Why do veterans not talk about their service?

Veterans also don't share combat details because they fear their family's reaction, specifically rejection or pity. “If they knew what I had to do, what I am capable of, they will think I'm a monster.” Families often share frustration that Veterans are more willing to talk to each other than them.


What is the biggest problem for veterans?

There are many challenges that veterans face after they leave the military.
  • Unemployment. Many veterans struggle to find work after they return home. ...
  • Relationship with Themselves. Veterans do a noble thing by serving their country. ...
  • Homelessness. ...
  • Physical Handicaps. ...
  • Poor Mental Health.


How do veterans feel about their service?

Roughly two-thirds of all veterans (68%) say, in the first few years after leaving the military, they frequently felt proud of their military service. An additional 22% say they sometimes felt proud, and 9% say they seldom or never felt this way.


What should you not say to a veteran?

What Not to Say
  • Don't ask if they've killed anyone. ...
  • Don't tread too gently around vets because you assume everyone has experienced trauma. ...
  • Don't ask them to put difficult experiences behind them. ...
  • Don't snap — even if they snap. ...
  • Don't describe their experience for them.


Why don't veterans talk about war?

Fear of upsetting family might have kept World War I veterans from talking about their experience. About 88% of veterans returning from a war have had direct experience of violence: witnessing it, being victim to it, or causing it. Many have been in daily fear of their lives for a period of time.


These vets talk about how they respond to ‘thank you for your service’



Why do veterans get so angry?

People may become angry when they feel threatened, harmed, or powerless. Some Veterans may be more likely to feel anger in everyday situations because of a traumatic event from past military experience, such as combat, physical or sexual abuse, injury, or the loss of a buddy from their unit.

Why do veterans push people away?

The sorrow and pain veterans carry can often erupt as anger, and they end up pushing people away because they no longer trust. For veterans with moral injury, the shift back to civilian society and values can become impossible because their moral conscience traps them in solitary mistrust and self-punishing agony.

Why do veterans not like to be thanked?

Some veterans believe that saying “thank you for your service” is almost a way for civilians to massage away some of the guilt at not participating themselves.


Why are veterans lonely?

Physical or mental health issues.

Physical injuries or illnesses, as well as mental health disorders such as depression and PTSD can worsen feelings of isolation, or make it harder for veterans to reach out for help.

Why do veterans not ask for help?

Veterans may feel ashamed and embarrassed to seek treatment, perceive mental illness as a sign of a weakness, or feel that it is possible to “tough it out” on their own, without assistance.

Do veterans want to be thanked for their service?

Many civilians and veterans alike have good intentions when they say the phrase “thank you for your service.” In most cases, it is highly likely that their intentions are to acknowledge the sacrifice and selfless service that many veterans and service members have made.


Why do veterans struggle with relationships?

Problems like stress, posttraumatic stress, health concerns, depression, anxiety, irritability, insomnia, feeling out of place or disconnected, or difficulties with memory may interfere with strong relationships.

What do veterans suffer from after service?

Other common problems include posttraumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety, problematic alcohol use, and thoughts of suicide. Many veterans suffer from more than one health condition. In addition, many women and men experienced sexual trauma, including harassment and assaults, while in the military.

Do veterans feel guilt?

Some Veterans feel guilt or remorse because of something that happened in their military experience, such as an injury to a buddy in their unit, friendly fire, or civilian deaths. Other Veterans may feel guilt because of events that happened outside of the military. Veterans may also experience survivor guilt.


What do veterans miss?

The challenges that veterans face when they leave the service are many: unemployment, PTS, homelessness, drug and alcohol abuse, an unstable family life. While these challenges are real, the way to best help veterans face these challenges is to address the root of the problem.

Why do so many veterans go to jail?

CCJ says the reasons underlying veterans' justice-system involvement range from combat-related risk factors to “bad-paper” discharges that bar VA benefits such as access to mental health and substance abuse treatment, ineffective procedures to identify veterans on arrest, and inconsistent diversion mechanisms.

What services do veterans need the most?

Mental health, medical and family issues

The number is even higher (30%) for veterans who served in the Vietnam War. Other physical and mental health struggles such as loss of limbs, severe burns, limited mobility or traumatic brain injuries.


How do you cheer up a veteran?

How to Support Veterans
  1. Support the Veterans Multi-Services Center. ...
  2. Know and share resources for vets in crisis. ...
  3. Help homeless vets. ...
  4. Donate to other veterans groups. ...
  5. Shop. ...
  6. Support female vets. ...
  7. Support transgender vets. ...
  8. Hire a vet.


What is the leading cause of death for veterans?

Post-9/11 veterans are dying at higher rates than Americans overall, particularly through accidents, suicide and homicide, new research has found. The numbers are even higher for veterans who have suffered a traumatic brain injury.

Is it disrespectful for a civilian to salute a veteran?

Former military members not in uniform may salute. However, civilians should not salute. As a sign of respect, civilians should instead remove any head gear and place it over their heart. In the absence of head gear, the customary gesture is to place the right hand over the heart.


Are veterans lonely?

Physiologist Karen Owoc, with Palo Alto Veterans Affairs, says loneliness by far is one of the biggest struggles for veterans, with nearly 44% reporting feeling lonely at least some of the time and just over 10% feeling that way a majority of the time.

What are 3 ways to thank a veteran?

Here are five ways to thank a veteran:
  • Find a service opportunity in your area. Say thank you by giving your time. ...
  • Share your message of thanks through USO. Gather your friends and family together to write letters of appreciation for our veterans. ...
  • Start your own service project. ...
  • Show your patriotism. ...
  • Say “thank you."


How many veterans are lonely?

Results: A total of 56.9% of veterans endorsed feeling lonely sometimes (37.2%) or often (19.7%).


What city has the most homeless veterans?

HUD says homeless veterans in California represent 31% of the national homeless veteran population. RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. — California has the largest number of homeless veterans in the country with more than 11,000 people, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

What to know about dating a veteran?

Here are my TOP 5 TIPS FOR A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP WITH A COMBAT VETERAN:
  • Make SELF-LOVE a Priority. This is for BOTH of you. ...
  • DON'T TAKE IT PERSONAL. If you are extremely sensitive, being with a combat veteran is probably not a good idea for you. ...
  • Be a SAFE-COMMUNICATOR. ...
  • BE FLEXIBLE. ...
  • One Day at a Time.