Week 18 of #52weeksofgiving - Warrior Surf Foundation - Mental Health Awareness Month
Warrior Surf Foundation (WSF) is back as the week 18 cause for our #52weeksofgiving campaign! This week, we are excited to cover the cost of putting one Veteran through the foundation’s 12-week surf therapy program. Learn more about WSF and their program in our recent post.
The Ongoing Battle of Veteran Mental Health
Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, we felt that shedding light on Veteran mental health is an excellent way to kick it off.
As WSF states on their website, “An investment in Veteran mental health is an investment in the future of our communities. Healthy Veterans become positive, active contributors to our communities, and that leads to a brighter future for us all.”
Veterans often return from combat carrying trauma, whether physical, mental, or emotional. The battle doesn’t stop when they come home — instead, they face invisible wounds, including PTSD, depression, anxiety, and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), to name a few. Many need support and time to heal on multiple levels, but they don’t always receive it. The cost can be even more significant for military members who serve on repeat deployments.
Organizations like WSF are crucial to providing constructive outlets and communities for Veterans that help them focus on their wellness and reentry into civilian life. We love WSF and their mission because they take a comprehensive approach to Veteran health, helping them maintain healthy bodies and minds.
Veteran Mental Health Statistics
Just how critical are efforts like those of WSF? The Veteran mental health statistics speak for themselves:
The rate of major depression among soldiers is 5x higher than civilians, according to one of the largest U.S. military mental health studies ever conducted.
The same study found that the rate of PTSD is 15x times higher.
Nearly 20% of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan report experiencing a TBI during deployment.
Veteran and military member suicide rates are at an all-time high, increasing by 25% during 2020.
And these are just a few key findings. As we know, there are many types of mental and emotional issues that military members could face. No two soldiers are the same.
But just because a soldier or Veteran is struggling doesn’t mean they will find help. Unfortunately, many don’t get assistance due to the attitude surrounding mental health and utilizing resources.
Removing the Stigma Around Mental Health
The mental health stigma remains, particularly for Veterans. That means they won’t seek the help they need, although various forms are available. We must spread the word and shift the perspective. Service members need to know that they don’t have to shoulder the burden alone.
In July 2021, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin voiced deep concern about growing suicide rates among troops. “Mental health is health, period,” Austin said. He emphasized removing the stigma around mental health issues and recognized that there is still much work to be done.
We can all help loved ones in the military suffering from mental health issues by:
Letting them know that we are here for and love them no matter what.
Listening more than we talk!
Not putting them in a box, as every Veteran has different experiences and challenges.
Sharing different resources so they can find one that is the right fit for them.
Whether that means a program like WSF, support from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, employer-sponsored insurance, an employee assistance program (EAP), or another organization, the most important message is that active and retired military members and their families are aware of these resources. Veterans need to know that it is ok to be human and take care of their mental health — and that asking for help is not a sign of weakness.
By spreading this message and promoting Veteran organizations, we can foster hope among the military community.
How to Promote Veteran Mental Health
This Mental Health Awareness Month, join us in supporting WSF and their unique program for Veterans. WSF helps veterans find a new purpose, passion, and community outside of combat life. Participants benefit from surf therapy, yoga, and wellness coaching, enabling them to become happy, healthy, productive members of our community.
To help WSF on their mission, learn more about their program, find out how to donate, or follow them on Instagram @warriorsurf to keep up with their latest efforts.
Know of a special cause that we should be supporting? Contact us today and let us know why you love their organization!
