Helping Veterans
Veterans are a small part of our population, only about 6% of our nation’s population. Here in Johnson County, the number is slightly higher with about 8% of the population being Veterans. But Veterans disproportionately bare the scars of combat in the way of mental health issues. While the percentage of Americans with mental health issues is under 20%, one survey shows that at least 28% of Veterans from the War on Terror self-reported being diagnosed with mental health issues.
The numbers are thought to be higher since pride often keeps Veterans from acknowledging there is a problem and then seeking help. Warriors are taught that they are to be tough, unyielding, and resilient. This makes it difficult for them to seek help, with this same report indicating that the actual number of Veterans with mental health issues is estimated to be 41%. Mental Health issues among Veterans are varied, from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), generalized anxiety, generalized depression, general psychological distress, to substance abuse. This report indicates that about 40% of Veterans have never sought the VA benefits they are eligible to receive. (“Evaluation of the Department of Veterans Affairs Mental Health Services” by the National Institute of Health). What can we do about the delta?
This is where Peace Mountain Ranch steps in. We are a safe place where Veterans can come and explore their unique challenges. There are some other service providers that have rigid, step by step programs and for many Veterans, these programs are helpful, but they are not for everyone. Also, there are no other service providers within the area, making Peace Mountain Ranch a critical part of the community. Each Veteran is allowed to progress at his or her own pace. Are they feeling burned out and need a place to decompress? Peace Mountain Ranch provides a safe, calm, and peaceful environment for them to refocus and recharge. Are they dealing with anxiety? PTSD? TBI? Then we provide a safe environment where they can explore and find insight; insight that may lead to healing. We tailor our support to the needs of the Veteran at that moment in time.
Peace Mountain Ranch is different in other ways too. First, as a working ranch, there are always things to do. Veterans are mission oriented; this makes it hard for them to simply sit and talk. However, working and talking, walking and talking, riding and talking, are all natural, organic conversations. Conversations that can delve deeply into their issues, helping them find insights; insights that can lead to healing. Second, Peace Mountain Ranch acknowledges the spiritual side. We understand the concept of Moral Injury and how it often plays a hidden, but major role in the distress many Veterans feel. The VA defines Moral Injury as a “response to acting or witnessing behaviors that go against an individual’s values and moral beliefs. In order for moral injury to occur, the individual must feel like a transgression occurred and that they or someone else crossed a line with respect to their moral beliefs.” Moral Injury is a heart issue, a core issue, a spiritual issue. Veterans suffering from Moral Injury often feel like they have so transgressed God’s Law, that they are beyond redemption. We are able to help Veterans explore their beliefs and help put their distress in an appropriate spiritual context and learn to see the goodness of God once again.
Peace Mountain Ranch cannot help Veterans without your help. We need people willing to support us financially. We need people who will hold us up in prayer. We need Volunteers. Please give, without your help Peace Mountain Ranch will cease to be an island of peace for Veterans swimming in chaos.
