Veterans And Mental Health
How Many Veterans Suffer From PTSD
Benjamin Hightower and PenFed Foundation
In a recent interview hosted by Jonathan Marx, President of GoToHealth Media, LLC, breakout singer-songwriter Benjamin Hightower and Andrea McCarren, President of the PenFed Foundation, discussed these critical issues. Hightower shared his own experience of delaying mental health treatment due to military stigma, emphasizing that seeking help makes a person more fit for duty, not less. The overarching message from their conversation is a plea to veterans: You are not alone, and you do not have to suffer in silence. Through organizations like the PenFed Foundation and the therapeutic power of passions like music, veterans can successfully navigate their transition and achieve mental wellness.
The transition from military service to civilian life is a profound shift that many veterans find daunting. The tight-knit community, structured environment, and clear sense of purpose inherent in military service are suddenly replaced by the vast, often isolating landscape of civilian life. This drastic change in pace can lead to significant mental health challenges, including loneliness, isolation, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding the scope of these issues and the resources available is crucial for supporting our nation’s heroes.
How Many Veterans Suffer From PTSD and Suicide?
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a critical concern within the veteran community. While approximately 5% to 6% of the general U.S. adult population experiences PTSD in a given year, the prevalence among veterans is significantly higher. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, the estimated incidence of PTSD among veterans varies by service era, with some studies indicating that up to 23% of military service members and veterans experience PTSD in their lifetime. For veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom, the VA estimates that about 15 out of every 100 currently live with PTSD.
These statistics underscore a pressing need for comprehensive mental health support. The symptoms of PTSD, which can include hypervigilance, anxiety, and emotional numbness, profoundly impact a veteran’s quality of life, functioning, and overall well-being. Furthermore, the stigma surrounding mental health in the military often prevents service members from seeking the help they need. Many fear that admitting to mental health struggles could jeopardize their careers or security clearances. However, as advocates continually emphasize, seeking help is a sign of strength and a necessary step toward mental stability and wellness.
Veterans Mental Health Issues and the Importance of May
May holds dual significance for the military community, as it is both Military Appreciation Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. Congress designated May as National Military Appreciation Month in 1999 to ensure the nation publicly shows its gratitude for troops past and present. Concurrently, Mental Health Awareness Month aims to fight stigma, provide support, and educate the public about mental health issues.
The intersection of these two observances highlights the urgent need to prioritize veterans’ mental health. The veteran suicide rate remains a catastrophic issue. Recent data indicates that the suicide rate among veterans is significantly higher than that of non-veterans, with roughly 22 veterans taking their lives every day. This crisis is even more severe in rural, isolated states where the rate can be double the national average. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, combining professional treatment, community support, and innovative therapeutic tools.
PenFed Foundation Programs for Veterans
The PenFed Foundation for Military Heroes is a vital organization dedicated to empowering veterans with the tools and resources necessary for a successful transition to civilian life. Their mission is to step in when there is a gap, ensuring the individual and collective needs of service members and their families are met. The foundation takes a proactive approach, striving to reach service members before they transition out of the military to provide early support.
One of the key initiatives supported by President Andrea McCarren (pictured, right) is the Military Heroes Program, which forms strategic partnerships with non-profit organizations embedded in military communities. This program supports initiatives focused on wellness, creative healing, and purpose-driven connection. For example, their partnership with Tony La Russa’s Animal Rescue Foundation transforms shelter dogs into highly trained service animals for veterans. These service dogs play a crucial role in mitigating PTSD symptoms by performing tasks like clearing rooms and “watching the back” of the veteran in public spaces, providing a profound sense of peace and calm.
Additionally, the PenFed Foundation offers the Veteran Entrepreneur Program, which elevates veteran and military spouse founders. Since 2018, this program has supported over 120 founders nationwide, providing equity-free access to mentorship, startup capital, and a strong network of investors and industry leaders through its Incubator and Accelerator tracks.
Music as a Therapeutic Tool for Veterans: Benjamin Hightower
Creative arts, particularly music, have emerged as powerful therapeutic tools for veterans coping with service-related trauma. Music therapy has been shown to significantly reduce symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety and hypervigilance, by providing a secure and regulated setting for self-expression and emotional processing.
Benjamin Hightower, an Air Force veteran and Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter, exemplifies the healing power of music. After separating from the military, Hightower faced a daunting transition, struggling with the drastic change in pace and the challenge of finding a new purpose. He found his voice and a new community through his passion for music, which he describes as highly therapeutic for processing emotions.
Hightower, who captivated millions with his breakout performance on America’s Got Talent, uses his music to explore his identity, faith, and love, while fiercely advocating for mental health awareness among fellow veterans. His forthcoming 2026 debut EP, featuring the latest single “Manhattan, Perfect,” reflects his journey of self-discovery after leaving the military and moving to New York City.
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