Veterans
For veterans who have been deployed, coming home and transitioning to civilian and college life can be difficult. College culture is much different than military culture. To complicate matters, some veterans might struggle with emotional issues as a result of their service or the difficulty of the transition back. As part of the campus community, we can do a lot to help make this a smoother transition for veterans.
You might be unsure about how to help, or feel uncomfortable about how to approach a veteran. It's not surprising that it's sometimes easier for veterans to talk to each other than to civilians who may not fully understand their experiences. But on campus, it's important that civilians and veterans can communicate as members of the same college community. Below are some tips from the University of Minnesota for respectful communication:
How to welcome veterans to campus:
- Welcome them home
- Express your appreciation of their service
- Offer to help with their transition to (or back to) campus
- Support with patience and listening
- Understand that the transition home is a process and can take time
Good ways to start a conversation:
- What was your job and where did you go while in the military? (Remember: while many do, not all veterans serve in Iraq and Afghanistan.)
- How are you and your family doing?
Topics to avoid when speaking with a veteran:
- Pressuring a veteran regarding specifics about their service they choose not to share with you
- Minimizing the challenges a veteran might face
- Making assumptions about any veteran's political or foreign policy views
- Singling out a veteran without prior approval (let them choose who they tell about their distinction as a student veteran)
Inappropriate questions:
- Did you kill anyone?
- Did you see anyone die?
- Are you glad that you're back?
- Do you have to go back?
- Do you think we are winning over there? Is it all worth it?
Remember, even when approached respectfully, student veterans might not want to talk about their deployment, which is completely understandable. Reaching out is still important, and you'll most likely find there are many other things to discuss.
From ULifeline, a project of the Jed Foundation.Full Article
Emotional Issues Some Veterans Face
It is estimated that 25 to 30 percent of veterans returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan report symptoms of a mental disorder or some cognitive difficulties. These "hidden injuries of war" are not surprising given the trauma of serving in a combat zone. It is important that veterans struggling with emotional health issues get the support they need as un-addressed problems can lead to serious consequences like substance abuse or suicide.
Veterans who have experienced trauma in war and combat might suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and suicidal thoughts. It is important to know the warning signs of these conditions and, if there's a problem, how to get involved in order to help your friend or family member cope and begin to get well.
With the right support and treatment, veterans dealing with mental health issues can still have a smooth transition and a healthy future.
From ULifeline, a project of the Jed Foundation.