March 11, 2019
Get to Know the Mental Afflictions of Many of Our Heroes
Photo by Andrew Neel under Pexels License
Perhaps the most fulfilling thing about serving in the military is bringing honor to the nation by successfully defending it. With all the sacrifices and pain they had to endure for the sake of our future, our troops rightfully deserve our gratitude and admiration once they return home from deployment.
Unfortunately, despite being hailed as heroes, these brave service members are left with the trauma of war when they are sent back home from deployment and subsequently discharged or retired. From being separated from their loved ones for months to witnessing their comrades getting killed in battle to sustaining severe wounds, these veterans indeed had suffered tremendously during their time in the service.
It’s not uncommon for our former service members to experience feelings of grief, fear, paranoia, and even guilt right after coming home. Moreover, they have to reintegrate into their community with little to no support. This only serves to worsen their situation. This is the reason why many of them end up suffering from mental health problems, particularly anxiety and depression.
Below you’ll find startling statistical data regarding the two mood disorders faced by our vets.
- One in five service members coming from Afghanistan or Iraq was found to be experiencing symptoms of major depression.
- At least 20% of the veterans who served in Afghanistan or Iraq were reported to be suffering from stress, anxiety, and/or depression.
- Between 2000 and 2012, the VA reports a 327% increase in reported anxiety disorders among military members.
- A 2014 study found that Vietnam veterans were twice as likely to have elevated anxiety and depression, compared to veterans who served in the Korean War and World War II.
- Another 2014 study revealed that veterans, especially those who have served in combat, are more at risk of depression or anxiety compared to non-veterans.
- Military children with deployed parents experience high levels of depression and anxiety than those with parents at home.
- About 14% of military members are expected to experience depression after service.
- Of the returning veterans who seek mental health treatment, only 50% of them will receive assistance.
- Although suicide rates were found to be highest among younger vets with depression (18-34 years old) in 2015, vets ages 55 and older accounted for 58.1% of veteran suicide deaths.
Help Vets in Your Community Seek Treatment
If you know of veterans in your community who are showing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues, don’t hesitate to call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 and press 1. A trained responder will answer you right away.
Another way you can help the struggling veterans in your area is by donating your old and unwanted vehicles to Veteran Car Donations. By doing this, you’ll make a huge difference in the lives of our nation’s heroes. Through your donation, you will enable troubled veterans to receive the support they badly need.
We will auction off your donated vehicle and use the proceeds to support our charity partners that cater to our former troops. These IRS-approved 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations provide homeless and handicapped veterans with mortgage-free and specially adapted homes. Those suffering from PTSD and other mental issues are provided with free mental health care while those seeking jobs are given employment opportunities and job training. Other underprivileged veterans get to receive transitioning assistance, tutoring support, education scholarships, financial assistance, and many other benefits.
In return for your vehicle donation, we’ll send you your 100% tax-deductible receipt that will entitle you to claim the maximum tax deduction based on the selling price of your donated vehicle at auction or its fair market value.
For more information on our car donation program, check out our FAQs page. For inquiries, you can call our toll-free 24/7 hotline 877-594-5822 or send us a message online.
You can donate to Veteran Car Donations by either calling us or filling out our secure online donation form. We accept donations of nearly all types of vehicles wherever you are in the United States since we have car donation programs in all 50 states.
Join Us in Transforming the Lives of Our Heroes!
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Are you ready to join us in transforming the lives of our nation’s heroes? Make your donation now at 877-594-5822!
Last Updated: August 23rd, 2023