War leaves scars—some visible, some invisible. While traditional medicine can mend broken bones and heal physical wounds, what about the mental and emotional injuries that remain long after the battle is over? For many veterans, the fight doesn’t end when they return home. Instead, it continues in the form of post-traumatic stress, depression, and a silent struggle against an unrelenting enemy—trauma.
In A Soldier’s Soldier by Neysa Holmes, PhD, the devastating reality of untreated mental wounds is brought to light. Veterans like Erick, who gave everything to their country, are often left without the proper care to heal their invisible injuries. The government, the VA system, and society at large must take responsibility for addressing these wounds with real, individualized solutions—before more lives are lost.
The Reality of Veteran Mental Health: A Crisis Ignored
The statistics are staggering. From 2001 to 2021, the suicide rate among veterans increased from 22 per day to 42 per day. That means every 34 minutes, a veteran takes their own life—a soldier who once stood on the front lines to defend freedom is now battling an internal war with no support in sight.
Despite these horrifying numbers, the current approach to veteran mental health is failing. Traditional medicine, while effective for physical injuries, does not address the deep-seated effects of combat trauma. Instead, the VA system heavily relies on pharmaceutical treatments—many of which have suicidal thoughts as a side effect. Rather than healing veterans, these medications often push them further into despair.
For men like Erick, who endured grueling training to become a Green Beret, Special Forces Weapons Sergeant, and Combat Diver, asking for help is often seen as a sign of weakness. Military training instills toughness, discipline, and the mindset that one must keep pushing forward—no matter the pain. But mental trauma cannot be ignored, and the burden of healing should not fall solely on the shoulders of those who have already sacrificed so much.
A Broken System: Why Traditional Approaches Are Failing
The government’s approach to veteran mental health has been one-size-fits-all, failing to consider the individual needs of each soldier. Veterans come from diverse backgrounds with different experiences and coping mechanisms. A single treatment plan cannot work for everyone.
Several critical flaws in the current system include:
Over-reliance on pharmaceuticals – The VA system prescribes medication without addressing the root cause of trauma, leading to dependence and worsening symptoms.
Lack of alternative treatments – Holistic approaches such as trauma therapy, meditation, physical rehabilitation, and nutritional support are rarely prioritized.
Insufficient mental health professionals – Veterans face long wait times to see therapists, and many appointments consist of generic, ineffective counseling sessions.
Healing must go beyond prescriptions. It must include mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual recovery.
The Government’s Responsibility: Taking Action for Our Soldiers
It is not enough to thank a veteran for their service. Words do not heal wounds—action does. If the government can train soldiers for war, it must also take responsibility for healing them when they return.
A comprehensive veteran mental health program should include:
Personalized Trauma Care
Every veteran’s trauma is unique. Individualized treatment plans must be created based on their specific experiences rather than generalized therapy models.
Holistic Healing Options
Veterans should have access to non-pharmaceutical treatments like equine therapy, mindfulness training, exercise programs, and nutritional guidance to promote overall well-being.
Improved Access to Mental Health Services
The VA must expand its mental health workforce, reducing wait times and ensuring qualified professionals are available for those in crisis.
Peer Support Programs
Veterans often find comfort in talking to those who have walked the same path. Funding peer mentorship programs can create a strong support system and reduce feelings of isolation.
Ongoing Research into PTSD Treatments
More resources must be allocated to researching PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and alternative therapies to create more effective long-term solutions.
Public Awareness and De-Stigmatization
Society needs to shift its perspective on veteran mental health. Seeking help must not be seen as a weakness but as a necessary step in healing. Public education campaigns can encourage veterans to seek support without fear of judgment.
All in all, within the pages of this book, “A Soldier’s Soldier“, the author has shared about her husband,
who dedicated his life to his duty—pushing himself beyond human limits to protect his country. But when the time came for him to receive help, the system failed him. He had the strength to endure brutal military training, but he was left without the resources to fight the invisible wounds that followed him home.
Trauma is not the fault of veterans. But it is our responsibility—as a nation, as a government, and as individuals—to ensure they have the support they need.