Duane France 

As both a combat veteran and a mental health counselor, I often talk to other mental health professionals and community members who are not veterans about the need to develop cultural competence and an understanding of veterans. One of the challenges that veterans experience regarding seeking mental health treatment is the thought that “they don’t understand” or that one has to have experienced combat or been in the military before they can work with veterans.

The epidemic of Veteran Suicide is pervasive and insidious. As we prepare to celebrate those who served our nation, it would be well if we could take the time to have an honest conversation about the impact of veteran suicide.

The violence of action paradox is this: those actions and emotions that protected veterans in combat are dangerous to them at home, and those actions and emotions that are supportive at home were dangerous in combat.

As a professional counselor and military veteran, one of the most rewarding aspects of the work that I do is helping other veterans come to a point of awareness and understanding about their experiences in the military, and setting the stage for change if that’s what the veteran is willing to do.

If you ever want to interact with former military service members in any way, I highly recommend that you listen to Jay Knight’s podcast, Veteranology, for an unvarnished inside look into what it’s like for a young leader in the military to rejoin the civilian world.