Remembering the Fallen

I want to briefly reflect on the meaning of Remembrance Day. I have the privilege of providing psychological help to several military veterans. They risked everything to protect our way of life, and still bear the emotional wounds from it. Their courage was seen not only on the battlefield, but in all aspects of their lives. Some veterans risked military jail to offer compassionate assistance for civilian non-combatants, while others became outcasts in their military communities for “blowing the whistle” on illegal behavior. Veterans who were injured came home to nurture their children and found themselves living alone in poverty with no one to nurture them. They bravely attempt to rebuild their civilian lives, some of them having “fallen to pieces” after years of living in military culture.

Many of them have fallen not to their deaths, but fallen apart, fallen into depression and despair, fallen into perpetual fear, fallen into confusion, or fallen into substance abuse. They go on living and hoping that somehow they might someday be able to live normal lives again without their troubling memories.

Since ancient times, warriors returning from battle have been changed in ways they never could have imagined. Studies show that 11-17 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are at risk of developing Generalized Anxiety, Depression or Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (P.T.S.D). Other studies show that less than half of the individuals affected with these disorders actually seek professional help, because admitting to having psychological problems is unfortunately considered a weakness in the military (Matsakis, 2007).

Many veterans refuse to discuss their experiences outside the therapy room for fear they will be insulted, denied a job or create too much discomfort for their friends and family members. In recognition of the large numbers of veterans and military personnel affected by mental health problems, the Canadian Military has agreed to provide funding for psychological services designed to treat Operational Stress Injuries, which is the military term for reactions to the emotionally overwhelming events of war.

Why are some veterans affected more than others with operational stress injuries? The higher the burdens an individual carries (inexperience, lower rank, number and severity of stressful events, etc.) and the less support from others (support from friends, family, society; availability of mental health services, etc.) the more likely a veteran is to develop emotional problems. Veterans too often blame themselves for the persistence and severity of their mental health problems, but if they can get the appropriate kinds of help in a timely manner, their attempts to help themselves can be more successful.

This Remembrance Day, remember not only the dead who have fallen for our country. Remember also the emotionally fallen veterans still among us. We owe them our respect, gratitude, and compassionate kindness for the price they have paid to protect our liberty. Finally, remember that professional help is available for those who have the courage to ask.

• Aphrodite Matsakis. Back From The Front: Combat Trauma, Love And The Family. Sidran Institute Press, 2007.