Veterans are an essential part of our society who have dedicated their service, courage, and commitment to defending our country. However, their contributions often come at a cost - the impact on their mental health. The struggle of mental health among veterans is real and pervasive, and it can be challenging to find meaningful connections post-service. In this blog post, we will explore the unique struggles of mental health within the veteran community and discuss Forging Vets - a non-profit organization with a mission to build a meaningful community with a focus on mental health and building new skills like bladesmithing to build camaraderie.
Many veterans face mental health challenges such as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and addiction. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 1 in 5 veterans who served in Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) have been diagnosed with PTSD. Suicide rates have been on the rise for the last decade, and veterans are 1.5 times more likely to commit suicide than the general population. The lack of support and the stigma surrounding mental illnesses can create a perfect storm for veterans searching for help, leaving many feeling isolated, alone, and disconnected from society.
Finding meaningful connections outside the military can be a significant challenge for veterans. The sense of belonging, shared experiences, and camaraderie that come with serving in the military can be difficult to find in the civilian world. After military service, veterans must reintegrate themselves into society and find new meaning and purpose in their lives. Making new connections is essential to creating a supportive network of civilians after service, but it is often difficult for veterans to connect with people who have not shared their experiences. Feeling like an outsider only amplifies the mental health challenges veterans already face.
This is where Forging Vets comes in. It's a non-profit organization established by veterans to provide the greater veteran community with a supportive and inclusive environment centered around mental health. The organization's mission is to bring veterans and civilians together to create a supportive, positive, and vibrant community through the art of bladesmithing. Our primary focus is to create meaningful connections between veterans and civilians through various programs, such as classes, mentorship, and workshops. We believe that veterans' mental health is most effective when they have a sense of community, connection, and purpose.
Forging Our Own Community (FOOC) is one of the initiatives that we employ to achieve our mission. Our program works to unite like-minded veterans and civilians to support one another through shared experiences, including forging, bladesmithing, and social events. This program aims to reduce the sense of disconnection that some veterans feel by building bridges across the civilian-military divide. Feeling connected to one's community can be a significant step in the healing process. When veterans reconnect with civilians in a meaningful way, they are more likely to feel that their contributions to society are recognized, thus lowering the rate of depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
A study conducted by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration found that veterans who feel connected to their communities are less likely to experience mental health problems such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Through programs such as 'Forging Our Own Community,' we are creating fresh opportunities for veterans and their civilian counterparts to come together, connect, and encourage one another. Our organization appreciates the unique value that veterans bring to our society and considers it a duty to provide them with the necessary support after their service. We cannot afford to let these brave men and women suffer. We must all make an effort to support our veterans and help them find the sense of community they need to heal and help them find the sense of community they need to heal and thrive. Join me in the fight to give them a second chance.
Please consider donating today!