I did not know that stat - 1 in 3 of our veterans has been arrested at least once. We as country abandon our veterans in so many ways (including by not adequately treating or addressing addiction and mental health issues that likely stem from/were exacerbated by military service). And this is heart-breaking: "He has told me, from his prison cell, that the darkest part of his addiction journey began after he realized that his early legal troubles would prevent him from enlisting and living out his life-long dream of becoming an Airborne Ranger." We need to offer support and second chances to people -- esp. young people -- who do "stupid things" & make mistakes.
It starts so young for our boys (I'm speaking of our sons here) that the punishment paradigm leads to labels and stigma that push them further and further to the edges of 'acceptable.' I just saw a post today on a social media platform saying our boys need more punishment- that's what's wrong with society, it claims. The comment section was full of berating and cheering. I just want to say that punishment without support failed my son. Horribly.
Punishment without support fails most humans, most of the time. And ESPECIALLY in the case of growing humans. (How can they learn to do better/different if we don't support them?) What you're seeing & calling out here indeed happens way too often & is, in many places, the primary, default setting for how schools, communities, even families interact with boys, and there's lots of evidence to back it up.
My husband is a combat veteran. My son wanted to follow in his footsteps but his path led him on a similar journey as your son’s. Both are traumatized. Thank you for making me see the parallels. Keep writing, the world needs to hear your message.
Our service members are brave and courageous—personalities that often inherently expose them to mental health stresses and challenges our society and healthcare industry should be better prepared to treat, before it's too late.
I commend your patriotism and research on this subject. The mental health assistance light should be shined upon veterans so much more than it currently is. It seems that's a cause everyone can get behind.
Without a doubt, we have continued to fail this group (even with all of our knowledge and research). Thank you so so much for your support. You've no idea what it means to me.
Mental illness is a critical issue to be addressed for many returning soldiers. Thank you for raising this important topic!
Thanks for reading, Julie, and for your continued support.
Always!
I did not know that stat - 1 in 3 of our veterans has been arrested at least once. We as country abandon our veterans in so many ways (including by not adequately treating or addressing addiction and mental health issues that likely stem from/were exacerbated by military service). And this is heart-breaking: "He has told me, from his prison cell, that the darkest part of his addiction journey began after he realized that his early legal troubles would prevent him from enlisting and living out his life-long dream of becoming an Airborne Ranger." We need to offer support and second chances to people -- esp. young people -- who do "stupid things" & make mistakes.
It starts so young for our boys (I'm speaking of our sons here) that the punishment paradigm leads to labels and stigma that push them further and further to the edges of 'acceptable.' I just saw a post today on a social media platform saying our boys need more punishment- that's what's wrong with society, it claims. The comment section was full of berating and cheering. I just want to say that punishment without support failed my son. Horribly.
Punishment without support fails most humans, most of the time. And ESPECIALLY in the case of growing humans. (How can they learn to do better/different if we don't support them?) What you're seeing & calling out here indeed happens way too often & is, in many places, the primary, default setting for how schools, communities, even families interact with boys, and there's lots of evidence to back it up.
My husband is a combat veteran. My son wanted to follow in his footsteps but his path led him on a similar journey as your son’s. Both are traumatized. Thank you for making me see the parallels. Keep writing, the world needs to hear your message.
Thank you for sharing your truths. We're not alone in this pain. Sending love to you and your family.
Our service members are brave and courageous—personalities that often inherently expose them to mental health stresses and challenges our society and healthcare industry should be better prepared to treat, before it's too late.
100%. Too often they are dismissed, mocked, and scorned and then we wonder why they struggle.
I commend your patriotism and research on this subject. The mental health assistance light should be shined upon veterans so much more than it currently is. It seems that's a cause everyone can get behind.
Without a doubt, we have continued to fail this group (even with all of our knowledge and research). Thank you so so much for your support. You've no idea what it means to me.
Well written and very informative. Thank you again.
Thank you for being part of the knowing. I appreciate you taking time to read.
Really insightful piece.
Thank you for taking time to read it! It means the world.