Veteran Depression: Risks, Symptoms, and Treatment

Learn about the causes and treatment options for veteran depression.

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Veterans can experience significant challenges while serving, transitioning to civilian life, and onward. Veteran depression is one of the potential effects of such difficulties, requiring mental health care and support. A study from the Journal of Social Science and Medicine found that the risk of depression increased by 88% for veterans in the United States. Read on to learn more about veteran depression, associated mental health conditions, and how to seek help navigating the transition to civilian life.

Causes of veteran depression

According to Charlie Health Primary Therapist Meghan Jensen, LPC, there are a number of factors that can cause a former service member to experience depression. These causes include:

1. Combat and trauma exposure

Veterans might experience life-threatening events, lose fellow service members, or deal with moral injury — all of which can cause war trauma.

2. Transition to civilian life

This process can involve a loss of structure, identity, or purpose, along with potential difficulty finding employment or community.

3. Co-occurring conditions

Living with conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a traumatic brain injury, or physical injuries and chronic pain can increase depressive symptoms.

4. Social factors

Veterans might feel isolated or misunderstood by civilians, even facing strain in relationships.

5. Biological factors

Brain chemistry changes, and sleep disruption from service-related experiences can fuel depression.

Signs of veteran depression

So, what does veteran depression look like? There is a range of symptoms that can signal a veteran is experiencing depression. According to Charlie Health Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Courtney Way, MA, LCAT, a veteran’s depression symptoms might include:

• Persistent sadness
• Numbness
• Irritability
• Loss of interest in activities
• Seep disturbances
• Difficulty concentrating
• Increased anger
• Emotional withdrawal
• Increased substance use
• Feelings of guilt, shame, or moral injury
• Thoughts of death, dying, or suicide

PTSD and depression

Veteran trauma is often associated with PTSD, a mental health condition that mirrors many of the symptoms of “shell shock,” a phrase coined during World War I. According to the National Center for PTSD, the condition has four key symptoms:

• Reliving the event
• Avoiding things that remind you of the event
• Having more negative thoughts and feelings than before the event
• Feeling on edge or keyed up

PTSD and depression are closely linked and often experienced together following a trauma. The National Center for PTSD reports that individuals living with PTSD are almost three to five times more likely to experience depression than those without PTSD. Both conditions can also cause someone to lose interest in things, feel less pleasure, or have trouble sleeping — to name a few overlapping symptoms.

“Symptoms of PTSD, such as flashbacks and physical responses like vertigo, can also trigger depressive symptoms,” adds Charlie Health Licensed Creative Arts Therapist, Brooke Cortez, MSW, MT-BC, NMT. 

How veterans can cope with depression symptoms

Depressive symptoms can feel overwhelming and hard to escape, but there are things you can try to limit their effect. Below are some of the techniques our experts recommend.

1. Maintain and build connections

Connections can help you in two ways. Reconnecting with loved ones, such as family members, after your service can provide you with love, support, and friendship. At the same time, finding peer support groups or building relationships with a fellow former service member can also be important, offering you understanding and support from people who know what you’ve experienced.

2. Create structure

Routines can be critical for creating structure and a sense of purpose in your day. Try to regularly eat, sleep, and do different activities that you enjoy, says Jensen. She further recommends setting small, achievable goals for your days so tasks don’t feel overwhelming.

3. Pay attention to physical health

Physical activity and movement can center you and improve your mental health, says Way. Jensen also recommends limiting alcohol and substance intake, as well as trying to prioritize sleep.

4. Find purpose

Transitioning to civilian life can be a huge adjustment that leaves you feeling lost. If you’re up for it, consider doing some mission-driven work, mentoring, or volunteering, says Jensen. You can also engage in hobbies you enjoy or explore skills you learned while in the military.

5. Practice grounding exercises

Grounding exercises are another great way to anchor yourself. Way suggests practicing mindfulness techniques like meditation or creative expression. The latter can be both calming and provide an outlet for coping with negative feelings.

6. Seek professional support

You don’t have to cope with depression alone. Consider seeking out mental health care, such as cognitive behavioral therapy or trauma-focused therapy, says Jensen. They can provide support for depression and other mental health conditions, such as PTSD. You might also find that medication is helpful in certain situations, something a mental health professional can help you figure out.

Look at the US Department of Veterans Affairs for additional resources on everything from mental health services to disability benefits.

How loved ones can provide support for veterans living with depression

Do you know a veteran struggling with depression? There are steps you can take to help them cope with it.

1. Listen

As Cortez says, “Listen to them without judgment. Using active listening skills can be helpful in allowing them to express themselves and feel validated and heard.”Listening doesn’t mean you’ll have all the answers or be able to fix anything; it means you support them, adds Way.

2. Educate yourself

Way and Jensen both emphasize how important it is to educate yourself. Learn about military culture and veteran-specific mental health experiences. Similarly, learn warning signs of poor mental health and crisis resources, including those specifically for veterans. The Veterans Crisis Line in the United States is 988, and then press one.

However, keep in mind that each person’s experience in the military and its subsequent effect is unique — don’t assume you know how they feel.

3. Offer your help

You can take steps such as offering to look into mental health resources and depression treatment, providing transportation, and other support, says Way.  

How Charlie Health can help

If you or a loved one is a veteran struggling with depression, Charlie Health can help. Charlie Health is a virtual behavioral health provider delivering high-acuity treatment for kids, teens, and adults facing serious mental health conditions and substance use disorders. Our innovative treatment model combines clinical expertise, group connection, and measurement-based care to support long-term healing — with specialized care for veterans and military family members. With the right support, managing your mental health and relationships is possible. Fill out the form below to start healing today.