Category Archives: Mental Health

4 Ways You Can Make a Difference for Veterans in 2024

Leave a reply

When one door closes, another one opens. As we say goodbye to 2023 and all of its opportunities, we can now begin to look ahead to 2024 and the promise of tomorrow. With a new year comes exciting new chances to make the world a better place. And rather than making your New Year’s Resolution to finally, truly lose weight this time (for the 5th New Year’s in a row, no less) what if instead you resolved to make the world a better place for someone else? You can still absolutely lose weight, of course. But you could also extend a helping hand to a veteran in need and make their 2024 a year to remember. Here are 4 different ways that you can do just that.

1. Donate to a Veteran-focused charity

Image by Mohamed Hassan from Pixabay

The charities listed below all support veterans in one way or another, and with a simple donation you can begin to make an impact right away. If you’re looking to make a year-round difference (like a New Year’s resolution would suggest) then consider setting up a recurring, monthly donation to any of the fine charities listed below.

  • The Gary Sinise Foundation: Actor Gary Sinise leads a charity designed to “entertain, educate, inspire, strengthen, and build communities”, all with a focus on veterans, first-responders, and their families. To date, they’ve built nearly 100 homes for wounded veterans, served over 1,000,000 meals, and donated nearly 15,000 pieces of essential equipment, among several other successes.

  • Fisher House: The Fisher House foundation also builds houses, though the kinds of houses they build are unique. Instead of single homes, Fisher has built nearly 100 facilities designed for multiple military families at once. The families may stay here free of charge while their loved ones get treatment in a nearby hospital or military medial facility. Some such facilities have up to 21 separate suites, each with their own private bedroom and bath and a shared access to communal areas that include a kitchen, dining room, living room, and laundry room.

  • Faces of Combat: That’s right! We here at Faces of Combat also take donations to support our veterans in a variety of ways. By clicking on the link here, you can choose to make a donation to help send a veteran to one of our healing retreats. You can also choose instead to donate $9.00 to send a copy of our books on veteran PTSD directly to a veteran themselves. Better yet, we’ll match the donation and send another copy to a veteran in need! If all you can spare is $9.00 a month, that’s still 24 veterans who will get access to our informative guide on PTSD and recovery over the course of 2024. That’s two dozen people directly benefiting from your kindness and generosity.

2. Volunteer

Image by Use at your Ease from Pixabay

If you’re running low on cash, consider donating your time instead. In addition to the charities listed above, many organizations have ways that you can directly volunteer your time to make a difference in the lives of one or more veterans.

  • Homes for Our Troops: This charity is one focused mainly on making sure veterans have homes that can accommodate their needs, which sometimes means the home in question must undergo quite a bit of work. They offer people the chance to work with them on some of these projects but if you can’t be there in person, you can also consider setting up a fundraiser in your area.

  • The Wounded Warrior Project: The Wounded Warrior Project likely needs no introduction, having been around for over 20 years and impacting the lives of millions of veterans. They have a variety of programs designed to assist veterans, ranging from mental health assistance to long-term physical rehabilitation, and everything in-between. You can volunteer to run in a 5k, set up a fundraiser in your area, or even help bring awareness to the WWP by live-streaming and gaming.

  • United Service Organizations: The USO has been around since 1941 and in that time has become a household name in veteran assistance. Through a variety of programs, they place an emphasis on keeping veterans connected with their families while stationed elsewhere. They provide care packages to serving veterans to give them a taste of home, in addition to making sure that veterans are welcomed and supported when they arrive back home. In an organization with such a broad scope, there are hundreds of volunteer opportunities available all across the country.

3. Work With Them

Image by Satheesh Sankaran from Pixabay

One of the most challenging things for veterans upon returning home is the transition from military life to civilian life. The hunt for a 9-5 can be a daunting one, which is why so many programs and organizations exist to help ease veterans into the workforce. If you’re an employer, you can make sure your organization is doing their part by hiring former veterans to come work for you.

