Veterans Day is a federal holiday celebrated on November 11th of every year to honor all military veterans who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces.
The difference between Memorial Day and Veterans Day is that only military veterans who have died are celebrated during Memorial Day. Veterans Day is a time to pay tribute to all those who served in the military so that our land can remain free.
Military personnel face many trials and tribulations while fighting wars. Can you imagine having the responsibility of the American population on your shoulders? Each day our troops have to be exposed to dangerous territories and often expect the unexpected. Many have lost their lives due to combat or diseases resulting from war. Others have witnessed the death of comrades and fellow soldiers.
Due to these daily experiences, there’s a prevalence of mental illnesses like PTSD and substance abuse in veterans and active-duty members. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which can be triggered by traumatizing events or memories, is one of the most common mental illnesses among veterans. Experiencing depression after military service is also common. A 2008 study showed that “1 in 3 Veterans visiting primary care clinics has some symptoms of depression.” Statistics similar to these represent how the veteran population is truly suffering.
There are many ways to honor and pay tribute to veterans in your community, this can include attending a local parade, visiting a memorial cemetery, or even going to a VA hospital in your area. If you are weary, due to the spread of Covid-19, you can pay tribute and still social distance by spreading knowledge like writing a blog about veterans or Veterans Day, attending a virtual VA panelist convention, demonstrating patriotism perhaps with the symbol of the American flag, or even donating to VA support organization.
Time and time again, statistics on veterans and substance abuse continue to demonstrate the need for comprehensive treatment that’s made just for them. Veterans had to make many sacrifices so that many Americans can live the lives that they live. The least we can do is bring attention to them and the hardships they face daily, which includes struggle with drugs, alcohol, mental illnesses, and eating disorders.
Banyan Treatment Center offers mental illness and substance abuse help for veterans and active-duty members with our Veterans in Recovery program, offered at all of our Banyan rehab locations. If you or anyone you know is battling addiction, mental health, or an eating disorder please call us today (888) 221-6830 to learn how our levels of substance abuse treatment can help.
