May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness and educate the public about mental health issues. This is especially important for active duty military and veterans, who face unique challenges and struggles when it comes to mental health.
In this article, we will explore the importance of mental health awareness for active duty military and veterans, the challenges they face and the resources available to support their mental well-being.
The Importance of Mental Health Awareness for Active Duty Military & Veterans
Mental health is a critical aspect of overall well-being, and it is especially important for those serving in the military. Active duty military and veterans face a variety of stressors and challenges that can impact their mental health, including deployment, combat exposure and the transition back to civilian life.
According to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center, approximately 22 veterans die by suicide every day. This is a staggering statistic that highlights the urgent need for mental health awareness and support for those who have served our country.
Suicide rates in veterans
Suicide rates among veterans are significantly higher than the general population. In fact, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans, according to the Council of Criminal justice. This is a complex issue with many contributing factors, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and substance abuse.
It is crucial to raise awareness about the prevalence of suicide among military veterans and to provide resources and support to prevent these tragic deaths.
Military treatment facilities
Military treatment facilities (MTFs) are medical facilities that provide healthcare services to active duty military, their families and retirees. These facilities play a vital role in providing mental health support to those in the military community.
MTFs offer a range of mental health services, including counseling, therapy, and medication management. They also provide resources for coping with stress, managing PTSD and preventing suicide.
Military suicide prevention
The military has implemented various suicide prevention programs to address the high rates of suicide among active duty military and veterans. These programs focus on education, early intervention and access to mental health resources.
One example is the Army’s “ACE” program, which stands for “Ask, Care, Escort.” This program encourages soldiers to ask their peers about their well-being, care for those who may be struggling and escort them to mental health resources if needed.
Challenges for Active Duty Military & Veterans
Active duty military and veterans face unique challenges that can impact their mental health. These challenges include:
Deployment and combat exposure
Deployments and combat exposure can have a significant impact on the mental health of military personnel. The stress and trauma of combat can lead to conditions such as PTSD, depression and anxiety.
Additionally, the constant cycle of deployment and redeployment can take a toll on the mental well-being of military personnel and their families.
Transition to civilian life
The transition from military to civilian life can be challenging for many veterans. They may struggle to adjust to a new routine, find employment and build new relationships. This transition can also trigger mental health issues, such as depression and anxiety.
Stigma surrounding mental health
Unfortunately, there is still a stigma surrounding mental health in the military community. Many service members and veterans may be hesitant to seek help for fear of being seen as weak or unfit for duty.
This stigma can prevent individuals from getting the support they need and can contribute to the high rates of suicide among military personnel.
Resources for Active Duty Military & Veterans
Fortunately, there are many resources available to support the mental health of active duty military and veterans. These resources include:
Military OneSource
Military OneSource is a Department of Defense-funded program that provides a range of services to military personnel and their families. These services include confidential counseling, financial and legal assistance and resources for mental health and wellness.
Veterans Crisis Line
The Veterans Crisis Line is a free, confidential resource that provides support to veterans in crisis and their loved ones. This resource is available 24/7 and offers support via phone, text and online chat.
VA mental health services
The Department of Veterans Affairs offers a variety of mental health services for veterans, including counseling, therapy and medication management. These services are available at VA medical centers and community-based outpatient clinics.
Non-profit organizations
There are also many non-profit organizations dedicated to supporting the mental health of active duty military and veterans. These organizations offer a range of services, including counseling, peer support and resources for coping with PTSD and other mental health issues.
How You Can Help
There are many ways you can support the mental health of active duty military and veterans. These include:
Educate yourself
One of the best ways to support the mental health of military personnel is to educate yourself about the challenges they face. This will help you better understand their experiences and provide support and resources when needed.
Be supportive
If you know someone who is serving in the military or is a veteran, be a supportive friend or family member. Check in with them regularly, listen to their experiences and offer to help when needed.
Advocate for mental health support
You can also advocate for mental health support for active duty military and veterans. This can include supporting legislation that provides funding for mental health services and raising awareness about the importance of mental health in the military community.
This Mental Health Awareness Month, Wekiva wants to recognize active duty military, their families, and veterans mental health struggles. At Wekiva, we understand that military mental health can be a complex issue, which is why we offer specific programming to treat those who have been in or involved in the armed services.
We are proud to offer a space that prioritizes those who have served our country, and create more awareness around mental health for military service members and their families. Call today at 904-295-1995 to learn more about our military treatment program, or schedule an assessment online.
In case of a mental health crisis, CALL 988 or seek the nearest emergency room.
For physical health emergencies, CALL 911 or seek the nearest emergency room.
About Wekiva Springs Hospital
Wekiva Springs Hospital is a welcoming facility that provides inpatient and outpatient behavioral health and substance abuse treatment. Located in Jacksonville, FL, we offer services to adult and senior adults.
Our beautiful campus is specifically designed to facilitate healing and recovery for each of our patients. We pride ourselves on accommodating the severity of each patient’s condition and servicing each individual need. Some of our services include our mental health, substance abuse, outpatient group therapy programs and more.
To schedule a no-cost assessment or for more information, please call 904-295-1995
