Happy Veteran’s Day. As we all know, this a day to give remembrance to our nation’s fallen veterans, as well as honor those veterans that are still with us today.
Perhaps more persistent a topic would be the question: what’s next for our nation’s veterans? How will we continue to support them in the years to come? What kinds of measures can be taken to make sure that veterans get the support they need when returning from combat? Those are questions we are now facing, in the hopes that our new president-elect will take them very seriously.
On President-Elect Trump’s campaign trail, he was viewed as having seriously offended portions of the veteran population by stating that PTSD was a weakness; that “you’re strong and you can handle it, but a lot of people can’t handle it.” However, Trump also has a strong contingent of veteran supporters who have hung onto some of the other statements he’s made about changes in the realm of veteran support.
He claims he’ll appoint a VA Secretary to serve veterans, as well as install a private White House hotline for any VA complaints that veterans might have. Trump’s plan also includes expanding health care for veterans by increasing the number of mental health care professionals, among other measures.
Trump also stated, “Now is the time to follow their example of unity, public service and selfless devotion to our coutnry. We made a promise to these heroes. You defend America, and America will defend you.”
When you witness tragic, frightening events, you are at the risk of developing PTSD after the fact, which can be self-medicated through substances. Veterans very commonly suffer from addiction: 2 out of 10 veterans with PTSD have a substance use disorder disorder. By the same token, 30 percent of veterans with substance use disorder disorder have PTSD. The disorder is characterized by extreme anxiety, sleep problems, numbness, and other difficult symptoms. Self-medicating, or using drugs and alcohol, can help you to avoid the pain and struggles. But only temporarily, and this only contributes to a system of self-destruction.
However we can support veterans, we know it must be accomplished through the route of making more available the resources they need to survive the mental anguish and struggle that characterizes post-combat life.
