Supporting troops’ and veterans’ mental health amid 9/11 and events in Afghanistan
The beginning of September marks the end of the war in Afghanistan as well as the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. These events are difficult for many Americans but can be particularly distressing for veterans and active service members. Some military personnel may be reminded of traumatic events they experienced, hardships they faced, as well as lives lost. Others may grapple with conflicting emotions about their service.
Yet, regardless of how heavily these world events weigh on the minds and hearts of those who have and continue to serve our country, no one has to suffer alone — support is available.
Coping with mental health triggers
People in the military face unique stressors that can elevate their risk for developing certain mental health conditions, such as depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, as many as 500,000 U.S troops who served in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been diagnosed with PTSD. Whether a person has been diagnosed with a condition or not, events such as 9/11 remembrances and the end of the longest running war in U.S. history can trigger mental health issues for veterans and service members of all generations.
“People who serve sacrifice a lot, and everyone wants to believe their sacrifices were for a reason, for the greater good,” says Jeff Snowking, LCSWA, MHP, a mental health therapist for MultiCare Behavioral Health. “The situation in Afghanistan followed so closely by 9/11 has been disheartening for many people. It can lead some to question the meaning of their service.”
Snowking’s observations come from experience. Before joining MultiCare Behavioral Health, he served three years in the U.S. Army, interned in a social work clinic at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), and completed a fellowship with the United Services Organization (USO) where he helped service members transition back to civilian life.
“When individuals enter the Armed Forces, they go through a period of culture shock, and they go through this experience again when they leave the military and re-integrate into civilian life,” says Snowking. “This transition can lead them to avoid the people and institutions that they once relied on during times of distress, because they no longer feel familiar.”
Even though veterans and service members may be reluctant to open up to family and friends about what they are going through, loved ones still have a role to play. “It’s important to understand the effects of trauma and to know the warning signs of PTSD because the more you know, the better position you will be in to help,” says Snowking.
Common symptoms of PTSD can include frequent nightmares, isolation, substance use, racing thoughts about past events and persistent negative beliefs about the world, among others. Sometimes the best way to help a loved one who may be struggling with these symptoms is to listen, accept that they may not be ready to talk and encourage them to reach out for support.
Where to get help
If you or someone you know is a veteran struggling with mental health issues, there are many sources of support but a good place to start is the VA.
“Once they exit the service, it’s important for veterans to register with the VA because they can gain access to health care and all kinds of services,” says Snowking. “American Lake VA, for example, has a same-day, walk-in mental health clinic as well as groups, classes and substance use disorder counseling.”
Other resources include Vet Centers. These community-based counseling centers across the U.S. provide confidential social and psychological services to veterans, service members and their families. For veterans who are in crisis or at risk of suicide, contact the Veterans Crisis Line at 800-273-8255, which is available every day, 24/7.
Another form of mental health support comes through fellowship. Organizations like Team RWB and Team Rubicon can help veterans connect with one another while also providing opportunities to continue their service by assisting with disaster recovery and humanitarian aid.
In addition to reaching out for support, Snowking believes that it can be helpful to find and focus on the positives during times of strife.
“Governments and regimes come and go,” he says, “But the seeds of hope our veterans and service members have planted in Afghanistan, and elsewhere, will continue to grow and fuel hope.”
