REDUCING VETERAN DEPRESSION

REDUCING VETERAN DEPRESSION & SUICIDE

Anxiety, nervousness, depression and loneliness often leads to suicide. This is very common among veterans of all ages! On average, 17 veterans a day die by suicide. Nearly one in every seven suicides nationally was a veteran—13.5% annually—compared with Census data that shows veterans make up about only 8% of the U.S. adult population. This has to be reduced. You and I can help!

When a soldier or sailor is in the military; constant training, teamwork, regimentation, customs, support and camaraderie instills confidence in conducting daily activities. Decisions (we assumed well thought-out) come down as task requirements that our training can handle. Although dangerous at times, most of the daily routine can be handled expeditiously. We have each other’s back.

However, upon separation from active duty, and returning to the U.S., years away from home, most new experiences are uncomfortable, new and seemingly strange. This often leads to anxiety and occasional serious depression which can last for years. Everyone has occasional feelings of sadness or a bad day, but these feelings normally pass. For many others, not so!

When I returned after four years away from the U.S., “hometown was not the same as I stepped down from the train!” I was a stranger in a country of young civilians that labeled me a “murderer and baby killer,” even though I did not experience combat! Life in the 1960s was like that! For the nine years it took for me to become a clinical psychologist, anxiety was always in the background, and depression sometimes visited me. Luckily, with wife and children, I could not consider suicide. Unfortunately, many did … and still do!

Anxiety leading to depression among veterans is much different from citizens who have not served in strict commands. When veterans experience anxiety or depression for an extended period of time they experience a loss of energy, relationship problems, and have difficulty managing daily tasks. Veterans with severe depression often cannot work or manage retirement. Many of them commit suicide.

Traumatic events, such as military combat, assault and disasters can have long-lasting negative effects such as trouble sleeping, anger, nightmares, being jumpy and alcohol and drug abuse. Without our "team" who have our backs, many are alone.

Anti-depression medication usage is common among veterans.?Getting a veteran re-engaged in meaningful activities, spending time with friends and loved ones, volunteering, and being part of the community helps veterans overcome depression. Perhaps, relying too much on drugs is not an answer. We need our friends with shared experiences around.

The two most effective means of reducing anxiety and depression are getting away from the sources of anxiety by walking in natural settings and taking on a pleasurable shared hobbies like RVing. Going far enough to escape the noises of cities and irritating people can help. A time to relax, “be in the zone” and stretch one’s remaining muscles are possible at state/national parks, rural campgrounds and hiking trails.

?Veterans like to solve their own problems and determine their own destinies. After 40+ years of psychological studies and research, I found that combining RVing, camping with veterans and semi-structured agendas actually work! RV life allows me to be at a beach, in a valley, on a mountain, parked at a trailhead, etc... Life is great when relaxing with nature.

When talking on cruise ships, I encourage the audience of fellow veterans to wear their hats and military symbols proudly. And when one veteran meets another aboard the ship, smile and give a “Thumbs Up.” Every veteran deserves this acknowledgement and respect. Civilians say "Thank you for your service." We veterans simply smile and give a "thumbs up" meaning ... "been there and glad to see you survived."

Meeting new friends at campgrounds, walking along short trails, playing card games at meetings, seeing new sites and traveling in caravans actually renew one’s life views. Many of my articles describe the therapeutic benefits of camping. For example ...

https://www.rvtravel.com/vets-view-camping-therapeutic-military-veterans1002/

Of all the groups I affiliate with, the S*M*A*R*T organization has been the most beneficial in helping veterans meet other veterans, travel in caravans, promote local Chapter activities and many other benefits. Every veteran with an RV should check out the website.

https://www.smartrving.org ?

With hundreds of events, experienced travelers and RVers, “seeing the country we defend” is true to its motto. Every veteran with an RV should look into this way to enter a more relaxing, peaceful means of survival in these hectic times. It is my best recommendation for meeting new friends in relaxing environments.

Louis J. Finkle, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus ... [email protected]