Introduction
In general, veterans are believed to be a separate and elite part of the society due to the high level of contribution to the country’s protection and devoted duty. At the same time, the fact that this social group can be treated differently imposes potential repercussions in terms of potential problems and future living. Mental health issues among military veterans is a serious population health issue that influences substantial communities and significantly reduces people’s well-being.
Population and Health Concern Overview
An individual who was enlisted in the active-duty military, naval, or air service, and that was dismissed or released under terms other than unsatisfactory is referred to as a “veteran.” Those who are currently joining the military and serving in the armed forces are not qualified as veterans under this criterion. Military duty, which may last for years, is a solid career that involves significant physical and mental stress on a person. Moreover, this sort of behavior is linked to the occurrence of life-threatening situations, particularly while serving in areas where active conflicts are present. Behavioral and psychiatric diseases, which can trigger depression, are prevalent illnesses among service veterans and soldiers (Ghahramanlou-Holloway et al., 2018). In older veterans from the United States of America, substantial drug or alcohol addiction prevalence rate of 5.7% was identified (Williamson et al., 2018). As a consequence, removing barriers to mental health care is crucial for reducing inequalities that disproportionately affect an already vulnerable group.
Social Determinants of Health
The environment in which individuals live, mature, dwell, work, and retire are referred to as social health determinants. Socioeconomic position, schooling, neighborhood and environmental changes, job, and social inclusion, as well as healthcare access, are all aspects to consider. Variables and healthcare usage are significantly influenced by social determinants of health, particularly those elements that determine socioeconomic status, over the life cycle, adding to health inequities for disadvantaged populations (Duan-Porter et al., 2018). When opposed to non-Veterans, veterans enrolling in Veterans Health Administration programs are more clinically complicated, have worse physical and mental health operation, and have fewer socioeconomic benefits (Duan-Porter et al., 2018). Once their service is finished, veterans may feel alienated from the society, and their professional possibilities are unknown, restricting their level of living and opportunities. Veterans’ mental state is harmed by their socioeconomic situations, with discrepancies in availability suggesting that their needs have not been covered.
Population Health Problem Identification
The proper care of veterans’ psychological health and wellness should offer a good standard of life as well as multiple opportunities for growth and advancement. Many of the newcomers have recently served in the armed forces, while others are grappling with the repercussions of war exposure, forced displacement, family separation, and reintegration difficulties (Sherman & Larsen, 2018). Community caregivers and nursing specialists can increase their military culture awareness by being familiar with resources and depending on them when dealing with transitioning service members (Sherman & Larsen, 2018). It is needed for the professionals in order to be able to identify potential issues and conditions. The study of nursing academic publications and their significance in knowledge growth is described as a critical process of evaluation (Khoshnood et al., 2020). Pender’s health promotion approach focuses on assisting individuals in achieving greater degrees of well-being while also identifying variables that impact health habits (Khoshnood et al., 2020). Thus, additionally, Pender’s theory can be applied in terms of problem description and treatment. If left unaddressed, the mental health treatment imbalance may limit veterans’ capacity to be efficient at home or in the workplace.
Interventions
In fact, existing initiatives should strive to give medical benefits to those who have been discharged from the military and removed from duty. Intervention, mental health as a full aspect of medical care, responsibility in welfare programs, and proper nursing support of all mental therapy for veterans are among the propositions and solutions. Concerning influence on policy, education, leadership, and practice, it is feasible to state that the selected issue should be considered regarding nursing assistance, counselling, and educational and social support programs, initiatives to promote social inclusion.
Efficacy of Interventions
For instance, digital health and telemedicine techniques are used to help veterans overcome mental health concerns. The importance of this solution is demonstrated by the fact that it eliminates the misunderstandings between veterans and providers. Individuals and healthcare providers can employ electronic health tools ranging from therapeutic online chat communities to private conversations. A reassessment of scheduling and employment strategies for healthcare professionals is necessary to address gaps in healthcare and nursing access equity. Hence, the efficacy of these interventions can be evaluated as high since the issue is discussed in terms of a wide variety of possible solutions and approaches.
Conclusion
To summarize, military service, which may continue for years, is a meaningful career that puts a considerable amount of physical and emotional strain on the body. The mental health of veterans is impacted by their socioeconomic circumstances, with disparities in availability implying that their requirements have not been met. The right management of veterans’ psychological health and wellness should provide them with a high quality of life as well as numerous prospects for improvement. In reality, current measures should work to ensure that people who have been separated from the military and withdrawn from duty receive medical benefits.
References
Duan-Porter, W., Martinson, B.C., Greer, N., Taylor, B.C., Ullman, K., McKenzie, L., Rosebush, C., MacDonald, R., Falde, S., & Wilt, T.J. (2018). Evidence review—social determinants of health for veterans.Journal of General Internal Medicine, 33(10), 1785-1795.
Ghahramanlou-Holloway, M., LaCroix, J. M., Koss, K., Perera, K. U., Rowan, A., VanSickle, M. R., Novak, L., & Trieu, T. H. (2018). Outpatient mental health treatment utilization and military career impact in the United States Marine Corps.International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, 15(4), 828.
Khoshnood, Z., Rayyani, M. & Tirgari, B. (2020). Theory analysis for Pender’s health promotion model (HPM) by Barnum’s criteria: a critical perspective. International Journal of Adolescent Medicine and Health, 32(4), 20170160.
Sherman, M. D., & Larsen, J. L. (2018). Family-focused interventions and resources for veterans and their families. Psychological Services, 15(2), 146–153.
Williamson, V., Stevelink, S. A., Greenberg, K., & Greenberg, N. (2018). Prevalence of mental health disorders in elderly US military veterans: a meta-analysis and systematic review.The American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 26(5), 534-545.