Honouring and Healing: Understanding the Mental Health Impact of Service on Veterans

My 6yr old son says to me "I want to be a soldier". To be honest I hesitated with his comment from my years of supporting veterans and their families. I asked, "but what if you get hurt or die?" He replied "that is ok because I helped my kids to live in a safe country" What a great reminder as to why our brave men and women join the military service. I thought I would write about the impacts of service on veterans and how to support our veterans that fight for our rights and freedoms. 

Many veterans continue to face battles that are often invisible to those around them—battles with mental health that can linger long after service. From the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the challenges of reintegrating into civilian life.
Finding ways to support veterans year-round can be a meaningful way to truly honour their sacrifices. Let’s explore some of the mental health challenges our veterans face and look at what we, as a community, can do to support them on their journey to healing.

The Mental Health Impact of Service

For many veterans, military service involves experiences that most civilians will never fully understand. While physical injuries are visible reminders of sacrifice, mental health struggles often go unseen. Some common mental health issues that veterans face include:

1. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
   PTSD is one of the most widely recognized conditions among veterans. PTSD can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. Everyday situations—such as fireworks or loud noises—can instantly bring them back to traumatic experiences, making it difficult to navigate daily life.
2. Depression and Anxiety
   Veterans may struggle with depression and anxiety, often related to feelings of loss, survivor's guilt, or the challenges of returning to civilian life. These conditions can make it hard to maintain relationships, find purpose, or feel a sense of peace.
3. Substance Use as Coping
   Some veterans turn to alcohol or other substances as a way to cope with their experiences. Substance use can provide temporary relief, but often leads to other complications that make mental health recovery even harder.
4. Difficulty Reintegrating into Civilian Life
   Returning to civilian life after military service is a transition may have its challenges. Veterans may struggle to reconnect with family and friends, find fulfilling work, or adapt to a pace of life that feels no longer familiar. This reintegration process can feel isolating, leading some veterans to feel like they don’t fully belong.

How We Can Support Veterans’ Mental Health

Supporting veterans isn’t limited to Remembrance Day; it’s an ongoing effort that includes empathy, education, and action. Here’s how our communities can help:
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1. Educate Ourselves and Others
   Understanding the realities of veterans’ mental health is the first step to meaningful support. Reading about PTSD,  and the unique stressors of military service. When we educate ourselves, we’re better prepared to approach veterans with empathy and understanding.
2. Volunteer with Veteran Organizations
   Many veteran organizations in Alberta resources for veterans and their families. Volunteering time or resources to these organizations directly impacts the mental health care veterans receive. Even small efforts, like donating to charities or writing letters to veterans, show our community’s gratitude and support.
   
   Here are a few organizations- click on the links for more info:
   
   www.osicanab.ca/peer-support-groups
   veteransfoodbankalberta.ca/
   veteransassociation.ca/
   www.legion.ca/who-we-are/affiliated-organizations/supporting-veterans
   
   
3. Encourage Access to Mental Health Services
   Stigma around mental health can prevent veterans from seeking the help they need. Encouraging open conversations around mental health, whether online or in person, helps normalize this support. 
4. Participate in Remembrance and Advocacy Events
   Taking part in Remembrance Day activities or attending mental health advocacy events helps raise awareness. Each of us can use our platforms, however big or small, to speak out about the needs of our veterans. By bringing attention to these issues, we’re helping create a culture that values veterans’ well-being year-round.
   
   

Connect with True Living Counselling & Coaching Today

If you or a veteran in your life could benefit from support, we’re here. At True Living Counselling & Coaching in Okotoks & High River, Alberta our doors are open to veterans and their families who are ready to heal, grow, and embrace life beyond military service. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation. We direct bill to Veterans Affairs Canada

Book Appointment

Check out a video about veteran accessing help from the founder of True Living Counselling & Coaching Inc, Gita Ward