Thank a Veteran by Sharing These Mental Health Resources

Veterans Day — this year on Monday, Nov. 11 — celebrates and acknowledges former U.S. military service members for their contributions during both peacetime and wartime. Across the nation, veterans are often honored with parades, holiday specials, community recognition, and “thank you for your service” from strangers.

As a veteran, I can tell you that the acknowledgement on this special day is very much appreciated by me and other veterans. But I can also tell you, as a PEARLS Counselor, that many veterans still struggle silently with symptoms of depression, anxiety, isolation, and loneliness throughout the year.

Photos from the author’s military service.

PEARLS (Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives) is a no-cost in-home service for adults 55 years of age and older living in King County who are experiencing depression. It offers short-term intervention and counseling for veterans, veteran spouses, and spouse survivors who may be feeling down, sad, or blue.

Veterans of war often struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and other mental and emotional health concerns that impact their quality of life. We must also acknowledge veterans who experience trauma from military sexual harassment and assault, which occurs at disturbingly high rates but whose victims can be silenced by military culture.

Civilians may ask why veterans facing mental health challenges might hesitate to seek assistance for their isolation or loneliness, or even actively resist that help. The answers are complex and depend on the individuals and their experiences. But it’s worth noting that military services members are actively trained to suppress feelings and emotion as they unite for one purpose: defense of the nation. In that context, mental health challenges can be seen as an inconvenience or even a weakness.

Too many veterans are still struggling with the aftereffects of military service. This Veterans Day, do more than thank them. Connect with them and guide them to the mental health care they deserve. Here are some resources in our area:

PEARLS — The Program to Encourage Active and Rewarding Lives, described above. If you have any questions about PEARLS, please contact me at suzet.tave@seattle.gov.

The Seattle Stand Down — Provides outreach to veterans who are unsheltered.

Vet Corps —  The Washington State Department of Veterans Affairs program that helps veterans and their family members navigate the transition from military to civilian life.

VA Peer Support Services — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has Peer Support Specialists who are veterans trained and certified as mental healthcare professionals.

Contributor Suzet Tave, MSW, LSWAIC, is a PEARLS counselor for the Aging and Disability Services division of the Seattle Human Services Department.