Grief and Loss in the Veteran Community: Coping Strategies and Support
Navigating grief and loss is a challenging experience.
Veterans often experience grief and loss in a way that those who haven’t served in the armed forces will likely not experience themselves.
This is why understanding these challenges and how to provide effective coping strategies is key to helping the veterans in our lives and communities work through these feelings and live happy and fulfilling lives.
Understanding How Loss and Grief Can Impact Veterans
Grief is our natural response to loss. For veterans, these feelings of grief can stem from various sources, including the loss of comrades, the end of a military career, or the difficulty of reintegration into civilian life.
Whatever the cause of these complex emotions, they can heavily impact mental and emotional well-being. Those experiencing grief may notice the following:
- Feelings of numbness or shock
- Feelings of depression, shame, or anger
- Attempts to avoid reminders of the loss
- Physical symptoms, such as difficulty sleeping or a loss of appetite.
Grief is a natural feeling that most people will experience in their lifetime. Veterans experience losses that are very specific to their status as veterans, which can lead to their feelings of depression and isolation being misunderstood by those around them, exacerbating the issue.
Challenges Faced by Veterans
Reintegration into Civilian Life
The transition from military to civilian life is fraught with difficulties that can exacerbate feelings of loss and grief.
A huge part of this is the loss of the community and camaraderie that serving in the military brings. It is likely that over time, these veterans formed extremely strong bonds with their fellow military personnel as a result of training with them, travelling with them, and working to keep each other safe.
Leaving the military often makes it harder for a veteran to stay in contact with these significant people who have experienced the same victories and hardships as themselves, leaving them feeling lonely and isolated.
Entering, or re-entering, the workforce may also be a challenge for veterans reintegrating into civilian life. Some veterans may never have applied for a civilian job if they entered the military straight out of school or college.
This will mean learning to translate their military experience into skills for their resume. The loss of their structured routine in the military in favour of having to navigate the chaotic world of civilian work could cause feelings of sadness and grief.
Those who are re-entering the workplace might also experience challenges. In many cases, veterans will have to learn new skills and catch up on new information and changes that might have happened while they were in the military. Some veterans worry that they may lose their role as a result of their absence.
Mental Health Problems
Many veterans grapple with mental health issues such as PTSD, depression, and anxiety. These conditions can intensify the grieving process, making it harder for veterans to cope with loss.
Lack of Support
Unfortunately, many veterans do not receive the support they need. Some do not know where to begin looking for this support, while others may struggle to access the resources that do exist that could help them with their mental health, career, finances, etc.
Others may find that this lack of support stems from the people around them. While grief and loss are feelings that most people will feel in their own lives, those who have never had to reintegrate back into society or experience combat may struggle to understand why veterans may feel the way they do.
This lack of support can deepen their grief and exacerbate mental health problems.
The Impact of Involvement With the Justice System
Some veterans find themselves entangled in the justice system, adding another layer of complexity to their grief.
Legal troubles can compound the emotional and psychological burdens veterans already face and navigating the justice system can be overwhelming and further hinder their ability to process grief, disrupting their path to healing.
The stress and stigma associated with legal issues can exacerbate some of the challenges discussed in the previous section of this article and complicate veteran’s grief recovery process.
Coping Strategies for Veteran
Finding effective ways to cope with grief is essential for veterans. Here are some strategies that can help:
Seeking Professional Help
Professional therapy and counselling can provide veterans with the tools they need to manage their grief. Mental health professionals experienced in working with veterans can offer tailored support and coping strategies.
Services such as the NHS’s Op COURAGE can connect veterans with services designed to aid with a wide array of mental health struggles.
Building a Support Network
Connecting with other veterans, joining support groups, and engaging with community organisations can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide a vital support network.
Healthy Lifestyle Changes
Adopting healthy lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and mindfulness practices, can improve overall well-being and help manage grief.
Care after Combat’s Role
Care after Combat is dedicated to providing comprehensive support to veterans who are involved in the justice system.
We offer a range of support services, including signposting to support with healthcare, accommodation, employment, and community engagement opportunities. Our goal is to ensure that every veteran receives the care and support they deserve.
We must recognise and address the unique challenges veterans face when coping with grief and loss. By providing tailored support and fostering a sense of community, we can help veterans move forward with care and respect.
How You Can Help
Whether through donations, volunteering, or spreading awareness, your support can make a significant difference in the lives of veterans.
If you’re reading this and feel as though you or a loved one would benefit from our services, you can find out more about us and how you can get in contact here.
Contact Information and Resources
For more information on how you can get involved, visit our website or contact us directly. Together, we can ensure that no veteran has to face grief and loss alone.
By understanding the unique grief experienced by veterans and providing robust support systems, we can help them overcome their challenges and lead fulfilling lives post-service. Join us at Care after Combat and make a difference today.
