Betrayed Valor: The Systemic Failures in Supporting Veteran Mental Stability
- mediadept5
- Nov 27, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: Dec 8, 2023
The second world war
Canada entered a critical period characterized by sacrifice and change after the Second World War. Between 1939 and 1945, more than a million Canadian men and women gave their life for full-time service; of them, more than 43,000 paid the ultimate price, leaving their families and communities in mourning. In the midst of this grim reality, Canada's diverse expansion was sparked by the war. Economically, the need for war supplies drove an unparalleled rise in industry, especially in industries like aviation, munitions, and steel production, creating jobs and propelling the economy forward.
Innovation sparked by wartime demands led to a rapid improvement in technology, resulting in substantial knowledge in areas such as aviation and radar technology, which shaped Canada's economic strength and long-term capacities.
Interestingly, the war brought about a profound change in the status of women in Canadian society. When a sizable percentage of males enlisted, women entered fields that had historically been dominated by men, upending social conventions and drastically changing perceptions of women's employment.
Additionally, as more money was invested in education and training programs as a result of the influx of resources and the need for trained workers, educational opportunities expanded. The government gave priority to these programs in order to address the demands of the wartime industry, providing improved educational opportunities and laying the groundwork for a workforce that was more trained after the war.
mental stability of Veterans
The psychological well-being of veterans is significantly influenced by a multitude of issues arising from their military experiences and their shift to civilian life. The main factor that contributes to the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression is frequently exposure to stressful combat conditions.
Furthermore, the process of reintegrating into civilian society, in conjunction with possible obstacles in obtaining sufficient healthcare, job prospects, and social support, has a substantial role in promoting their mental health. A sense of solitude, financial difficulties, and substance addiction all worsen these problems. In order to offer veterans full support, ensure their mental stability, and promote their successful reintegration into civilian life, it is imperative that the complex nature of these difficulties be addressed.
To further elaborate on the complex obstacles veterans must overcome to achieve mental stability, it is imperative to acknowledge the interconnectedness of these problems. Beyond the trauma of combat, veterans frequently face barriers to receiving high-quality, individually tailored healthcare. Apart from that, the adjustment to civilian life presents a range of difficulties, such as finding jobs that suit their qualifications and finding a place in their communities. Their difficulties are exacerbated by social isolation brought on by peers who don't comprehend them or offer help.
A further source of stress is created by financial instability, which is made worse by challenges in finding steady work. This might result in substance abuse as a coping method. Taking on these complex issues requires an all-encompassing strategy that includes easily available mental health treatments, specialized employment guidance, and community-based programs that promote tolerance and inclusivity in order to improve and stabilize veterans' mental health.
Veteran homelessness is a severe and complex social problem that needs immediate attention as well as all-encompassing remedies. Disappointingly many veterans, despite having served their country, are homeless due to a variety of intricate circumstances that they are unable to manage. The complex interactions between substance addiction, mental health issues, PTSD, and difficulties adjusting to life after the military are prominent among these concerns. Their susceptibility to homelessness is increased by limited access to specialized support services, such as mental health treatment and reintegration initiatives.
The situation of homeless veterans on Vancouver's Downtown Eastside represents a poignant intersection of personal problems and societal issues. The fact that there are homeless veterans in this location highlights the difficulties experienced by those who have served their nation. These include PTSD, a lack of access to proper mental health care, and challenges adjusting from military to civilian life, all of which combine to increase their susceptibility to homelessness. This group frequently struggles with a lack of options for inexpensive housing, which is made worse by unstable finances and an absence of social services that are specifically designed to meet their requirements. For these veterans, the Downtown Eastside poses particular challenges because of its high rates of addiction, poverty, and mental health problems.
Their circumstances underscore the need for all-encompassing support systems that integrate readily available mental health resources, focused housing initiatives, and specialized assistance programs created with the express purpose of uplifting and reintegrating homeless veterans into dignified and stable living environments.
government support towards veterans
As the federal government of Ottawa was unsuccesful in it's assurance to take responsibility of the veterans, Hogan, Canada's auditor, planned to make sure soldiers aren't required to stand by
"I'm really left with the conclusion that the government failed to meet a promise that it made our veterans, that it would take care of them if they were injured in service." Hogan said in a news conference in Ottawa.
