In the United States, nearly one million veterans suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to their combat experiences during active duty. This condition can manifest as flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behavior, agitation, hypervigilance, insomnia, guilt/shame/anger, irritability/outbursts of anger, depression/anxiety, self-destructive behaviors, and suicidal ideation. Veterans who experience PTSD often face difficulties in reintegrating into civilian life, including job loss, relationship problems, social isolation, substance abuse, and criminal behavior. These issues are compounded when veterans experience exclusion within military service due to factors such as race, gender, sexual orientation, physical appearance, mental illness, or other characteristics that deviate from traditional norms.
Black veterans may be subjected to racist attitudes and microaggressions, women may face sexism and sexual harassment, LGBTQ+ veterans may struggle with discrimination based on their identity, and those with visible disabilities or tattoos may be marginalized by their peers. The negative impacts of these experiences extend beyond the immediate consequences, contributing to long-term mental health and social functioning challenges that affect individuals, families, and communities alike. One study found that excluded members of the military were more likely to report feelings of shame and fear, lower self-esteem, and greater difficulty forming meaningful relationships outside of the military context. Another study showed that exclusion contributed to a cycle of distrust, mistrust, and isolation among soldiers, which can lead to increased stress levels and heightened risk for mental health symptoms.
Excluded veterans have reported experiencing stigma and discrimination upon returning home, making it difficult to access support services and find employment. To address this issue, military leaders must prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives that promote respect and empathy towards all members of the armed forces. Veteran service organizations should also provide resources and advocacy for excluded veterans who are struggling with reintegration.
Civilian society has an important role in acknowledging the contributions of diverse veterans and working to combat societal biases against them.
This article explored how experiences of exclusion during military service can negatively impact long-term mental health and social functioning. Excluded veterans face unique challenges in reintegrating into civilian life, including job loss, relationship problems, substance abuse, and criminal behavior. Military leadership and veteran service organizations must work together to create a culture of inclusivity that supports all members of the armed forces. Civilian society also plays an important role in recognizing the contributions of these individuals and supporting their reintegration efforts.
How do experiences of exclusion in military service impact long-term mental health and social functioning?
Researchers have documented that experiencing exclusion in military service can have negative effects on an individual's mental health and social functioning in the long term. Examples of exclusions include being denied promotion opportunities due to prejudiced attitudes towards one's ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, religious beliefs, or disability status (Hughes et al. , 2018). A study by Hughes et al.