On New Year’s Day, Americans awoke to news of traumatic and deadly violence in New Orleans and Las Vegas. Ongoing investigations have revealed that both perpetrators had deployed to Afghanistan with the military and likely struggled with post-traumatic stress disorder.
As a crisis social worker for more than 25 years − including five years overseeing behavioral health for the 2,500 service members in the Rhode Island Army National Guard − I see these events as more than isolated attacks by bad actors. They are preventable incidents that point to the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support for active-duty service members and veterans.
When emotional harm is not addressed, it has the potential to radiate terribly and tremendously. Service members are more likely to have PTSD and commit suicide than the general population. “We are terminally ill,” wrote the Las Vegas perpetrator, an active-duty Green Beret who deployed nine times in 13 years, including five tours in Afghanistan. “I needed to cleanse my mind … and relieve myself of the burden of the lives I took.” These words highlight a truth that many service members know too well: the psychological toll of military service can be as profound as its physical demands.
More: Intifada is not an innocent term. New Orleans terrorist attack is latest proof: Opinion
The military has made good progress in mental health access and treatment over the past two years, particularly since implementing the 2023 Brandon Act , named for a service member who committed suicide, which increased access to mental health evaluations and treatment. I am heartened by the story of one service member I worked with closely at the Rhode Island Army National Guard. Shortly after returning from a deployment, he began experiencing overwhelming emotions that left him physically trembling and reaching for substances to numb the intensity. A veteran friend urged him to seek help.
This service member initially attended a few therapy sessions, which helped him regain control of his life. However, like many, he stopped once he felt “better.” Over the years, the cycle repeated − periods of progress followed by relapses […]
Incidents point to need for mental health support for vets | Opinion
