November 11, 2010
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Veterans Mental Health and Poverty

On Veterans Day, we all need to take a moment to thank the brave men and women that have served our country and protected all of the freedoms we hold dear.

These soldiers put their lives on the line to protect our liberty so that we can live in under the umbrella of freedom in the best country in the world. Unfortunately, once they return and return to civilian life, many are forgotten and left with the mental scars of war and living in poverty.

Numerous reports show that military members and their families are redeeming food stamps at higher rates than civilians, and a report released by the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics found a 21.6 percent unemployment rate among male veterans between the ages of 18 and 24 in 2009.

It is unfathomable that young men and women serving our country overseas come home and are forgotten so quickly. While the recession has obviously adversely affected every population’s employment prospects, it is disheartening to see the increase in unemployment among veterans.

The US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that 107,000 veterans are homeless on any given night and nearly one-fifth of the homeless population is veterans.

The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans said that the most effective programs for homeless and at-risk veterans are community-based, nonprofit, “veterans helping veterans” groups. These programs feature transitional housing with the camaraderie of living in structured, substance-free environments with fellow veterans who are succeeding at bettering themselves.

Government money for programs like these has become scarce because of the recession. Even though the national and state budgets are going to be dealing with the effects of the economic slump for years to come, it is no reason to turn our backs on the men and women that risked their lives to protect and preserve our country. They should be a priority not an afterthought.

Another sad reality that veterans are dealing with at an alarming and increasing rate is deteriorating mental health.

It should not come as a surprise to anyone that the gruesome events our soldiers are faced with during active combat leave mental scars.

Our returning soldiers have seen their brothers and sisters in their military units die in their arms. They have experienced deepest, darkest hell and even with a strong support system when they come home, there are still numerous open mental wounds that require professional help.

The VA reported that 5,000 suicides per year occur among our living veterans and veterans are twice as likely as civilians to commit suicide.

These brave men and women fighting for our rights and protecting our freedoms should not feel so alone. There are a number of mental health conditions that are forcing veterans to feel alone and helpless, but in most cases these conditions are treatable and curable.

The most common mental health conditions affecting veterans are Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression.

PTST is an anxiety disorder that can occur after experiencing a traumatic event, while depression makes people feel sad and hopeless much of the time.

Soldiers in combat are constantly involved in traumatic situations and once they come home it is difficult to forget the nightmares they lived while at war.

With the alarming number of homeless veterans and the heartbreaking number of veterans taking their own lives, it is urgent that we leave no stone unturned in the fight to provide the necessary assistance and support for these valiant men and women.

On Veterans Day, take a moment to seek out a member of the military current or past and thank them for everything they do for our country. Let them know that their sacrifices are appreciated and we are better off because of the work they have done.

If you have a family member or friend that has recently come back from war, or who you are expecting to return from combat, please do not let them become a statistic.

There are numerous organizations throughout Philadelphia and throughout the state that can help veterans deal with their mental health issues and others that can help veterans in their search for employment. And, I promise that I will do all that I can that state policy is conducive to helping veterans and that resources are available to pay the bills.

The availability of these services and programs are proof that the city, the state and the country care about our veterans and their continued well-being.

I want to personally thank all veterans, young and old, for the sacrifices you’ve made and the sacrifices you continue to make that let us all live free in the best country in the world.

 

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