By Ayman Ghouri
Looking Beyond Remembrance Day
As we observe Remembrance Day this month, it is important to reflect on the experiences of veterans and the challenges they may continue to face long after their service has ended. We must take the time to acknowledge those who have served our country and recognize the sacrifices they have made. Remembrance Day gives us an opportunity to honour those who have lost their lives, recognize the impact of military service, and reflect on the experiences of those who have served. However, it is equally important to understand that the effects of military service do not necessarily always come to an end when someone returns home.
For many veterans, the transition back into civilian life is accompanied with many challenges that are not always obvious to those around them. The challenging experience of military service can have a lasting impact on someone’s mental health. Especially when they have faced direct exposure to traumatic events, loss, or situations that may be difficult to process. One of the mental health conditions associated with these experiences is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Although we associate Remembrance Day with honouring veterans for their service, we should also take the time to consider what happens after they return home. Recognizing veterans should go beyond remembering the sacrifices they have made. It requires making an effort to understand the challenges they continue to face and ensuring they have access to the resources they require.
PTSD can further develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. Although people respond to difficult experiences differently, many individuals may continue to experience distress long after the event itself has taken place. This is particularly relevant for veterans because it can be connected to experiences during military service. Including combat, witnessing injuries or loss of life, and other situations that may have been difficult to process and cope with.
Furthermore, PTSD can affect people in different ways. This may include recurring memories, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, feeling constantly on edge, or avoiding certain situations or activities that bring back memories of a traumatic experience. These symptoms can also affect someone’s relationships, daily responsibilities, and ability to feel comfortable in their surroundings.
It is important to understand that returning home does not always mean someone has moved past what they experienced. A veteran may return to their family, resume their everyday responsibilities, and appear to be doing well while still experiencing difficulties privately.
Specific situations or reminders can bring back memories that may often be difficult to communicate or explain to others.
Additionally, this is why we should be mindful of assuming that someone is doing well simply because they appear to be adjusting to civilian life. People do not always communicate when they are struggling and mental health challenges are not necessarily visible to those surrounding them.
The Stigma Surrounding Veterans’ Mental Health
One of the prominent challenges surrounding PTSD is the stigma that can make it difficult for someone to acknowledge that they are struggling or reach out for support. Military service can reinforce unhealthy expectations surrounding strength, discipline, and resilience, often making it difficult for veterans to acknowledge when they are struggling or need help. These factors can contribute to the idea that individuals should be able to manage difficult experiences on their own.
For some veterans, talking about their mental health may feel uncomfortable or contribute to feelings of discomfort. They may worry about how others will perceive them, feel uncomfortable revisiting traumatic experiences, or believe that they should be able to move forward without additional support. Other people may not know how to communicate what they are experiencing, especially when they have spent a really long time trying to manage these feelings independently.
However, experiencing PTSD does not make someone any less strong or capable. Seeking support should not be perceived as a weakness and more importantly, veterans should not feel as if they need to navigate the effects of traumatic experiences by themselves. Moreover, it is also important to recognize that not everyone will feel comfortable with expressing what they have undergone. Someone may need time before they are ready to talk about what they have experienced. Creating an environment where veterans feel comfortable discussing their mental health without fear of judgment can help make it easier for them to reach out when they require the necessary support.
When Accessing Support Becomes Another Challenge
Although awareness surrounding PTSD has increased, understanding that although support and a multitude of services exists, does not necessarily mean that everyone can access it. Veterans may experience different barriers when attempting to find mental health services that meet their needs.
This can include extensive wait periods, financial concerns, limited availability of specialized services, or difficulty finding professionals who understand the experiences associated with military service. In addition, for those living in rural or remote communities, accessing in-person support could be increasingly challenging. Even when resources are available, knowing where to begin or understanding which services are appropriate could sometimes feel very overwhelming.
It is crucial to recognize that not everyone will require the same form of support. Veterans have different experiences, circumstances, and needs, meaning they require accommodating mental health services. Having access to professionals who understand trauma and the impact of military service can make a difference in ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care. This is why conversations regarding veterans’ mental health should extend past encouraging people to seek help. We also need to consider whether the resources available are accessible, whether individuals feel comfortable using them, and if they are receiving adequate and appropriate wellbeing support.
What Meaningful Support Can Look Like
Supporting someone who is experiencing PTSD does not necessarily mean knowing exactly what to say or having the ability to resolve what they are going through. Sometimes, it can be as simple as checking in, listening without judgment, and allowing someone to talk when they feel ready.
For family members and friends, it is important to remember that support does not have to be limited to one conversation. Regularly checking in, asking someone how they have been feeling, or reminding them that they are not alone can help create opportunities for more open conversations.
It is imperative to be mindful of how we respond when someone chooses to open up. Our initial reaction may be to offer advice or immediately try to find a solution. However, sometimes what someone needs most is to feel heard and understood. Offering someone space to communicate their experiences and thoughts without making them feel judged can be a meaningful starting point.
Beyond individual support, there is an ongoing need to advocate for accessible mental health services for veterans. This means reducing the stigma surrounding PTSD, improving access to specialized care, and ensuring that veterans and their families know where they can turn when additional support is required.
Support Should Not End After November 11
Remembrance Day provides an opportunity to recognize the sacrifices made by veterans, but it also encourages us to think about the support they continue to need beyond their years of service.
Are we checking in with veterans outside of Remembrance Day? Are we making an effort to understand the mental health challenges they may be experiencing? Are we ensuring that they have access to appropriate resources and professional support when they need it? These are all important questions because recognizing someone’s service is not the same as everything they may continue to experience afterwards. Veterans deserve to feel supported not only when we take time to honour their service, but also when they are navigating challenges in their everyday lives.
This November, consider taking some time to learn more about PTSD and its impact on veterans. You can also share available mental health resources, check in with someone who may need additional support, or make an effort to have more open conversations about mental health. Most importantly, remember that supporting veterans should not be something we only reflect on once a year. Their mental health and well-being deserves recognition and support throughout the year.
Resources and Support
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or going through a challenging time, DCO Member Centres provide free, confidential support and referrals. Many centres operate 24/7, with services available by phone, text, chat, and additional formats depending on the centre’s location. Please visit DCO’s Member Centre locations page to find a centre near you: https://www.dcontario.org/locations/
We also want to recognize Boots on the Ground, an organization dedicated to supporting First Responders, including police officers, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, corrections and probation officers, youth service workers, military personnel, veterans, and emergency dispatch operators. Boots on the Ground provides anonymous, confidential, compassionate peer support to First Responders across Ontario. Their services offer a safe space for those who may need someone to talk to, guidance, or support. If you would like to reach out or learn more, please visit https://www.bootsontheground.ca