Veterans Day originated as “Armistice Day” on Nov. 11, 1919, the first anniversary of the end of World War I. Congress passed a resolution in 1926 for an annual observance, and Nov. 11 became a national holiday beginning in 1938 and in 1954 President Dwight D. Eisenhower officially changed the name from Armistice Day to Veterans Day. Unlike Memorial Day, Veterans Day pays tribute to all American veterans, living or dead, who served their country honorably during war or peacetime. Serving in a war is the ultimate sacrifice; men and women give up time with their families, leave their homes, risk their lives and many return injured and scarred, both mentally and physically.

Mental health and veterans

While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among soldiers has been well publicized, other mental woes can also result from the trauma of war. A study in the journal Archives of General Psychiatry found that one in 10 Iraq war vets develop serious mental problems, including violent behavior, depression and alcohol abuse. The study found that PTSD or depression seriously impaired daily functioning in 8.5 percent to 14 percent of these vets. Mental illness in veterans has resulted in homelessness, substance abuse and an overwhelming stigma tied to war veterans. Fearing for their careers, many service members keep quiet about their mental health problems and as a result, their silent suffering is taking a toll on our country’s military readiness. The Department of Defense has hosted campaigns to fight against stigma linked to veterans and mental illness however there are still major strides to be made. In 2014 a law was passed that did not disqualify veterans or put them at risk of career suicide if they disclosed their mental illness to their physician or commanding officer. Talking to a doctor about signs and symptoms, diagnosis or treatment does not risk losing clearance in the military. Additionally if an active duty soldier or a veteran seeks help for combat related concerns or receives mental health counseling, they do not have to worry about “question 21” regarding treatment for mental or emotional conditions.

PTSD

There is so much literature and talk about how the holidays can be triggering and detrimental for those in eating disorder treatment and although this is true, the holidays are also a special time of year to embrace family and loved ones. Enjoy your time spent celebrating with those who you may not see all the time and take part in holiday traditions that are near and dear to your heart.

Focusing on gratitude, arming yourself against negative food talk, and spending the holiday with support people can ensure that your Thanksgiving will be spent in a way that takes the focus away from food and supports your eating disorder recovery.

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that involves severe anxiety, fear, flashbacks and negative thoughts after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic life-threatening event. It is often thought by general society that this mental health disorder affects only veterans after returning from war but this is a preconceived misconception. Although many veterans may have posttraumatic stress disorder, this diagnosis can affect anyone who undergoes a traumatic experience. The amygdala and prefrontal cortex are the two known brain regions that are responsible for processing fear and it is thought that neurological pathways in these areas are found to be less capable of inhibiting the activation of fear processing. In other words these areas are more prone to activate the fear response. Early trauma exposure in childhood and subsequent witnessing trauma later in life are also known triggers of PTSD. Childhood adversity and preexisting anxiety and depression are also known risk factors for this disorder. The following are organizations that work to raise awareness about PTSD in soldiers returning from battle.

For veterans: maintaining a strong mind

  • Talk to family and friends about your experiences. Even if they don’t fully understand what you’re going through, it helps them to understand why you may have trouble interacting at times.
  • Prepare ahead of time for insensitive questions or topics of conversation. You don’t need to tell anyone about your experiences unless you want to. Practice how to respond or respectfully decline to answer.
  • Find a support community whether it is online or in person. Real Warriorsand After Deployment are great sites for all soldiers, whether they are in active duty or in the reserves.
  • Take care of your health by using health services for veterans through My HealtheVet, the VA’s online personal health record. This site for veterans, active duty service members, and their families provides access to health records, a personal health journal, online VA prescription refill information and details regarding federal and VA benefits and resources.
  • Recognize that you will feel frustrated sometimes while returning to civilian life, but frustration is normal during this transition. In fact, frustration is a sign that you’re adjusting and growing stronger.
  • If you find yourself growing more frustrated or isolated over time, talk to a health professional about whether mental health care can help you increase your Discovery Mood and Anxiety . The Department of Defense sponsors coaching and support at In Transition(1-877-498-5374). Medical professionals can help you come out of this transition stronger than before.