Service member mental health a focus on Veterans Day

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- It's a time to reflect and honor those who served our country in the armed forces, but for some their mental health can remain a challenge long after they serve.

We should honor veterans year-round because sometimes, these heroes need help themselves.

Dayton 24/7 Now spoke with many veterans on Friday, and they discussed the importance of mental health.

“To become a hero, you have gone through some really devastating things,” said NAACP Health Chair and retired Air Force veteran Felicia Hill.

Unfortunately, for a lot of service members, their time in uniform is just the beginning. Some service members experience homelessness and ongoing hardships because of mental illness.

According to a Yale School of Medicine study, 5.6% of the 300,000 veterans who live with PTSD or anxiety experience homelessness in one year.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs data shows homelessness among veterans has declined by 11% since 2010.

Janell Hill, director of Crisis Now Services and retired Coast Guard member, shares it all starts with honest conversations.

“Active listening goes a long way, and also reassurance that you know that they're being heard, we’re here to help them,” said Janell Hill.

According to studies, men with PTSD are more likely to consider suicide. Service members frequently avoid seeking assistance out of concern of being judged.

“The vets who have really been devastated by what they have, and they are expected to put on a smiling face and say yes 'I’m a hero,' there is help, the VA is really open, especially here in Dayton,” said Felicia Hill.

Ali Foster has served in the United States Army for the last 13 years. He shared the military service shouldn't stop on the battlefield.

“You lean on something called a battle buddy, which is the soldier next to you, to your right and your left, that you trust,” said Foster. "There is no shame in getting help, in fact there's more strength than anything.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, you can call the Crisis Now Services number at 833-580- 2255.