Brandalyn Kemp, MA, LPCC-S is a counselor with Counslr who has worked as a Military Family Life Counselor since 2020. For the last five years, she has served on several military bases where short term counseling is offered to military active duty and their families, providing solution-focused counseling to help cope with a variety of issues like pre-deployment, post-deployment, grief, and family life issues.
Having dedicated their lives to serving their country, veterans deserve support that matches the depth of their sacrifice. Yet many continue to face significant challenges long after returning home. Many veterans carry the invisible wounds of war—emotional and psychological scars that can deeply affect their quality of life. For this reason, addressing veterans’ mental health is not just a matter of personal well-being, but also a crucial social responsibility. As a society, we take time to honor those who have served and continue to serve. We show our appreciation by making sure that their mental health becomes a priority for all they have endured.
Military service often comes with profound psychological consequences. While the physical wounds of war are visible, the mental and emotional scars many veterans carry remain unseen. Issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse significantly affect the veteran population. Understanding these challenges is essential to providing comprehensive care and support. This article explores the causes, impacts, and treatment approaches to mental health challenges among veterans, highlighting the need for stronger systemic support and destigmatization.
Military service often involves exposure to traumatic and high-stress situations. Veterans may witness combat, experience loss, or endure long periods of separation from family and friends. These experiences can lead to the aforementioned mental health issues. Some veterans also suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can worsen psychological symptoms. For instance, as many as 23% of veterans deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq experienced TBI. Without adequate care, these conditions can make it difficult for veterans to adjust to civilian life, maintain employment, or sustain healthy relationships.
One of the most alarming concerns among the veteran community is the high rate of suicide—over 6000 veterans die by suicide annually. Veterans are at greater risk of suicide than the general population, largely due to untreated mental health conditions and the stigma surrounding seeking help. Data published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2016 indicated that veteran suicide rates were 1.5 times higher than those of non-veterans. Providing accessible, confidential, and compassionate mental health services is essential for preventing these tragedies. By encouraging open discussions about mental health and promoting early intervention, society can help veterans recover and regain hope.
Last year, I had the honor of working with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelinefor the VA. This is a line dedicated to veterans only, that alone shows some of the toll that military services have had on our veterans and current active military. There are hundreds of workers available to assist in meeting their needs.
Some of the calls I fielded during that time were from people expressing how hard transitioning from military to civilian life can be. Veterans often struggle to find purpose or belonging after leaving the structured environment of the armed forces. Many face challenges in employment, education, and family life. Mental health support plays a vital role in easing this transition by helping veterans build coping strategies, process their experiences, and reconnect with their communities. Programs that offer counseling, peer support, and job training are instrumental in promoting successful reintegration.
The effects of a veteran’s mental health extend beyond the individual. Poor mental health can lead to challenges in relationships, while families often face added emotional strain and financial hardship. Conversely, when veterans receive proper mental health care, they are better equipped to support their loved ones and contribute positively to their communities. Supporting veterans’ mental well-being, therefore, strengthens families and builds more resilient communities.
Caring for veterans’ mental health is also a moral obligation. Veterans have faced extraordinary challenges; ensuring their well-being is a fundamental responsibility. Providing quality mental health resources, reducing stigma, and investing in veteran support programs demonstrate our commitment to meeting their needs.
The importance of veterans’ mental health cannot be overstated. Protecting their psychological well-being is essential for their personal recovery, their families’ stability, and the strength of society as a whole. As a nation, we must ensure that no one feels forgotten or alone after their service. By prioritizing mental health care, we not only save lives but also uphold the promise to support veterans in their transition and recovery.
If you know a veteran who may be struggling, encourage them to reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1, or explore confidential text-based support through Counslr. No one should face these battles alone.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
Brandalyn Kemp, MA, LPCC-S is a counselor with Counslr who has worked as a Military Family Life Counselor since 2020. For the last five years, she has served on several military bases where short term counseling is offered to military active duty and their families, providing solution-focused counseling to help cope with a variety of issues like pre-deployment, post-deployment, grief, and family life issues.
Having dedicated their lives to serving their country, veterans deserve support that matches the depth of their sacrifice. Yet many continue to face significant challenges long after returning home. Many veterans carry the invisible wounds of war—emotional and psychological scars that can deeply affect their quality of life. For this reason, addressing veterans’ mental health is not just a matter of personal well-being, but also a crucial social responsibility. As a society, we take time to honor those who have served and continue to serve. We show our appreciation by making sure that their mental health becomes a priority for all they have endured.
Military service often comes with profound psychological consequences. While the physical wounds of war are visible, the mental and emotional scars many veterans carry remain unseen. Issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse significantly affect the veteran population. Understanding these challenges is essential to providing comprehensive care and support. This article explores the causes, impacts, and treatment approaches to mental health challenges among veterans, highlighting the need for stronger systemic support and destigmatization.
Military service often involves exposure to traumatic and high-stress situations. Veterans may witness combat, experience loss, or endure long periods of separation from family and friends. These experiences can lead to the aforementioned mental health issues. Some veterans also suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can worsen psychological symptoms. For instance, as many as 23% of veterans deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq experienced TBI. Without adequate care, these conditions can make it difficult for veterans to adjust to civilian life, maintain employment, or sustain healthy relationships.
One of the most alarming concerns among the veteran community is the high rate of suicide—over 6000 veterans die by suicide annually. Veterans are at greater risk of suicide than the general population, largely due to untreated mental health conditions and the stigma surrounding seeking help. Data published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2016 indicated that veteran suicide rates were 1.5 times higher than those of non-veterans. Providing accessible, confidential, and compassionate mental health services is essential for preventing these tragedies. By encouraging open discussions about mental health and promoting early intervention, society can help veterans recover and regain hope.
