Anxiety & Anger, Veteran wounds
Veterans, less than 7 % of the population, are among the most respected members of society, having served their country with honor and courage. Most join the service in late adolescence, with still emerging identity formation and adulthood wisdom. Their early adulthood experiences can leave them struggling with the reconciliation of these experiences and their internal feelings. They put their lives in harm's way, often enduring long and grueling deployments to combat zones around the world. While we all rightfully admire the bravery of our veterans, for many of them their service leaves long-lasting emotional scars. Specifically, many veterans experience both anxiety and anger as a result of their military service.
Anxiety is a common issue for veterans. During their deployments, they faced extreme stress and danger on a daily basis. Whether it was dodging bullets, dealing with the loss of fellow soldiers, or continuous uncertainty of the stability and wellbeing of their families, they lived with a constant sense of fear and worry. When they return home, those feelings of fear and worry may linger. As they adjust to a new life back home, they may find that simply going about their daily lives is a source of anxiety. They may experience panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, or hypervigilance, all of which can be debilitating.
Anger is another emotion that veterans commonly experience. During their service, they were trained in combat tactics and taught to be tough and aggressive and to compartmentalize their emotions. But when they return home, they may struggle to integrate back into society. They may feel angry about the things in their civilian life that don't make sense to them. They may feel frustrated by their inability to control their environments. These feelings of anger can cause them to act out in self-destructive ways or become isolated from those around them.
Both anxiety and anger can be particularly challenging to treat for veterans. Many suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can exacerbate these symptoms. Additionally, there is often a stigma attached to seeking help for mental health issues, particularly among veterans who may feel that it is a sign of weakness. This stigma can make it difficult for veterans to ask for the support that they need.
Fortunately, there are resources available for veterans who are struggling with anxiety and anger. Besides the traditionally known resources, there are community mental health providers, like Adjusting Compass Counseling Services, versed in the unique culture and needs of veterans to offers a variety of mental health services and support groups, specifically targeting concerns with anger and anxiety. By working with trained professionals and other veterans, those experiencing anxiety and anger can learn coping strategies to help them manage their symptoms and regain control of their lives.
While both anxiety and anger can feel overwhelming, isolating, and a frustrating injury from their military service, neither of these concerns have to be lifelong and permanent conditions. These emotions can be challenging to manage and can affect every aspect of their lives. However, with the right support and resources, veterans can learn to cope with their symptoms and move forward with their lives. It's important that we recognize the sacrifices that veterans have made and that we do everything we can to help them flourish and lead happy, healthy lives.
