Most of the Veterans today are recently transitioned Veterans with combat experience who struggle with reintegration to civilian life. Many times, these struggles manifest as acute suicide risk, anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance use, and adjustment disorder.
I have found post-9/11 Veterans are very resilient and can make significant and positive contributions to society. But at the same time, our military service, and the difficulties we face reintegrating to civilian life make us one of the highest-risk Veteran populations.
In fact, the Suicide for the youngest post-9/11 Veterans over the last 13 years has risen.
Research shows that it isn’t just the combat. It isn’t just the PTSD. It’s also the reintegration difficulties Veterans face as they transition. These difficulties greatly increase the risk for suicide.
There is an expression for the period between exiting the military and successful reintegration they call it the Deadly Gap. Usually that’s the first 3 years after active service.
Sincerely,
John Hacker
American Legion Post 68, Commander
949-275-3247
Email: [email protected]