Military and Veteran Common Health Issues

Our heroes sacrifice their lives for the public’s interest when our countries go to war. Most of them end up suffering injuries of all kinds, including physical and mental. Their families are the most affected, since most of the military members are the breadwinners in their families. When faced with health issues such that they cannot work again or live their life normally as they used to live, the affairs of a veteranmust be considered to ensure that their families have comfortable lives. In addition to physical and mental injuries, they also face different health risks and job hazards than civilians. Serving to protect our people is a special responsibility, but military servants and veterans experience diverse health issues. The governments, non-profit foundations, and the general public should work together to help them deal with these issues.

Physical Injuries.

It is among the most common health issues experienced by the military due to the type of work they do. The injuries can happen during training or while in combat. The injuries are sometimes so severe and life-threatening that they leave the victims with permanent disabilities. In such situations, the government intervenes to ensure they are compensated, and their families well cared for. In addition, the Veterans Service Foundation offers a helping hand to ensure that the wounded veterans and their families receive the health and financial support they need. Apart from injuries that cause permanent disabilities, some veterans lose their lives as a result of those injuries, leaving their families devastated and in need of psychological support.

Some of the common physical injuries veterans suffer from include sprains and strains in their knees and ankles due to running and exercise. Their back and shoulders are also wounded from to carrying and lifting heavy weights. They also experience hearing loss due to noise exposure. Their entire body is at risk of being injured through gunshots when they go into a fight.

Mental Health Issues.

Health professionals and people with personal relations to the military have raised concerns about the mental wellness of the service members and veterans. The most common mental health concerns faced by veterans are depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicide, substance abuse, and brain injury. The aftermath of war leaves the Veterans with PTSD, which affects not only them, but also their facility members. Depression is the other common health issue faced by veterans due to war combat, deployment, and separation from loved ones. Although depression might not garner as much attention as PTSD, the condition is still a prevalent mental health issue in the military. When depression and PTSD conditions are not treated in time, the veterans can end up abusing substances while trying to look for solutions. They might also have suicidal thoughts or end up taking their lives when they are unable to handle the stress and depression levels. For this reason, the Wounded Warriors Family Support has been of great help to American warriors. They intervene to offer unwavering psychological support to the veterans and their families by healing the wounds that medicine cannot treat.

Other Special Problems

While physical injuries and mental health are the two common health problems the service members and veterans deal with, there are other special health issues. They are at risk of health concerns from exposure to environmental hazards, including: burn pits, chemicals, contaminated water, and infections. Some also suffer from military sexual trauma due to sexual harassment and sexual assaults.

After leaving the military, many veterans struggle to find employment. Since individuals join the military right after high school, they lack the required education qualifications to enter other professions. The veterans may also struggle to find a sense of identity and purpose and lack self-esteem since they no longer hold the title they used to carry.

Military service providers and veterans are critical members of our society since they offer their lives for the greater benefit of their nation. Their health is, therefore, important. The government and all related organizations should join hands to ensure the welfare of veterans and their families. Veterans, particularly the wounded, and the families of fallen soldiers should be supported so that they can stand on their feet again.