Many of us get these two days confused – Memorial Day and Veterans Day.

The former – Memorial Day – is a time to remember those who gave their lives for our country, particularly in battle or from wounds they suffered in battle.

Veterans Day honors all of those who have served the country in war or peace — dead or alive — although it’s largely intended to thank living veterans for their sacrifices.

Veterans Day is a day to remember and reflect on the sacrifices of our military veterans and also to thank them for their service. It’s a celebration that honors America’s veterans for their patriotism and willingness to offer their lives for the common good.

Here are five ways we can all help support Veterans’ mental health.

1.) Understand Suicide

On average, 17 veterans a day die by suicide. In 2017, nearly one in every seven suicides nationally was a veteran—13.5% annually—compared with Census data that shows veterans make up about 8% of the U.S. adult population. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, up to 20% of military personnel who served in Iraq or Afghanistan experience PTSD each year.

Reach out to veterans you know and local veterans organizations. If a veteran feels connected to a community, has friends and people to turn to when they need help, they are less likely to die by suicide.

2.) Understand PTSD

Traumatic events, such as military combat, assault and disasters can have long-lasting negative effects. Although PTSD is not unique to the military, it is important to note that in a JAMA Psychiatry study it was found that the rate of PTSD is up to 15 times higher among veterans than among civilians.

Everyday events can be triggers. If you work or have knowledge of events where fireworks may be set off to celebrate an event, notify local veterans groups, the loud noise could trigger symptoms of PTSD in veterans. PTSD is a risk factor for suicide.

3.) Understand Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Known as a “signature wound” of the post 9/11 wars, due to blasts from explosive devices. The high rate of TBI and blast-related concussion events resulting from current combat operations directly impacts the health and safety of individual service members.

A TBI may not be noticeable at first, don’t assume that all wounds are visible.  Volunteer to work with someone with TBI.

4.) Understand Depression
Depression is one of the most common mental health conditions. Veterans struggling with depression can lead to suicide or substance abuse.

You can help someone with depression by helping them accomplish tasks that are difficult from day to day.

5.) Understand Anxiety
Feeling anxious is a normal reaction to stress.  Some Veterans develop anxiety following severe trauma or a life-threatening event. For others, stressful life events such as transitioning from military to civilian life can cause anxiety disorders. It can be hard for some Veterans and Service members to “turn off” some of the strategies and behaviors that were necessary for military situations.

Understanding and supporting the mental health needs of our veterans is a great way to reach out and thank them for their service. Find a tangible way to get involved not just on veteran’s day but every day.

For more information on how to help and support our veterans, click here.

If you are in crisis or are experiencing difficult or suicidal thoughts, call the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273 TALK (8255).

The Door SwitchTM wants to continue the fight for more awareness and provide additional resources to dispel the myths about mental health issues and solutions for safety issues. We also continue to strive to provide a product that keeps the hospital environment safe. We continue to be committed to better practices and procedures in the mental health community. For information concerning our safety product, please click here.

Sincerely,

The Door SwitchTM