A Call to Connection: Fostering Mental Wellness and Supporting Veterans in Distress in Colorado

For those who have selflessly worn the uniform, the transition back to civilian life can be a battlefield of a different kind. While the physical scars of war may heal, the invisible wounds of service often run deep, impacting mental health in profound ways. At Vets Helping Vets Colorado, we are dedicated to empowering those who have served our country, not just by simplifying access to vital VA benefits and resources, but by fostering a community of support that addresses the whole veteran. Today, we delve into the critical importance of mental health awareness for our veteran community in Colorado and, crucially, how each of us can play a pivotal role in helping a veteran in distress.

The Silent Battles: Understanding Veteran Mental Health in Colorado

Colorado, a state renowned for its natural beauty and active lifestyle, is also home to a significant veteran population. However, beneath the surface, a concerning reality exists: veterans in Colorado face a disproportionately higher rate of suicide compared to the national average.

Statistics from the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment reveal a sobering truth: in 2016, for every 100,000 veterans and active-duty service members in Colorado, 52 died by suicide, nearly double the national average of 30. This alarming figure underscores the urgent need for increased mental health awareness and robust support systems within our state.

While veterans make up approximately 9% of Colorado's population, they account for a staggering 20% of all suicides in the state. This disparity highlights the unique challenges faced by our service members, often stemming from the intensity of their military experiences and the complexities of reintegration.

Common mental health challenges experienced by veterans include:

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): This often-misunderstood condition arises from exposure to traumatic events, such as combat, military sexual trauma (MST), or witnessing injury or death. Symptoms can include intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of reminders of the trauma, negative changes in thoughts and mood, and hyperarousal.

• Depression: Feelings of sadness, hopelessness, worthlessness, loss of interest in activities, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating are common. Depression can significantly impair a veteran's ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily life.

• Anxiety Disorders: Generalized anxiety, panic attacks, and social anxiety can be debilitating, causing excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms like heart palpitations and shortness of breath.

• Substance Use Disorders: Many veterans turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism for underlying mental health issues. While offering temporary relief, substance abuse can exacerbate mental health challenges and lead to further complications.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Often co-occurring with PTSD, TBI can result from concussions or other head injuries sustained during service. Symptoms can range from headaches and dizziness to cognitive difficulties, mood changes, and sleep disturbances, further complicating mental health.

• Adjustment Difficulties: The profound shift from the structured, mission-driven environment of the military to civilian life can be disorienting and stressful, leading to feelings of isolation, loss of purpose, and difficulty forming new social connections.

  
  

One significant barrier to veterans seeking help for these conditions is the pervasive stigma surrounding mental health. A 2013 Colorado Health Access Survey found that nearly seven out of ten veterans in Colorado who did not receive needed mental health care cited "stigma-related reasons as a barrier." The military culture often emphasizes strength, resilience, and self-reliance, which, while valuable in combat, can inadvertently discourage individuals from admitting vulnerability or seeking professional help. This cultural barrier, coupled with a lack of understanding from civilians about military life, can make it incredibly difficult for veterans to open up about their struggles.

Recognizing the Signs: When a Veteran is in Distress

Knowing what to look for is the first step in offering support. While symptoms can vary, here are some common signs that a veteran may be experiencing mental distress or a mental health crisis:

• Behavioral Changes:

  • Withdrawal from social activities, friends, and family.

  • Increased isolation or difficulty maintaining relationships.

  • Changes in sleep patterns (insomnia, nightmares, or excessive sleep).

  • Changes in appetite or weight.

  • Increased irritability, anger, or sudden outbursts.

  • Reckless or self-destructive behavior (e.g., excessive drinking, drug use, dangerous driving).

  • Neglect of personal hygiene or appearance.

  • Difficulty holding down a job or maintaining employment.

• Emotional Changes:

  • Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or feelings of emptiness.

  • Anxiety, nervousness, or excessive worry.

  • Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities.

  • Feeling on edge, hypervigilant, or easily startled.

  • Difficulty regulating emotions.

  • Frequent mood swings.

  • Expressions of guilt, shame, or worthlessness.

• Cognitive Changes:

  • Difficulty concentrating, remembering things, or making decisions.

  • Disorientation or confusion.

  • Intrusive thoughts or flashbacks related to traumatic events.

  • Thoughts of death or suicide.

  • Paranoia or distrust of others.

• Physical Symptoms:

  • Chronic pain or unexplained physical ailments.

  • Fatigue or low energy.

  • Headaches or stomach problems.

  • Muscle tension.

It's crucial to remember that these signs are not exhaustive, and some veterans may mask their struggles effectively. Trust your instincts. If something feels off, it likely is.

Stepping Up: How You Can Help a Veteran in Distress

Helping a veteran in distress requires compassion, patience, and a willingness to learn. Here's how you can make a difference:

1. Start the Conversation and Listen Actively

The most powerful thing you can do is simply be present and willing to listen. Many veterans feel isolated and believe no one understands what they've been through.

• Choose the right time and place: Find a quiet, private setting where you won't be interrupted.

