veterans & Mental illness
On Memorial Day, we honor those who lost their lives in combat. Let’s also never forget those who made it home, then lost their fight against mental illness. These are invisible wounds that cannot be seen and they deserve to be remembered on Memorial Day too.
Did you know?
There are 22 military PTSD suicides everyday
Over the last 20 years we have lost 5,200+ people in combat. In the same period, we have lost over 128,000 to PTSD suicide.
Nearly 1 in 4 active duty members showed signs of a mental health condition.
Less than 50% of returning veterans in need receive any mental health treatment.
The 3 main mental health illnesses that members of the military may experience are:
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event either experiencing it or witnessing it. Effects of PTSD can include trouble sleeping, anger, nightmares, being on edge, and alcohol and drug abuse. It has been estimated based on a psychiatry study that the rate of PTSD in the military is 15 times higher than civilians.
Depression: common and serious mental illness that negatively effects how you feel, the way you think, and how you act. Depression causes feelings of sadness and or a loss of interes in activities you once enjoyed. It can lead to a variety of emotional and physical problems and can decrease your ability to function throughout life. The rate of depression has been found to be 5 times higher than in civilians.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): brain disfunction caused an outside force, usually a violent blow to the head or body. Symptoms of a TBI can include fatigue or drowsiness, mood changes and mood swings, and headaches.
Resources:
Veterans Crisis Line Call 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. Text 838255 or chat online.
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline Call 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Or use the Lifeline Chat.
National Alliance on Mental Illness
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs
If you know anyone who doesn't have access to this resource please feel free to email me so we can figure out how to send the information. Please feel free to share any or all information.
Remember, you are never alone in this fight! XO, Whit Web 💖