What threatens veterans' mental health?

Why veterans have mental health problems is an important issue that requires extensive research. As a veteran and academician, I would like to share my experience and observations.

Veterans are people who have made great sacrifices for their country and prioritized the benefit of others. Veterans perform their duties with great motivation, as they believe their work is essential while carrying uniforms and actively serving their countries.

Not just those in official service, but nearly all of society value the work of soldiers, police, firefighters, and other government officials. However, after retirement, this appreciation becomes less visible. But this is not the only reason or the primary source of veterans’ mental health problems.

In all countries, veterans are treated as heroes or heroines. Some government and community organizations serve veterans and try to support them mentally and physically.

Being recognized and appreciated is a fantastic feeling for veterans. However, this is not precisely what veterans are looking for. Veterans need to continue to offer value to our communities to feel satisfied. In other words, their mental health is closely related or, in other words, directly proportional to the value they produce.

Of course, there may be many other problems such as poverty, housing, family problems, employment challenges and adaptability issues. But feeling useless may be the biggest factor that ruins the mental health of a veteran.

As a veteran, it will be unfair to blame society for the mental or physical problems I live with or the challenges I face. We also have responsibilities to determine and fix mental health problems.

Veterans are not useless. On the contrary, veterans are valuable assets not only for their community but also for the whole world.

My dear veteran friends, please be aware of your potential and value. Your mental health is important to us. You are important to us. You served the country in the past. You can continue to serve your community in a different capacity and offer the same value.

Daniel O. Livvarcin, Ph.D.