Dr. Victor Schwartz, medical director of the Jed Foundation, said it’s important that civilians and veterans communicate as members of the same college community.
Q: Is mental health and/or suicide an issue among military veterans returning to college?
A: Many veterans coming to college show great maturity, discipline, motivation and focus. Nevertheless, a significant number of returning veterans have reported mental health challenges. These “hidden injuries of war” are not surprising given the challenges of serving in a combat zone. It is important that veterans struggling with emotional health issues get the support they need, as unaddressed problems can lead to serious consequences like substance abuse or suicide. With the right support and treatment, veterans dealing with mental health issues can still have a smooth transition and a healthy future.
Q: What challenges do many veterans face when returning to daily life as a college student?
A: Challenges many veterans face can range from a missing the camaraderie from their troops or dealing with misunderstanding university faculty members and classmates to physical, mental or emotional wounds of war. These issues can magnify barriers and challenges that make earning a college degree difficult.
Q: What can the student body do to help a veteran acclimate back to daily life on campus?
A: There has been significant news coverage of the emotional and physical injuries that veterans deal with as a result of serving in a war zone. There are significant assets veterans bring because of their experience and training. If you know or attend school with a veteran, the best thing you can do is help them have a normal experience: let them decide how much they want to discuss or emphasize their service, and be patient as they acclimate to their new routine.