Hogan's report reflects concerns expressed by veterans advocates and others, emphasizing that delays in processing such claims can impact disabled veterans and their families by hindering access to treatment and financial assistance.
Veterans Affairs Minister Lawrence MacAulay acknowledges the necessity of increasing support for Canada's veterans. However, in a separate news conference, he essentially brushes off HOGAN's findings.
"We're on the proper path, as I indicated previously, to make sure that we deal with this appropriately and to put the backlog where it needs to be," he said. "I can assure you we have the process in place and we will do that.
In response to the frustration and discontent expressed by former service members, veterans advocates, and others due to the growing wait times, efforts have been undertaken to devise plans ensuring that veterans are not compelled to endure months or even years for the processing of their disability claims by Veterans Affairs Canada. This response comes amid a backlog of over 40,000 unprocessed applications.
In her report, Hogan highlighted the implementation of certain measures, but she observed that many are still in the development stage. Additionally, she noted that the Veterans Affairs was unable to effectively assess the impact of the measures already in place.
The Auditor General specifically criticized the Liberal government's strategy of hiring numerous temporary staff to address the backlog, pointing out that this approach proved ineffective as many of these staff members left for better job opportunities.
"They can't address the backlog, let alone keep up with the increased demand," Hogan told reporters as teh Veteran Affairs laregely failed and is unable to keep up. "So it really is time to have a more stable, long-term view of how to process these applications."
Briann Forbes, Chairman of both The War Amps executive committee and the National Council of Veteran Associations, representing 68 organizations across Canada, stated that Hogan's report "has cemented what we've been saying for years."
"Ninety-six per cent of post-traumatic stress claims are approved in the end and 86 per cent of moderate to serious disabled veterans' claims are approved," Forbes said, expressed hope that Hogan's report would motivate the government to take action, advocating for initiatives such as the automatic approval of disability claims along with the implementation of an audit function to identify fraudulent activities.
"We hope this report will finally provide the impetus needed to create and execute a concrete plan of action, end unreasonable wait times, and duly serve the injured Veterans who served us."
Royal Canadian Legion Dominion President Bruce Julian also looks forward to a concrete plan. His service officers play a crucial role in assisting veterans with the numerous paperwork required to apply for disability benefits.
List of ways we can help
Accessible Mental Health Services: Ensure veterans have easy access to specialized mental health care tailored to their unique experiences, including PTSD treatment, counseling, and support groups.
Holistic Support Programs: Establish comprehensive support programs addressing mental health, substance abuse, and social reintegration, providing a continuum of care for veterans.
Employment Assistance: Offer tailored employment programs that recognize military skills, facilitate job training, and connect veterans with career opportunities.
Housing Initiatives: Provide affordable and stable housing options specifically designed for veterans, offering transitional housing and long-term support to prevent homelessness.
Financial Assistance: Offer financial literacy programs, grants, or subsidies to alleviate financial burdens and prevent poverty among veterans.
Community Integration: Foster community initiatives that promote understanding, inclusion, and support for veterans, reducing social isolation and facilitating connections.
Legal Support Services: Provide legal aid services to address issues like disability claims, ensuring veterans receive the benefits and support they are entitled to.
Education and Skills Training: Invest in educational opportunities and vocational training to equip veterans with the skills needed for successful reintegration into civilian life.
Peer Support Networks: Establish peer support networks where veterans can connect with others who have shared experiences, providing a sense of camaraderie and understanding.
Advocacy and Awareness: Advocate for policies that prioritize veterans' well-being, raise awareness about their challenges, and advocate for systemic changes to support them effectively.
Collaboration with Nonprofits and Government Agencies: Collaborate with nonprofits, governmental agencies, and community organizations to leverage resources and create comprehensive support networks for veterans.
Tailored Healthcare: Ensure healthcare services address the unique needs of veterans, including physical health, mental health, and rehabilitation services.
We can significantly improve the lives of veterans, address their mental health challenges, and lessen homelessness and poverty by integrating these strategies and creating a friendly environment.
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