5 Signs That a Military Veteran is Suffering From Depression

Military veterans have many things in common including being known for their strength and resilience. Unfortunately, depression is also common among veterans who may struggle with life as a civilian years after they’ve completed their service to the country. Watching for these five signs of depression can help you know when to offer your loved one a helping hand and seek help from a community organization.

1- Experiencing Difficulty With Sleeping

People with depression may sleep too much or not at all. While most people associate depression with someone staying in bed all day, veterans sometimes have different types of sleep challenges. Insomnia is common among veterans with depression, and the lack of sleep can impact their ability to think clearly enough to realize that their mental health is at stake.

2- Relying On Substance Misuse to Manage Emotions

Alcohol and drug misuse is often linked to untreated depression. A veteran who is struggling with difficult memories of their time in the military may attempt to drown out their emotions by drinking too much. Veterans with disabilities may also turn to drugs or alcohol to try to cope with the loss of their abilities. Helping your loved one find support for their emotional needs can help them begin the process of learning healthier coping strategies.

3- Losing Interest In Pleasurable Activities

Veterans often enjoy active lifestyles well into their senior years. Whether they love hunting, fishing, or woodworking, you’ll want to be concerned when your loved one puts away their tools. Fortunately, you can find support groups for veterans that plan activities that are aligned with your loved one’s interests. Taking a monthly hike outdoors with a group of like-minded veterans can help your loved one renew their former passions.

4- Isolating From Family and Friends

The desire to appear strong to others may cause your loved one to begin to withdraw. Depression also has the tendency to cause people to feel hopeless and unworthy of being loved. Finding support groups for veterans helps your loved one find others who can understand their challenges. Many veterans are more likely to open up to other members of the military who can relate to their experiences.

5- Expressing Anger and Frustration

Depression is often primarily depicted as causing sadness, but it can also cause anger that your loved one may express in different ways. Veterans may become extremely angry over what seems like small events in their lives. Or, they may feel angry about recent events in the news. A veteran who struggles with disabilities may feel angry about losing their former lifestyle. As your loved one gains support and begins to feel the benefits of being around others who understand their frustrations, the anger can begin to ease. For many veterans, the energy they once used on anger eventually becomes a resource they use to offer help to others.

After serving the country, no veteran should feel left behind. Since your loved one might not realize they need help, it’s important to reach out. Opening up a dialogue about depression gives you the opportunity to share resources that can help your loved one renew their mental well-being.