This applies even if the individual isnt enrolled in the VA system.
On August 15, Taliban fighters entered Afghanistans capital city of Kabul and took control of the country.
Forveteransespecially, it can be incredibly challenging to cope, mentally and emotionally, with this turn of events.
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Combat is one of those experiences that you cant quite put into words.
Each veteran may experience these events differently, adds Cavallaro.
Some may have ongoingdepression, anxiety, or PTSD in which you may see an increase in symptoms.
Others may not have these conditions and still experience significant emotions that could be anger or sadness or anxiety.
Addressing Veteran Mental Health
As a whole, veterans experience higher rates of mental health conditions.
In the days after the Talibans rule restarted, government agencies stepped in to encourage veterans mental health care.
Secretary of Veterans AffairsCommittee on the Readjustment of Veterans.
Military family members also sacrificedand may have lost someone in Afghanistan.
Similar to those who served, these individuals may also need professional help and loved ones to rely on.
For starters, she leans heavily on resiliency.
Many veterans may be struggling with lots of negative thoughts like everything I did in Afghanistan was a waste.
She also focuses on gratitude and spirituality.
The former she says has been shown to reduce depression and aid in post-traumatic growth.
This can be especially helpful for people who have friends or former colleagues in the country.
Its important for them to remember and focus on what their service meant to them.
Some phrases to keep in mind are permission-based ones such as Can we talk about it?
and I cant image what youre going through and Id like to understand so I can support you better.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
January 13, 2023.
