Veterans face unique struggles regarding their mental health.
After dedicating their lives to serving the nation, veterans can experience significant challenges as a result of regularly dealing with high-stress, potentially dangerous situations and then having to reintegrate back into society as civilians.
Certain aspects of reintegrating into civilian life, such as getting a civilian job, sorting finances and housing, and relationships with family, can sometimes be difficult for those who have served in the military in ways that those who haven’t served may struggle to relate to.
Organisations like Care after Combat are on a mission to provide essential support to former British Armed Forces personnel, ensuring they do not face these difficulties alone.
In this latest article dedicated to World Mental Health Day, we will discuss some of the challenges veterans face, what we do to support veterans, and what you can do to support the veterans in your own life and community.
Understanding the Challenges
As a result of what they may have seen or experienced during their time in the military, some veterans end up struggling with their mental health.
Studies appear to show that the most prominent disorders veterans face are depression, anxiety, and PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).
These often come about as a result of the high-stress lifestyle veterans have lived. Military personnel are trained to be on guard in case of danger, which can lead to anxiety when they eventually return home, as many still feel that they must be on guard against danger, even as civilians.
Those who have faced combat may find themselves traumatised by the experience and struggle with mental health issues as a result of what they might have seen or experienced.
Reintegrating into civilian life alongside these mental health struggles can be challenging for veterans. The transition often involves overcoming hurdles such as finding employment, reconnecting with family and friends, and adjusting to a life without the structure and camaraderie of military service.
For some veterans, these challenges are compounded by their involvement with the justice system. This subset of veterans faces additional barriers to employment, building relationships, and healing from any mental health issues.
The Role of Care after Combat
Care after Combat is dedicated to supporting veterans in the justice system through personalised mentorship and comprehensive support services. We aim to ensure that no veteran feels alone or unsupported during their transition back to civilian life.
Care after Combat offers a range of support services designed to address the unique needs of veterans. These services include providing support in signposting to mental health services, creating opportunities for social activities, and assistance with finding employment. By tackling both mental health issues and social isolation, Care after Combat helps veterans build fulfilling lives post-service.
It is not only our veterans that we work with, however; the families of these veterans are just as important. We work to aid the families of veterans in the justice system however we can, including by providing signposting to services who can support them in helping their loved ones who are in the justice system once they re-enter society.
Supporting Veterans Involved in the Justice System
Due to the specific problems veterans face in the justice system, they require more targeted support. Care after Combat steps in to provide this support in the hopes that the veterans we help can learn to effectively cope with the mental health struggles they may have been facing more healthily.
Our mentorship program plays a huge part when it comes to offering support to veterans in the justice system.
This program aims to reduce recidivism by addressing the root causes of criminal behaviour, such as mental health issues and social isolation. Care after Combat mentors stay with veterans up until 12 months post-release, or until they are confident, aiding them in building a life they are excited to live. Part of this is ensuring these veterans are receiving the mental health support they need.
By participating in these programes, veterans can work with Care after Combat mentors and the many organisations we partner with to improve their mental health and successfully reintegrate into society.
How You Can Support Veterans
Volunteering and Donations
Joining Care after Combat as a volunteer is a meaningful way to make a difference. Volunteers can provide companionship, support, and advocacy for veterans. Additionally, donations play a critical role in sustaining the organisation’s programs. Contributions, no matter the size, help provide essential services to veterans in need.
Advocacy and Raising Awareness
Advocating for veterans’ mental health in your community can be incredibly impactful. Share information about the challenges veterans face and the importance of mental health support. Engage with local organisations and participate in events to raise awareness.
Show Understanding to the Veterans in Your Life and Give Them Space to Speak
They may not always find it easy to open up, but being there ready to listen is a great way to support the veterans in your own life. Having a good support network is crucial for veterans going through mental health struggles, and even just being there to listen can help hugely.
World Mental Health Day 2024
Understanding World Mental Health Day
World Mental Health Day, observed annually on October 10th, is a global initiative aimed at raising awareness about mental health issues and discussing the actions we can take in order to support mental health. This day provides an excellent opportunity to focus on the unique mental health challenges faced by veterans and to highlight the importance of supporting their well-being.
For veterans, World Mental Health Day can be particularly significant. It serves as a platform to:
- Increase public understanding of the mental health challenges veterans face.
- Reduce stigma surrounding mental health issues in the veteran community.
- Promote resources and support services that are available for veterans.
- Encourage veterans to seek help and support when needed.
Mental Health in the Workplace: This Year’s Theme
The theme for World Mental Health Day 2024 is “Mental Health in the Workplace.” This theme is particularly relevant for veterans, many of whom face unique challenges when transitioning from military service to civilian employment.
For veterans, the workplace can be both a source of stress and a potential avenue for support and recovery. Here are just a few tips for employers on how they can create a veteran-friendly workplace:
- Do your research: before hiring veterans, it is important that you understand what military life entails, the process of reintegrating back into civilian society, and the common struggles that veterans face during this time.
- Make sure your onboarding is comprehensive and effective: employers who wish to take on veterans should make sure their onboarding process effectively explains the role, the company culture, expectations, and the goals they will be expected to achieve in that role.
- Provide Access to Mental Health Support: Having a benefits package in place that allows veterans to access mental health support when needed is a brilliant way to ensure they have a space to discuss and explore their mental health and any struggles they may be having with working in a civilian job.
- Consider partnering with and supporting military organisations and charities: It’s easy to say that you fully support veterans, but going the extra mile to actually support veterans in this way shows veteran employees and candidates that your company is dedicated in its support and a place where veterans can thrive.
Together, We Can Make a Difference
Supporting veterans’ mental health is not just a mission—it’s truly an honour to us.
By getting involved with organisations like Care after Combat, you can make a tangible difference in the lives of those who have served our country. Whether through volunteering, donating, or advocating, every action counts.