Last year, I had the honor of working with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelinefor the VA. This is a line dedicated to veterans only, that alone shows some of the toll that military services have had on our veterans and current active military. There are hundreds of workers available to assist in meeting their needs.
Some of the calls I fielded during that time were from people expressing how hard transitioning from military to civilian life can be. Veterans often struggle to find purpose or belonging after leaving the structured environment of the armed forces. Many face challenges in employment, education, and family life. Mental health support plays a vital role in easing this transition by helping veterans build coping strategies, process their experiences, and reconnect with their communities. Programs that offer counseling, peer support, and job training are instrumental in promoting successful reintegration.
The effects of a veteran’s mental health extend beyond the individual. Poor mental health can lead to challenges in relationships, while families often face added emotional strain and financial hardship. Conversely, when veterans receive proper mental health care, they are better equipped to support their loved ones and contribute positively to their communities. Supporting veterans’ mental well-being, therefore, strengthens families and builds more resilient communities.
Caring for veterans’ mental health is also a moral obligation. Veterans have faced extraordinary challenges; ensuring their well-being is a fundamental responsibility. Providing quality mental health resources, reducing stigma, and investing in veteran support programs demonstrate our commitment to meeting their needs.
The importance of veterans’ mental health cannot be overstated. Protecting their psychological well-being is essential for their personal recovery, their families’ stability, and the strength of society as a whole. As a nation, we must ensure that no one feels forgotten or alone after their service. By prioritizing mental health care, we not only save lives but also uphold the promise to support veterans in their transition and recovery.
If you know a veteran who may be struggling, encourage them to reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1, or explore confidential text-based support through Counslr. No one should face these battles alone.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
Brandalyn Kemp, MA, LPCC-S is a counselor with Counslr who has worked as a Military Family Life Counselor since 2020. For the last five years, she has served on several military bases where short term counseling is offered to military active duty and their families, providing solution-focused counseling to help cope with a variety of issues like pre-deployment, post-deployment, grief, and family life issues.
Having dedicated their lives to serving their country, veterans deserve support that matches the depth of their sacrifice. Yet many continue to face significant challenges long after returning home. Many veterans carry the invisible wounds of war—emotional and psychological scars that can deeply affect their quality of life. For this reason, addressing veterans’ mental health is not just a matter of personal well-being, but also a crucial social responsibility. As a society, we take time to honor those who have served and continue to serve. We show our appreciation by making sure that their mental health becomes a priority for all they have endured.
Military service often comes with profound psychological consequences. While the physical wounds of war are visible, the mental and emotional scars many veterans carry remain unseen. Issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance abuse significantly affect the veteran population. Understanding these challenges is essential to providing comprehensive care and support. This article explores the causes, impacts, and treatment approaches to mental health challenges among veterans, highlighting the need for stronger systemic support and destigmatization.
Military service often involves exposure to traumatic and high-stress situations. Veterans may witness combat, experience loss, or endure long periods of separation from family and friends. These experiences can lead to the aforementioned mental health issues. Some veterans also suffer from traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), which can worsen psychological symptoms. For instance, as many as 23% of veterans deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq experienced TBI. Without adequate care, these conditions can make it difficult for veterans to adjust to civilian life, maintain employment, or sustain healthy relationships.
One of the most alarming concerns among the veteran community is the high rate of suicide—over 6000 veterans die by suicide annually. Veterans are at greater risk of suicide than the general population, largely due to untreated mental health conditions and the stigma surrounding seeking help. Data published by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) in 2016 indicated that veteran suicide rates were 1.5 times higher than those of non-veterans. Providing accessible, confidential, and compassionate mental health services is essential for preventing these tragedies. By encouraging open discussions about mental health and promoting early intervention, society can help veterans recover and regain hope.
Last year, I had the honor of working with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifelinefor the VA. This is a line dedicated to veterans only, that alone shows some of the toll that military services have had on our veterans and current active military. There are hundreds of workers available to assist in meeting their needs.
Some of the calls I fielded during that time were from people expressing how hard transitioning from military to civilian life can be. Veterans often struggle to find purpose or belonging after leaving the structured environment of the armed forces. Many face challenges in employment, education, and family life. Mental health support plays a vital role in easing this transition by helping veterans build coping strategies, process their experiences, and reconnect with their communities. Programs that offer counseling, peer support, and job training are instrumental in promoting successful reintegration.
The effects of a veteran’s mental health extend beyond the individual. Poor mental health can lead to challenges in relationships, while families often face added emotional strain and financial hardship. Conversely, when veterans receive proper mental health care, they are better equipped to support their loved ones and contribute positively to their communities. Supporting veterans’ mental well-being, therefore, strengthens families and builds more resilient communities.
Caring for veterans’ mental health is also a moral obligation. Veterans have faced extraordinary challenges; ensuring their well-being is a fundamental responsibility. Providing quality mental health resources, reducing stigma, and investing in veteran support programs demonstrate our commitment to meeting their needs.
The importance of veterans’ mental health cannot be overstated. Protecting their psychological well-being is essential for their personal recovery, their families’ stability, and the strength of society as a whole. As a nation, we must ensure that no one feels forgotten or alone after their service. By prioritizing mental health care, we not only save lives but also uphold the promise to support veterans in their transition and recovery.
If you know a veteran who may be struggling, encourage them to reach out to the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988, then press 1, or explore confidential text-based support through Counslr. No one should face these battles alone.
The views and opinions expressed here are solely those of the author and should not be attributed to Counslr, Inc., its partners, its employees, or any other mental health professionals Counslr employs. You should review this information and any questions regarding your specific circumstances with a medical professional. The content provided here is for informational and educational purposes only and should not be construed as counseling, therapy, or professional medical advice.
.png)
.png)
%20copy.png)