  • Hiring Our Heroes: Hiring our heroes is a foundation created by the US Chamber of Commerce that helps to connect veterans with employers who are specifically seeking veteran employees. Veterans can submit their applications and companies can post to veteran-specific job boards to ensure the position is filled by a veteran.

  • VETS: The Veterans’ Employment and Training Service is another government organization, this time from the US Department of Labor. They operate with an emphasis on helping veterans and their spouses reach their full potential through personalized training and workshops, and then connecting those workers to companies looking to hire them. They’ve also compiled a handy guide specifically for employers looking to use their service to hire veterans, which employers can find by clicking here.

  • Hire Heroes USA: Not to be confused with the organization above, Hire Heroes USA is a different organization with the same mission: connecting veterans and employers. To date, they have helped thousands of veterans and employers do just that.

4. Love and Support Them

That’s right. Sometimes the only thing you have to do is extend a helping hand or be patient when others might have already given up. It cannot be overstated just how important a sense of belonging, community, and acceptance can be to a veteran returning home.

According to data compiled by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, approximately 2.8 million veterans had a substance use disorder in 2021.

92.4% of them did not receive treatment.

That same year, 3.1 million veterans suffered from mental health struggles.

43.6% of them did not receive treatment.

By simply being present in the life of veterans you know, you can see warning signs for issues like these and help your veteran navigate the road to healing and recovery. Your love and support alone may even help prevent the issues from manifesting altogether.

If you can only do one thing on this list in 2024, this one is potentially by far the most impactful. It’s something you can do every day that costs you nothing. But you don’t have to wait until 2024 to start doing this.

In fact, you can begin right now.

Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.

Remembering Our Heroes on Veteran’s Day

Leave a reply

Every year on November 11th, America comes together to honor and give thanks to the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Recognized as a federal holiday, Veteran’s Day serves as a time of both somber reflection and celebration of the people who sometimes paid the ultimate price for their country.

Image by Shonda Ranson from Pixabay

The Origins of Veteran’s Day

Veteran’s Day, initially known as Armistice Day, traces its roots back to the end of World War I. On November 11, 1918… at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month…an armistice was signed. This monumental event marked the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front. In the years following, Armistice Day became a time to reflect on the sacrifices of those who served in World War I.

In 1954, recognizing the need to honor veterans of all wars, the U.S. Congress officially changed the name to Veteran’s Day. It became a day not just to remember World War I but to pay tribute to all American veterans, acknowledging their service, patriotism, and the tremendous debt of gratitude owed to them.

The Challenges Faced by Veterans

While Veteran’s Day is a time of celebration, it’s also crucial to acknowledge the challenges many veterans face, particularly those dealing with the invisible wounds of war such as PTSD. The experiences of combat can leave lasting psychological effects, impacting the mental health and well-being of veterans.

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a common challenge among veterans, manifesting as a result of exposure to traumatic events. It can affect daily life, relationships, and overall quality of life. Recognizing the unique struggles faced by veterans with PTSD is integral to offering meaningful support and assistance.

Photo by Aaron Burden on Unsplash

Resources for Veterans with PTSD

Numerous resources are available to assist veterans in coping with PTSD and reclaiming their lives. Organizations such as Wounded Warrior Project, Give an Hour, and the Veterans Crisis Line offer support, counseling, and outreach programs.

  1. Wounded Warrior Project: This organization provides a variety of programs and services. These include mental health support, adaptive sports, and career counseling, all specifically tailored to wounded veterans.
  2. Give an Hour: The Give an Hour program sees mental health professionals volunteer their time to provide free counseling and support to veterans and their families. This resource aims to bridge the gap in mental health care for military personnel.
  3. Veterans Crisis Line: This confidential helpline offers immediate assistance to veterans in crisis. Available 24/7, it connects veterans and their families with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders. To reach the line, you can dial 988 and then press 1.

In addition to the above resources, Face of Combat offers our own page of resources which you can find by clicking here.

Celebrating Resilience and Recovery

As we celebrate Veteran’s Day, let us not only express gratitude for the service and sacrifice of our veterans but also remember those facing the silent battles of PTSD. By understanding their challenges and providing access to the necessary resources, we can contribute to the healing and well-being of those who have given so much for our freedom. This Veteran’s Day, let our appreciation be more than words – let it be a commitment to supporting those who have served.

Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.

PTSD and Military Families: The Ripple Effect of Trauma

Leave a reply

As September comes to a close and the holidays begin, many families around the world will be preparing for three months of Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas celebrations. For many military veterans however, this time can be a stressful one as they do their best to cope with life after service and the expectations such holidays place upon them in their new familial roles. For veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), this can prove even more challenging.

That’s because the toll of PTSD doesn’t stop at the veteran; it ripples through their families. In this article, we’ll delve into the often-overlooked impact of PTSD on military families. We’ll explore how the trauma endured during service affects not only the veteran but also their loved ones. Understanding this ripple effect is crucial for supporting both veterans and their families on their journey to recovery.

The Veteran’s Burden:

Before delving into the impact on families, it’s essential to understand the weight of PTSD on veterans themselves. These individuals often carry invisible scars from their service, leading to nightmares, flashbacks, anger, and isolation. Coping with these symptoms is a daily struggle, one that can strain both familial relationships and other aspects of a veteran’s day-to-day life.

Photo by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash

The Family’s Role:

Military families play a vital role in supporting veterans with PTSD. Spouses, children, parents, and siblings become unofficial caregivers, even if they don’t have formal training. They provide emotional support, offer a listening ear, and, at times, must navigate challenging situations when the veteran is in crisis.

The Strain on Relationships:

One of the most immediate impacts of PTSD on families is the strain it places on relationships. Spouses may grapple with understanding their partner’s unpredictable behavior and mood swings. Children might be frightened or confused when a parent experiences a flashback. This strain can lead to feelings of helplessness, frustration, and even resentment, further complicating the path to recovery.

Parenting Challenges:

Military families with children face unique parenting challenges when a parent has PTSD. The need to provide emotional support to both the veteran and the children can be overwhelming. Moreover, veterans with PTSD may struggle with parenting, feeling disconnected or unable to fully engage due to their symptoms.

Photo by Towfiqu barbhuiya on Unsplash

Financial Stress:

Veterans with PTSD may find it challenging to maintain steady employment, which can lead to financial instability. This instability, coupled with the medical costs associated with treatment, can create immense stress within the family. The burden of managing finances can fall on the spouse, adding to their already considerable responsibilities.

Breaking the Silence:

One of the most significant barriers to healing for military families dealing with PTSD is the stigma surrounding mental health issues. Many veterans and their families suffer in silence, fearing judgment or repercussions. Breaking this silence is crucial. Encouraging open communication within the family and seeking professional help when needed can be transformative.

Support Systems:

There is an increasing recognition of the need for support systems specifically tailored to military families dealing with PTSD. These include family counseling services, support groups, and online resources. Organizations like the National Military Family Association and Give an Hour provide valuable assistance to both veterans and their families.

Photo by Alex Green on Pexels

Resilience and Recovery:

Despite the challenges, military families can emerge from the shadow of PTSD stronger and more resilient. The journey to recovery involves both the veteran and their loved ones working together, seeking therapy, and finding healthy coping mechanisms. This process can strengthen family bonds and create a deeper understanding of the experiences faced during military service.

So as the holidays begin, remember:

PTSD’s ripple effect on military families is a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who serve. Understanding and addressing this impact is crucial for holistic recovery. By providing support, breaking the stigma surrounding mental health, and fostering open communication, we can help military families not only survive but thrive in the face of PTSD’s challenges. It’s a reminder that healing is not just an individual journey but a collective one, undertaken by families who stand strong together.

Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.

Recreational Therapy Deep Dive #3: Adventure Therapy/Outdoor Therapy

Leave a reply

Today we’re continuing our ongoing series on the different forms of recreational therapy available to veterans by exploring an option that many people may not know even exists: Adventure Therapy, also known as Outdoor Therapy.

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

What Is Adventure Therapy?

