Veterans have given everything to their country.
Many of them have dedicated their entire lives to their country until they have nothing left to give.
Chronic exposure to trauma, life-threatening events, and constant separation from loved ones negatively impacts veteran’s overall mental health.
Without a support structure, high rates of unemployment, homeless, alcoholism, substance abuse, and post traumatic stress runs rampant in the veteran’s community.
And our country is leaving them behind.
The best way to empower veterans is through spiritual guidance and healing. Here are five reasons why this process must start now.
Staggering Suicide Rate
The number of veteran suicides exceeded 6,000 each year from 2008 to 2017.
That’s over 15 veterans suicides per day.
In 2017, the veteran suicide rate was 1.5 times that of non-veteran adults. For female veterans in particular, the risk factor is 2.2 times more likely.
And all of these numbers continue to increase.
Veterans are one of the most affected demographics when it comes to suicide. Veterans are hitting rock bottom and not seeing a way out through any method but death; a phenomenon that is absolutely inexcusable.
Inadequate PTSD treatment
Research shows that anywhere between 11% and 20% of veterans suffer from complications due to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly known as PTSD.
Of this population, half of these individuals sought treatment for their symptoms. Of this half thought sought treatment, only half of them said they got “minimally adequate treatment.”
This means that only one quarter of veterans experiencing PTSD are receiving treatment that is not outstanding or healing, but instead minimally adequate.
Those suffering with post traumatic stress caused by events in service to their country are being neglected by the very country they dedicated their lives to serve. This can be extremely painful for these veterans, who are being forgotten by the government that they swore to protect.
Sexual Harassment
In the past year alone, over 100,000 service members have been sexually harassed. Approximately 20,300 of the U.S military’s 1.3 million active-component service members were sexually assaulted in one year.
Sexual harassment can appear in many different forms, all of which are abhorrent and inexcusable. These experiences can contribute to PTSD, in a population that is already at extremely high risk due to combat.
Fear of seeking help
Over 50% of veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD or depression fear negative repercussions for seeking treatment.
This isn’t surprising, as many of our nation’s institutions aren’t working for veterans in ways that are beneficial.
Veterans cannot see the light because at the current moment, it seems very dim. That’s why we must come up with alternatives.
What Is Needed
So much of our veterans pain comes from fear of the unknown, of being alone, and of feeling worthless.
If you are a veteran who experiences these emotions, you are not alone.
At Ascended Warrior, we have built a sacred community of healing by embracing mindfulness and spirituality.
You can be empowered to build skills for introspection and self-evaluation, shift your reality to free yourself from control of the ego, and develop your own unique spirit path and truth to deepen your connection to spirit.
You can heal. And it starts now.