out on the Appalachian trail in 2026. Wouldn't it be epic if we could all meet up on the trail and walk together for mental health. What a beautiful dream that would be.
God Bless, may you always remember: Yesterday is over, let it go, and tomorrow will take care of itself, live for today, and just get through that, that's enough for now.
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