Veterans Day: Courageously Taking the First Step

Veterans Day reminds us of the brave people who served our country. After such service, may our country’s veterans be empowered by courageously taking the first step for their health and their lives.

Scars of Combat: Mindsets That Can Help Veterans Battle Mental Health Disorders

A disproportionate number of veterans suffer from mental health disorders following their military service. Although help is available, taking the first step can sometimes be more challenging than expected. What are some mindsets that can help?

As many as two out of 10 veterans suffer from mental health problems related to their service in the military. Whether these problems are related to their combat experience, work-related stress, substance abuse, or other factors, mental health disorders can affect their quality of life after their military service.

Many resources are available for veterans and include counseling and therapy, medical prescriptions, support groups, and programs that can treat mental health issues. 

This Veterans Day, we remember all the courageous individuals who have served our country. All veterans deserve the mental health help that they need. However, the act of taking the first step to seek help can be a daunting task.

Some are reluctant to receive services because they are unsure of their symptoms or worried that seeking help will lead to judgment. Others may be worried about the repercussions of using illicit substances.

Such concerns are understandable, but they shouldn’t hinder anyone from seeking mental health assistance. Below are some mindsets that can help you make that call, sign up for that service, or e-mail that treatment center to address your needs.

Mental health problems require the same level of attention as physical health problems.

Sometimes people believe that mental health concerns aren’t as critical as physical health concerns. People might be more likely to go to the hospital about something in their lungs or pain in their legs instead of persistent feelings of depression, anger, or anxiety.

Although mental health can be an invisible problem, it still might require medical attention. It can affect several areas of a person’s life: their relationships, finances, career, and overall well-being.

Remember that mental health concerns are as legitimate as physical ailments. Finding medical assistance for depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other mental health disorders should be a priority.

The first step is often the hardest.

You may be riddled with anxieties about reaching out and addressing your mental health issues. However, it’s comforting to know that the most challenging step is often the first one. From there, acting on your mental health concerns might be easier if you’ve found support to help you recover.

If you want to turn your health and life around, know that the beginning of your journey can help you find the right path. The waters may be murky, or the terrain might look uncertain at present. But as you trust the process and choose your health, you can gain knowledge, experience, and the support you need to succeed.

The perfect time is now.

Another concern for some veterans is finding the perfect timing for seeking help. Some feel that it’s too late to find treatment or believe that they need to align other things in order to take care of their health. But again, mental health can affect many areas of life, so the perfect time to seek help is always now.

Now is the right time because mental health problems, like physical health problems, can worsen over time and contribute to other issues. Mental illnesses can relate to situations that can be life-threatening such as substance abuse, domestic violence, and suicide.

The earlier you address mental health concerns, the better outcomes you can achieve for yourself and your loved ones.

Sources

health.usnews.com – Statistics on PTSD in Veterans

va.gov – History of Veterans Day

ncbi.nlm.nih.gov – Co-Occurring Intimate Partner Violence, Mental Health, and Substance Use Problems: A Scoping Review

sunshinebehavioralhealth.com – Guidance for Veterans and Their Families