Transitioning from military to civilian life is a significant and often complex journey, impacting veterans’ sense of identity, belonging, and overall well-being. Some face difficulties that can lead to serious mental health struggles—including an increased risk of suicide.
Ross Abbott, a R;pple advisory board member, shares his insights on the challenges veterans face, the risk factors for suicide during transition, the importance of the R;pple tool for early intervention, and how employers and society can better support those who have served.
With 24 years in the Armed Forces and now head of wellbeing for a consultancy and training company, Ross has developed a deep understanding of the unique challenges of military to civilian transition. His specialisation stems from a passion for supporting veterans through this complex process and addressing its impact on their mental health. He is driven to ensure their skills and experiences are recognised and valued in the civilian world.
Ross, in your experience, what are the biggest challenges faced by people struggling with Military to Civilian Transition?
The transition from military to civilian life presents a unique set of challenges impacting a veteran's sense of identity, belonging, and community.
Military service is often a significant part of a person's identity. Leaving this behind can lead to a sense of loss and uncertainty about who they are outside of the military.
Many veterans experience mental health issues like PTSD, anxiety, and depression, which can make the transition even more difficult.
Veterans often leave behind a strong sense of camaraderie and belonging. Finding a similar community in the civilian world can be challenging.
These challenges can significantly impact a veteran's overall wellbeing and make it difficult to successfully transition to civilian life.
How does Military to Civilian Transition increase the risk of suicide? What are some of the signs?
The transition from military to civilian life can be a particularly vulnerable time for some veterans, and unfortunately, it is associated with an increased risk of suicide.
The significant life changes and challenges of transitioning can lead to overwhelming stress, anxiety, and depression, which are all risk factors for suicide.
The structured environment and clear sense of purpose provided by military service can be difficult to replace in civilian life, leading to feelings of aimlessness and despair.
Veterans are more likely to experience mental health conditions like PTSD, depression, and anxiety, which can increase suicide risk.
It's important to be aware of the signs of suicide risk in veterans:
- Changes in Mood: Look for signs of depression, anxiety, irritability, or withdrawal.
- Changes in Behaviour: Increased alcohol or drug use, reckless behaviour, or isolation can be warning signs.
- Difficulty Sleeping: Changes in sleep patterns, such as insomnia or excessive sleeping, can indicate distress.
- Expressions of Hopelessness: Statements about feeling hopeless, worthless, or like a burden to others should be taken seriously.
- Talk of Suicide: Any mention of suicide or self-harm, even if it seems casual, should be considered a red flag.
How can employers better support their staff struggling with Military to Civilian Transition?
Employers have a significant opportunity to support their staff navigating the complexities of military to civilian transition. Several key strategies can create a positive and supportive work environment for veterans.
Building a welcoming and inclusive culture is paramount. This begins with valuing the unique skills, experience, and leadership qualities veterans bring. Employers should actively promote understanding by educating all employees about the challenges of military transition and the importance of supporting veteran colleagues. Fostering a sense of belonging is crucial, creating a workplace where veterans feel comfortable, included, and can connect with other veterans or allies.
Providing tailored support and resources is equally important. Mentorship programs can pair transitioning veterans with experienced employees who can offer guidance, support, and help them navigate the company culture. Establishing Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) for veterans creates a supportive community within the workplace, offering a platform for networking and sharing experiences. Training and development programs should be available to help veterans translate their military skills to civilian roles and provide opportunities for professional growth. Finally, ensuring access to mental health resources and promoting a culture that encourages seeking help when needed is essential.
Adapting workplace practices can further ease the transition. Offering flexible work arrangements can accommodate veterans' needs, such as attending appointments or adjusting to civilian life. Clear communication is vital, providing clear expectations and guidance on workplace norms and procedures, as veterans may be accustomed to a more structured environment. Working with veterans to create career development plans that align with their goals and leverage their skills and experience is also key.
Finally, partnering with veteran organizations can significantly enhance support. Collaborating with these organizations for recruitment and outreach helps connect with transitioning service members. Partnering with organisations that provide resources and support to veterans in the workplace and ensures access to that provide resources and support to veterans in the workplace ensures access to a wider range of services.
What does your role as a R;pple advisory board member involve?
My role as an advisory board member for R;pple is multifaceted, focused on contributing to the organisation's core mission of mitigating online harm and promoting mental health support. A key aspect of this involves providing specialised expertise related to the military to civilian transition.
This includes sharing my knowledge and experience to ensure R;pple's strategies and resources are effectively tailored to the specific needs of veterans. I offer insights into the unique challenges they encounter, the language and terminology that resonates with them, and the most effective methods for outreach and support.
Why is it important for R;pple to expand its protection to those struggling with Military to Civilian Transition?
Veterans transitioning to civilian life face a unique confluence of stressors that significantly increase their vulnerability to mental health struggles, including suicidal ideation. These challenges, such as loss of identity, difficulty reintegrating, employment and financial instability, and the lingering effects of trauma, create a heightened vulnerability making them a key demographic in need of targeted support. This vulnerable population often requires specialised resources, and R;pple's platform, with its focus on proactive intervention and connection to support networks, can be tailored to address these specific needs, using language and resources that resonate with their lived experiences.
R;pple's proactive approach, offering support before a crisis escalates, is particularly valuable for veterans. The stigma surrounding mental health within military culture can hinder proactive help-seeking behaviour. R;pple offers a discreet and accessible avenue to support and resources, potentially preventing crises. Furthermore, the loss of military community and camaraderie can be a significant challenge. R;pple can connect veterans with peer support networks and other resources fostering belonging and understanding, critical for mental well-being. Given the tragically high suicide rates among veterans, R;pple's expansion has the potential to make a real difference, offering tangible support to those who served and ensuring access to the care and resources they deserve.
How do you see technology playing a role in mental health and suicide prevention, now and in the future?
Technology is revolutionising mental health and suicide prevention, both in the present and with even greater potential for the future. Currently, we see innovations like AI-powered chatbots providing immediate support, telehealth platforms expanding access to mental health professionals, and wearable devices monitoring physiological indicators of distress. Social media analysis can identify individuals at risk, allowing for timely intervention. Apps offer guided mindfulness exercises, cognitive-behavioural therapy techniques, and peer support networks. These tools break down barriers like stigma, cost, and accessibility, making mental health support more readily available.
Looking ahead, technology promises even more personalised and predictive care. Advanced AI algorithms could analyse vast datasets to identify individuals at high risk of suicide with greater accuracy, enabling proactive interventions. Virtual reality environments can provide immersive therapeutic experiences for trauma and anxiety.
While ethical considerations and data privacy must be addressed, technology holds immense potential to transform mental health care and significantly reduce suicide rates in the future.
If there’s one key message you’d like to share about supporting individuals with Military to Civilian Transition, what would it be?
The most crucial message is that supporting veterans through military to civilian transition is a shared responsibility. It's not just about thanking them for their service; it's about actively helping them rebuild their lives, find purpose, and connect with a supportive community. This requires a collective effort from employers, communities, families, and individuals to understand the unique challenges veterans face and offer tailored support that empowers them to thrive.
Any final thoughts on how we, as a society, can do better in mental health support and suicide prevention?
For me, we need to look at the terminology such as “cause of death was suicide”, this does not address the root cause. Suicide is a mechanism of death, the cause of death is finances, addiction, mental health, etc.
There is also research into the causes of suicide, the workplace is featuring more as a cause, but as yet, death in the workplace due to suicide is not RIDDOR reportable and therefore, the HSE will not investigate.
Only when we address these issues can we reduce suicide.
