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June is dedicated to raising awareness about a significant issue that affects a struggling and minimally supported demographic. However, I’m not referring to Pride. I’m talking about PTSD, which is particularly prevalent among veterans, military service members, and first responders. This is just a fraction of the larger mental health crisis that has gripped our nation.
In June, various entities, including local and international governing bodies, corporations, academia, media, and entertainment, unite to show support for LGBTQ Pride. They remind the nation of the significance of this month. Meanwhile, those who selflessly served this country to protect the freedoms, rights, and safety of all individuals, including the LGBTQ community, are largely forgotten.
This oversight leaves many individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, and broken homes due to the alarming suicide rates of over 20 per day within our military community alone, which is equally tragic for our first responders. Their struggle remains silent, as society’s awareness and support seem to be reserved for more politically relevant demographics.
PTSD is particularly prevalent among veterans, military service members, and first responders. (istock)
PTSD Awareness Month follows Mental Health Awareness Month, but unfortunately, both pass by with little attention or awareness despite the devastating mental health crisis that our nation is currently facing.
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Veterans, military personnel, first responders, and even our nation’s youth are facing an epidemic of suicide. If there truly is a surge in gender dysphoria, it is yet another indication of the worsening mental health crisis. However, it seems that no one is willing to confront the problem head-on and address the underlying issues.
As we become preoccupied with sensationalized agendas and narratives, the real issues plaguing our nation are slipping through the cracks. Veterans are not given parades in their honor, nor are they invited to the White House to receive recognition for their struggles and sacrifices. Instead, we witness a discouragement or reduction of support programs, deeming them unnecessary and politically incorrect.
Despite promises from politicians, faith- and community-based support programs provided by the VA are disappearing. Additionally, programs and practices that have traditionally been available to active-duty service members, such as the issuance of Bibles, are being stripped away, replaced by the new ideology of “wokeism.”
COVID-related policies have severely impacted isolated youth, and the chaotic Afghanistan withdrawal has left veterans and service members questioning the value of their sacrifices. Shockingly, it has recently been revealed that the VA has been underestimating the extent of the veteran suicide epidemic. One can’t help but wonder why such efforts are made to avoid acknowledging and addressing this devastating issue.
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During President Donald Trump’s administration, I had the opportunity to lead the reinstatement of certain faith- and community-based programs provided by the VA. Sadly, all the progress made has been reversed by the Biden administration. Restricting the options and availability of mental health support is not a commendable way to express gratitude towards our selfless service members for their sacrifices on behalf of our nation.
To make up for the gaps left by failing administrations, I founded the Mighty Oaks Foundation. Our organization offers non-clinical, faith-based peer-to-peer mentoring programs. Through these fully sponsored programs, we have helped over half a million people struggling with PTSD and related mental health challenges, utilizing the positive and uplifting practices that our society seems to be abandoning.
In addition to the disappearance of these beneficial programs, our nation’s resilience is being eroded, and personal resilience is discouraged. The list of “offensive” things grows endlessly, while victimhood is celebrated and facilitated. Consequently, we have created a society of individuals lacking the ability and motivation to overcome challenges.
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The situation is exacerbated by the unprecedented divisiveness in our society. In this highly politicized environment, truth becomes elusive, and confusion prevails.
With ever-changing definitions, the forced acceptance of distorted reality, and blurred lines of safety and appropriateness, it’s no wonder that America’s youth are grappling with confusion, anxiety, and depression. As for the military and first responders, they witness the replacement of the flag they’ve defended, symbolizing freedom and prosperity for all, with a flag representing a radical and divisive few.
Society, as a whole, is bewildered by the memorialization of violent career criminals while law-abiding citizens are demonized. We witness authority figures asserting economic strength and prosperity while families struggle to cover their expenses. Our tax dollars are wasted on failing pet projects, while our communities descend into chaos and neglect. Is it any surprise that we are facing a mental health crisis?
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This crisis cannot be resolved by denying its existence or focusing solely on its sensational symptoms. As a nation, we must summon the courage to stand up for the truth and confront the reality of the issues we need to address.
From personal experience,
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