Branch of service, generation, number of tours, and combat experience aside, thousands of veterans struggle with health problems, trauma, displacement, and alienation. Too often, they suffer alone and unnoticed—in silence.
At Clear Path, we understand the unique challenges that veterans face after time in service—because many of us are veterans, too. Our programs address the hardships that veterans may experience.
Veterans are no longer governed by a strictly regulated lifestyle or surrounded by like-minded individuals after service. As a result, they may feel detached, disconnected, or unrelatable.
Serving in the military provides a defined role and purpose; once that structure is no longer there, veterans may struggle with their sense of self.
Translating military skills into a new civilian career can be confusing and intimidating. Veterans have the necessary skills, but sometimes conveying this to prospective employers can be difficult.
Prior service members may experience or live with changes in ability or conditions that affect their physical and emotional well-being.
Many veterans must confront and endure lasting effects from post-traumatic stress (PTS), military sexual trauma (MST), moral injuries, and soul injuries.
Separation from loved ones; the stress and trauma of combat; and seeing oneself and others in harm’s way put veterans at an increased risk of depression.
The use of substances (such as drugs and alcohol) can have significant negative medical, psychiatric, interpersonal, and occupational outcomes.
On any given night, over 37,000 US veterans are without shelter. The leading causes of homelessness among veterans are PTS, social isolation, unemployment, and substance use.
Reference: US Veterans AffairsThe suicide rate for veterans is 1.5 times the rate of nonveteran adults. This crisis affects veterans of all military branches and eras.
Reference: US Veterans AffairsThe internal and external battles veterans face each day bring new challenges, and with them, their mental health ebbs and flows, ranging from peak performance to periods of agony and torment.
A person in this state needs immediate help — the emotional distress can be so unbearable it can cause thoughts of taking one’s life.
The mind is overwhelmed in a struggling state. A person may feel emotional or physical pain, or they may shut down and become numb.
Negative thoughts can plague a person in survival mode; their appetite and sleep are affected, and they have trouble concentrating.
In this state, a person feels calm and contented; although troubles may still exist, they can manage them and take them in stride.
At the highest level of mental well-being, a person is excelling. This means that they are at their peak and performing at their best.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or experiencing suicidal thoughts, call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8.
Wherever they may be on the mental health continuum, Clear Path is here to help veterans and their families learn to heal and improve their state of mind.