July 16, 2021
The Mental Health Issues That Our Vets Are Struggling With
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By the nature of their chosen profession, soldiers face many challenges that expose them to extremely dangerous situations and traumatic events. As such, many of them develop mental health conditions. A recent analysis of risk factors for combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among military personnel and veterans showed that 87% of U.S. veterans were exposed to potentially traumatic events. On average, each of the veterans experienced more than 3 traumatic events throughout their military career.
Based on the same study, 12.9% of our veterans developed PTSD, which is double the normal incidence of PTSD among the general population.
Here are the mental health conditions experienced by U.S. veterans:
- PTSD
This is commonly linked to the soldiers’ experiences in combat. However, it can also be caused by traumatic events such as sexual or physical abuse or assault; terrorist attacks; serious accidents (such as car wrecks), and natural disasters (such as fires, tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, or earthquakes). It affects patients who involuntarily relieve the traumatic event repeatedly in their minds, experience negative feelings or emotions, and experience hyperarousal.
- Anxiety and depression
A 2014 study indicated that 11% of U.S. veterans reported elevated rates of depression while 9.9% experienced anxiety. Many veterans experience nightmares, racing pulse, and excessive degrees of worry and fear. In some cases, the condition worsened to PTSD. Depression has been closely linked to the problem of veteran suicide.
- Schizophrenia
One of the most common mental health issues among veterans is schizophrenia, a chronic and severe psychiatric disorder, according to a 2014 study. People diagnosed with this disorder may experience hallucinations, delusions, difficulty in feeling pleasure, and trouble focusing or paying attention.
- Bipolar disorder
This is a brain disorder that causes people to swing between periods of elation and high energy levels to depression and feeling hopelessness. Patients who suffer from bipolar disorder may engage in risky behavior such as taking drugs, spending excessive amounts of money, or having reckless sex during manic episodes.
Other major mental health issues faced by veterans include stress brought about by difficulties in transitioning to civilian life, substance use, and, in extreme cases, suicide.
How You Can Help Veterans with Mental Illness and other Woes
Many of our veterans are suffering from mental illness as well as homelessness, chronic unemployment, disabilities, and other health issues. They live miserable lives, which is an awful shame, considering the many great sacrifices they made for us and our nation, preserving our liberty and protecting our security when they were still in the military.
If you care for our nation’s suffering heroes, show it by donating any vehicle you no longer need to us at Veteran Car Donations. We’ll put your vehicle up for auction, with the proceeds going to our veteran-focused nonprofit partners. These IRS-certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations use the funding that we provide them to deliver free health care, financial aid, housing assistance, employment opportunities, family support, educational scholarships, psychotherapy services, and many other benefits to their veteran beneficiaries.
You will also greatly benefit from your charitable contribution since you’ll get to enjoy our free towing service at a date, time, and place of your choosing.
You’ll also enjoy our quick and convenient donation process where you don’t have to do any paperwork.
Moreover, you’ll have the privilege of receiving the maximum tax deduction in the next tax season.
Above all, you’ll have the ultimate pleasure and satisfaction of doing something extraordinary that can help uplift the lives of our nation’s heroes.
We accept almost all vehicle types, including those that are no longer working properly. We can collect your donation wherever you are in the country since we have vehicle donation programs in all 50 states.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to call us at our toll-free hotline 877-594-5822 or you send us a message here. Check out our FAQs page for more information on our donation program.
Our Hurting Heroes Need Your Help Today!
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Many of the veterans residing in your area desperately need help. You can impact their lives with one generous gesture: donating your extra car to Veteran Car Donations. Call us at 877-594-5822 or fill out our online donation form now!
Last Updated: August 25th, 2023