With Veteran’s Day this month, this month’s mentor article will focus on the hidden battles faced by veterans and the impact it can have on one’s mental health. This article will also touch on supportive services for veterans and how EAP services can help.
When most people think of veterans and mental health, the first thing that often comes to mind is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). While this is very common for veterans it may also co-occur with anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. There is also complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) which is like PTSD but is characterized by more severe and persistent symptoms.
Symptoms of PTSD and CPTSD may include but are not limited to:
- Re-experiencing the trauma. (This can look like flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, etc.)
- Avoiding people, places, or activities related to the trauma
- Negative changes in mood and cognition. Difficulty concentrating, irritability, guilt, shame
- Hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, difficulty sleeping
- Dissociation (feeling detached from oneself or reality)
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Problems with interpersonal relationships
- Distorted self-perception (feeling worthless or unlovable)
It’s important to remember that these symptoms are common in veterans, however when self-assessing or looking for signs that someone may be struggling, it can be helpful to observe the intensity and duration of these symptoms. The veteran’s experience is not exclusive to just the veteran but also family, friends and loved ones close to the veteran. Loved ones may experience emotional distress, caregiver burden and a sense of disconnection. There may be the feeling of walking on eggshells to avoid triggering the veteran. Triggers could potentially lead to conflicts or in some cases violence. Disconnection and difficulty in communication are areas that can be impacted. Depending on the veteran’s experience they may tend to socially isolate/withdraw, which can impact the loved one’s social experiences as well. It can be challenging to communicate both as the veteran and loved ones with regards to emotions. This lack of communication can cause a feeling of disconnection and not knowing the person they once knew.
Although taking all of this information in can seem daunting, the good news is that support is available. EAP services and counseling can be a helpful resource to access. EAP counseling can provide individual, family and couples counseling. EAP counseling is free of cost and renews yearly. Support groups and peer support groups are also available and can be a place to connect with others with similar experiences. Veterans support groups can be found through national organizations like the VA, American Legion, and VFW, as well as non-profits such as Wounded Warrior Project and Team Red, White & Blue. The Veteran’s Association has many resources (medical, mental health, etc.) available that can be helpful to those in need. For more immediate support, there are crisis lines such as: 988 then pressing 1 and 1-855-QUIT-VET.
Lastly here are 5 quick tips to support a veteran or family of a veteran:
- Actively listen while avoid giving advice
- Offer support such as spending time with the affected person or sharing resources available such as EAP, support groups, etc.
- Offer help with everyday tasks such as cooking, cleaning, caring for the family
- Acknowledge feelings as normal and be sensitive to feelings. Avoid phrases such as “you’re lucky it is/wasn’t worse”. Instead say something like “I’m sorry such a thing happened, I’m here to help if you need me”
- Avoid taking emotional responses such as anger personally
Veterans and their loved ones face silent battles but know that they do not need to be fought alone. If you or someone you know has been impacted by veteran related challenges, know that our EAP team is here and ready to support you. You can reach out to us at 518-465-3813 to connect with our intake team, who can help you set up an appointment.
By: Meryl Tremblay, LMSW, EAP Counselor