Veterans are a unique population that incorporates loyalty, teamwork, discipline, customs, identity, and hierarchy. However, they are subject to emotional and physical concerns, which sometimes lead to adverse results. Health care professionals should familiarize themselves with the patient’s military history in combating various health hurdles. Here are some of the top-tier veteran health challenges they are likely to face in their everyday lives.
Suicide
On average, 18 to 22 veterans commit suicide daily. Thus, notwithstanding their age, interventions should be embraced and pinpoint the strongholds that lead to suicide. It is a key retaliation as 11% of veterans who pass through the first suicide attempt have retried within 9 months.
Mental Disorders
Various records indicate that one out of every three veterans diagnosed is found with at least a mental disorder. Additionally, some show signs of substance use disorders (SUD), such as heavy drinking, which escalates their levels of mental concerns. Depression is also on the run and can attribute to suicide.
PTSD
It majorly originates from various experiences and witnessing hurting events. It is linked with pain, sleep problems, military sexual trauma, traumatic brain injury, and other disorders. Thus, it requires downright therapy sessions to incorporate social support, family therapy, adequate exposure, and quality medication.
Amputations
Soldiers are prone to injuries that can result in amputations. Advancements in technology have mitigated severe injuries, and they can survive at a better rate. Nonetheless, these scars are deep and can cause mental disorders concerning the preliminary events. Intensive medical attention is required in battling such injuries and ensuring mental and physical healing.
Harmful Exposures
Veterans are exposed to hazardous encounters such as radiation, chemicals, warfare agents, high vibrations, and air pollutants during their line of duty. They are high potentials for health risk and can lead to long-term health issues. Unfortunately, there are no accurate systems that can detect the effects of various environmental hazards.
Rehabilitation
After deployment, most veterans find it hard to fit in normal life. This is due to the military life that is not somehow compatible with civilian life. However, rehabilitation care is geared toward preparing for social, vocational, physical, and mental interventions. They all aid in elevating a person’s quality of life and the inception of new life approaches for veterans.