Adventure Therapy is primarily based around the healing properties of interacting with nature in fun, exciting ways, hence why its often referred to as Outdoor Therapy. It can be practiced alone but is often done as a group to utilize the healing power of group therapy through shared activities. Performing Adventure Therapy with others fosters a sense of community among each member involved, leading to many positive benefits down the line in addition to the naturally therapeutic activities each person is performing outside.

These activities can be almost anything, from hiking, fishing, or hunting to ultimate frisbee and horseback riding. Some groups will hike out into the wilderness together and camp for a weekend or more. The sky is quite literally the limit when it comes to Adventure Therapy, so there’s almost certainly an activity out there for everyone.

Does It Really Help?

While there isn’t a lot of data specifically studying Adventure Therapy since its still relatively new, its actually quite easy to see how it could be beneficial for many people. Most of the activities involve some form of exercise, which has many studies supporting it as a form of therapy. Since almost all of the activities take place outside, there are also the benefits of getting fresh sunshine and interacting with nature. When looked at individually, it’s easy to see how the separate therapeutic parts can come together to make Adventure Therapy an effective alternative to more traditional forms of therapy.

Image by Khalid Mehmood from Pixabay

Veteran Specific Programs

Knowing the benefits of Adventure Therapy, several organizations have risen up to provide a place where veterans specifically can go through the therapy with other veterans.

The Warrior Bonfire Program is one such program, with an emphasis on providing adventure therapy for Purple Heart medal recipients. They have multiple camping retreats per month and each group is made up of six Purple Heart recipients.

Warriors & Quite Waters provides something similar, allowing their veterans access to a sprawling outdoor ranch located in the heart of Montana for fishing, hunting, and building a sense of community with other veterans. Instead of Purple Heart recipients, this program emphasizes assistance for any combat veterans who served post 9/11.

Outward Bound for Veterans is a program run by the Outward Bound organization and serves over 600 veterans per year. Much like the other programs, the emphasis here is on a camping retreat with other veterans. Outward Bound takes a unique approach however, incorporating certain aspects of military life into the camping retreat in order to recontexualize those experiences in a positive, supportive environment.

These are but three of the many options available to veterans seeking Adventure/Outdoor therapy. Several other such programs exist in a smaller, more local capacity, so it never hurts to search online for similar programs near you!

Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255).

Both hotlines are free and confidential. If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.

Remembering Our Veterans: Memorial Day 2023

Leave a reply

Memorial Day is a time when we all come together to remember and honor the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. While it’s always important to recognize and remember our veterans on this holiday, Memorial Day also serves as an excellent chance to shed light on the challenges many veterans face, especially regarding post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Image by Liam Ortiz from Pixabay

Honoring the Fallen:

Memorial Day was established shortly after the Civil War and served as a way to commemorate every American soldier who lost their lives in the conflict. Today, it has evolved into a national holiday to pay tribute to all fallen military personnel. On Memorial Day, communities across the country participate in parades, hold memorial ceremonies, and visit cemeteries to honor the memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

While the emphasis of Memorial Day is on those who lost their lives, it is also essential to recognize and support the veterans who have survived but continue to face their own battles. PTSD is a mental health condition that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, around 29% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, two of the most recent conflicts in American History, will be diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their lives.

PTSD symptoms can manifest in various ways, including intrusive memories, nightmares, flashbacks, hyper-vigilance, and avoidance of triggers associated with the traumatic event. These symptoms often have a profound impact on the daily lives of each veteran struggling with them, affecting their relationships, work, and overall well-being.

Image by Larry White from Pixabay

Supporting Veterans with PTSD:

Many organizations, including the U.S. government, have implemented initiatives to address the growing number of veterans with PTSD. The VA offers many comprehensive programs, including counseling services, support groups, and evidence-based therapies, all of which can help veterans manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Our Resources page contains helpful links to many of these organizations, which you can navigate directly to by clicking here.

While progress has been made in understanding and addressing PTSD, there is still much work to be done. Public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and destigmatization efforts can help foster a supportive environment for veterans with PTSD.

