For those of us who served or are currently serving, we are emotionally affected by the deaths of our service members who died recently in Afghanistan. 13 service members, 90 Afghans died and 150 were wounded due to a suicide bomber in Afghanistan.
Military members are struggling to make sense of this attack. Many veterans are trying to find meaning in their service especially if they are deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many have mixed emotions. Emotions can range from sadness to anger to rage. Many can feel empty, frustrated, helpless. Many are wondering what else they can do to help the many Afghans who served side by side during multiple missions. Many are heartbroken. Many service members question their military service. “Was it all worth it?” Many would question the risks they took as they “went out the wire.” It may be very hard to even process what is going on. These are all normal emotions.
Many service members died in this 20-year war in Afghanistan. All served with bravery, valor, pride. This ending greatly affects the mental health of many service members and veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF). There were also many contingency operations that our service members and veterans have done with their troops. Many continue to heal from invisible wounds.
We honor all veterans. We recognize everyone’s service to this nation. We are thankful for all military families. We grieve with the Gold Star families. We remember those who died and will forever be thankful for their service.
If you are having difficulty processing these emotions, having difficulty functioning in your day to day life, we are here to support your mental wellness, please click on the link and make an appointment having negative thoughts, suicidality, homicidality, increased substance use, or drinking of alcohol, please contact us, call 911 or go to the nearest hospital near you.