• Express your concern gently: Use "I" statements to convey your observations without judgment. For example, "I've noticed you seem a bit withdrawn lately, and I'm worried about you," or "I wanted to check in because you haven't seemed like yourself."

• Listen without judgment: Allow the veteran to speak freely, even if what they say is difficult to hear. Avoid interrupting, offering unsolicited advice, or trying to "fix" them. Your role is to hear their experience, not to solve it.

• Validate their feelings: Acknowledge their emotions with phrases like, "It sounds like you're going through a lot," or "I can only imagine how difficult that must be." This shows empathy and helps them feel understood.

• Be patient: It may take time for a veteran to open up. Don't push them if they're not ready. Let them know you're there for them when they are.

2. Educate Yourself on Military Culture and Mental Health

Understanding the nuances of military culture can significantly improve your ability to connect with a veteran. Learn about military ranks, acronyms, and the unique experiences of service members. Resources like MakeTheConnection.net and the VA's National Center for PTSD offer valuable information. Familiarize yourself with common mental health challenges faced by veterans, which can help you recognize symptoms and approach conversations with greater understanding.

3. Normalize the Discussion of Mental Health

Help combat the stigma by talking about mental health openly and treating it with the same importance as physical health. You can share statistics, discuss the prevalence of mental health challenges, or simply say, "It's okay not to be okay." Emphasize that seeking help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Share stories of veterans who have found success in their recovery journeys.

4. Encourage Professional Support

While your support is invaluable, you are not a therapist. Gently encourage the veteran to seek professional help.

• Offer specific resources: Instead of just saying "get help," provide concrete options.

  • Veterans Crisis Line: If the veteran is in immediate crisis or expressing suicidal thoughts, call or text 988 and press 1 immediately. This line is available 24/7 and connects veterans with qualified responders.

  • VA Mental Health Care: Inform them about the comprehensive mental health services offered by the VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, including psychiatry, psychology, and specialized programs for PTSD, TBI, and substance use disorders. They can access these services even if not enrolled in VA health care.

  • Vet Centers: These community-based centers offer confidential counseling, outreach, and referral services for veterans and their families. Many staff members are veterans themselves. Call 877-927-8387 to find a local Vet Center.

  • Colorado National Guard Mental Health Resources: For National Guard members, the Colorado National Guard provides specific mental health resources, including behavioral health specialists and chaplain services.

  • Vets Helping Vets Colorado: Remind them that Vets Helping Vets Colorado can help them navigate accessing VA benefits, which can often be a barrier to receiving care.

• Offer to help them connect: If they are hesitant, offer to make the call with them, drive them to an appointment, or help them research options. Remove as many barriers as possible.

• Reassure confidentiality: Emphasize that mental health services are confidential and that their privacy will be protected.

5. Foster Social Connection and Community Engagement

Isolation is a significant risk factor for mental health decline. Encourage veterans to connect with others and engage in their community.

• Introduce them to veteran groups: Organizations like Vets Helping Vets Colorado, American Legion, VFW, and local veteran support groups offer camaraderie and a sense of belonging.

• Encourage hobbies and interests: Help them rediscover activities they once enjoyed or explore new ones.

• Suggest volunteering: Community service can provide a renewed sense of purpose and meaning, which is often a strong protective factor for mental health.

• Be a reliable presence: Consistent and reliable support from friends and family can make a world of difference.

6. Practice Self-Care

Supporting someone in distress can be emotionally taxing. Remember to take care of your own mental and emotional well-being. Don't be afraid to seek support for yourself if you need it.

The Power of Community: Vets Helping Vets Colorado

At Vets Helping Vets Colorado, our mission extends beyond assisting with VA benefits. We believe in building a strong, supportive community where veterans feel valued, understood, and empowered. We know that the journey to mental wellness is often a long and challenging one, but no veteran should have to walk it alone.

By raising awareness, challenging stigma, and providing accessible resources, we can create a Colorado where every veteran has the opportunity to thrive. Our commitment is to simplify the process of accessing vital resources, connecting veterans with the care they deserve, and fostering a sense of belonging that combats isolation. We are here to help veterans navigate the complexities of their post-service lives, ensuring they receive the support they have earned and so deeply deserve.

Conclusion: A Collective Responsibility

The mental well-being of our veterans is a collective responsibility. It is a testament to our gratitude for their service and a commitment to their ongoing health and happiness. By understanding the unique mental health challenges faced by veterans in Colorado, recognizing the signs of distress, and actively offering support, we can make a profound difference in their lives.

Let us stand together, not just as grateful citizens, but as active allies, ready to listen, educate, and connect our veterans to the lifeline of hope and healing. If you are a veteran struggling, please know you are not alone, and help is available. If you know a veteran who may be in distress, please reach out. Together, we can turn the tide on veteran mental health crises in Colorado, ensuring that every hero who has served our nation finds peace, purpose, and the robust support they need to live a fulfilling life.

For immediate help, please contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 988 and pressing 1, texting 838255, or chatting online at VeteransCrisisLine.net. You are not alone.