Memorial Day is a day of remembrance and honor. It’s a time for us to not only remember those we have lost during service, but also to recognize those who have struggled after their active duty service or even during their service due to the hidden battle of mental health. This Memorial Day, we honor and pay tribute to all our service men and women we have lost.
Two of the most common mental health issues faced by military servicemembers are:
- PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
- Depression
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)
PTSD is a psychiatric response and reaction after being witness to a traumatic event or experience, such as a serious accident, act of violence, or any event that causes your body to enter a “fight or flight” reaction. Specific to the military, servicemembers who experience combat, witness violence or cruelty, experience sexual assault, or even culture shock while being deployed for long periods of time, may show signs of PTSD.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD:
- Flashbacks
- Intrusive thoughts
- Nightmares/trouble sleeping
- Social withdrawal
- Difficulty with relationships
- Loss of interest in activities or hobbies
- Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
- Hypervigilance
- Irritability or outbursts of anger
- Self-destructive behaviors
- Substance use
Depression
Depression, especially amongst military servicemembers, is on the rise. This is due to the difficulties in equitable behavioral healthcare and healthcare in general. Depression is a mental disorder that exudes the extreme feeling of negativity, affecting how one feels, thinks, acts, and even perceives the world. For veterans and active duty members, depression can be triggered from exposure to combat, being separated from family and friends for long periods for training or deployment, substance use, moral injury, living in constant fear and heightened anxiety, the stigma around mental health, and just the demands of the job.
Signs and Symptoms of Depression:
- Feeling sad or hopeless
- Loss of interest in hobbies or activities
- Gaining or losing weight
- Change in diet (eating too much or too little)
- Sleep disturbances (too much or too little)
- Lack of energy or desire to do things
- Disconnecting from family and loved ones
According to the U.S. Department of Defense, over 500 servicemembers died by suicide in 2023. This number, unfortunately, increases each year, which means our servicemembers need our support even more. Not only can we offer our support to those around us, it also requires us all to be vigilant and aware of the signs. Reaching out for help can be the hardest thing for someone to do, especially a military member. Offering an ear or a safe space can help make a difference in igniting their journey to mental wellness.
Ways to Help:
- Be aware of the signs of mental disorders like PTSD and depression
- Foster a supportive environment
If you’re a veteran or active duty servicemember, help is always available. Our team at Forge has been there and gets it, whether they have served themselves or they have family members who do/have. Take a look at our VFR services here: Veteran Mental Health & Addiction Support | Forge Health. We’re just a call or email away.
Crisis Hotline Services, Free and Confidential – Available 24/7
CALL: 988 and press 1 | TEXT: 838255