LEXINGTON, Ky. (LEX 18) — A group of Kentucky Veterans took a confidential Facebook poll of what each veteran needs the most help with while they practice social distancing because of the spread of the coronavirus.
The Veterans Club INC, which put out the poll, says mental health was the biggest concern ahead of food, finances and job loss.
Every day, 22 veterans commit suicide. To prevent a veteran from being another statistic, The Veterans Club INC in Louisville helps veterans and their families cope with post traumatic stress, like the spread of the coronavirus.
"I think it just triggers something in the minds of people or vets who struggle with combat trauma or PTSD and it just makes you concerned," Veterans Club INC. Founder Jeremy Harrell said. "You feel that same feeling while you're in combat."
While practicing social distancing and staying home when we can, the isolation from other people can be detrimental to your mental health, especially for a combat veteran.
"Often times in combat situations, it's very bare of the things that you have or the situations that you're in. You don't know what's going to happen the next day. I mean, there's those fears of, is this going to last a month, a week, a year?" Harrell said.
To keep your anxiety and depression in the best state you can, the organization says the best thing you can do is stay connected, but set boundaries.
"An opportunity to reset, an opportunity to do the things that you normally wouldn't have time to do, things that are important to you but to also develop a routine," Harrell said.
If you or you know anyone who needs help, please call 1-800-273-8255.