That’s why it’s so important that even though the holiday is called Memorial Day, we’re doing more than remembering the fallen. Memorial Day is a chance to recognize the challenges faced by all our veterans, including those who still live and struggle with PTSD. Going forward, let’s use Memorial Day as a reminder of our responsibility as a nation to honor and support all who have selflessly fought on our behalf.

This Memorial Day, let’s remember the veterans we lost…and fight for the veterans still with us today.

Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Both hotlines are free and confidential.

If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here

Traumatic Brain Injuries and How to Diagnose Them

Leave a reply

One of the hardest parts of seeing a soldier return home from combat is seeing the heavy price they paid in service to our country. At first glance, it’s easy to notice someone missing a limb, but it’s almost impossible to look at someone and see the traumatic brain injuries they may have suffered during their service. As a result, there’s a bit of a disconnect among the general population and their understanding of just how devastating a traumatic brain injury can be for our servicemen and women.

The Link Between TBI and Veterans

In 2020, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs for short) were responsible for over 64,000 deaths in the U.S. alone. While not all of these were military veterans, you can find an especially strong link between military service and traumatic brain injuries by looking at a bit of additional data for context.

For example, did you know that the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries is firearm assisted suicide? Or that around 72% of veteran suicides are from firearms, 22% higher than the national average? Considering that U.S. veterans are a little over twice as likely to own a gun than the average citizen, it becomes all too easy to connect the dots and see that veterans are especially at risk of TBI’s even long after they’ve returned home.

Aside from the suicide risk, the vast majority of veterans receive their TBI’s in combat. Soldiers in the field can be surrounded day and night by explosions, bullets, and even falling debris, any of which can cause a TBI. In fact, such injuries are actually the leading cause of both death and disabilities in warzones. U.S. House of Representatives member, Bill Pascrell, even went so far as to call TBI “the signature injury of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan”, further driving home the fact that traumatic brain injuries are more common among veterans than most people realize.

It’s easy to think that somebody returning home from service appears to be physically healthy and without scars from their time away. But the brain is by far the most important and delicate organ in our entire body, which is why internal brain injuries like TBIs can be so devastating to someone who may otherwise appear perfectly fine on the outside.

Photo by: Mart Production from Pexels

Diagnosing a Traumatic Brain Injury

In order to understand how to diagnose a TBI, it’s important to know a little more about how they cause their damage.

The first thing to know is that not all of the injury takes place at once. A “primary brain injury” occurs at the actual time of the injury, while a “secondary brain injury” may slowly manifest and cause additional damage over time. In essence, just because a brain injury might not be immediately devastating, it does not mean that it can’t eventually be devastating if left untreated.

This is why seeking a medical professional as soon as possible after the primary brain injury is so important. While any official TBI diagnosis should come from a qualified doctor, there are a few things that can tip you off to a potential sustained TBI that could save you valuable days, weeks, or months worth of additional secondary brain damage.

The first and most obvious question to answer is a simple one: Did you sustain any kind of head-related injury? Even something as simple as bumping your head on the ceiling of an attic can lead to a TBI, so don’t hesitate to see a doctor if you’re suffering from non-typical headaches or especially any periods of unconsciousness right in the aftermath of the injury.

You should also be on the lookout for “vomiting, nausea, lack of motor coordination, dizziness, difficulty balancing, lightheadedness, blurred vision or tired eyes, ringing in the ears, bad taste in the mouth, fatigue or lethargy, and changes in sleep patterns,” according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. An especially obvious sign can be pupils of two different dilation levels.

Unfortunately, not all the symptoms of a TBI are so easy to spot. Sometimes a TBI can take much longer to manifest thanks to additional secondary brain damage, which can lead to gradual changes in personality or even decision-making capabilities over a long period time. Thankfully, these more subtle symptoms often come in tandem with at least a few of the more obvious physical symptoms, so if you or someone you know has been suffering from symptoms of both types then it’s time to see a doctor.

Are you a veteran in need of assistance? Click this link for a list of resources made specifically for you. If you’re having suicidal thoughts, please call either The National Veterans’ Foundation at 1-888-777-4443 or the VA Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). Both hotlines are free and confidential.

If you’re not a veteran but would still like to help out, you can get involved through our donation page here.