A Woman Veteran’s Struggle: Special Issues

Serving in the military can be a difficult, life-altering experience. Military women who have experienced war, death, and sexual trauma may return to civilian life, only to find that they cannot live as easily as they did before their military service. In this transition to civilian life, some veterans may find that available services do not meet their needs; while battling mental illness and readjusting, they may find themselves in circumstances they never predicted.

Homelessness

Finding adequate, affordable housing has proven to be a burden for many veterans transitioning from active duty. According to a 2008 study, finding permanent housing is the number one unmet need of veterans. Surveys have found that women veterans are more likely than men to find themselves with severe housing burdens, meaning that they must pay 50 percent or more of their monthly income toward housing.

With this in mind, it is not that surprising that homelessness is a severe problem for today’s veteran population. Veterans make up a quarter of all homeless people, which is much higher than their representation in the general population. While most homeless veterans are male veterans, women vets are at a much higher risk of homelessness than the general population. They are four times more likely that the average person to become homeless. Studies of women veterans have shown that women are more likely than men to tap their local resources—family, friends, and benefits—when the times get tough. By the time they become homeless, they are more likely to have already pursued every avenue of help, and their mental health is generally more deteriorated than their male counterparts’.

Women veterans who are experiencing housing burdens or who fear homelessness can find resources at the Homeless Veterans page of the VA. Local chapters of charitable organizations like St. Vincent de Paul, Swords and Ploughshares, and the Salvation Army may also be able to provide assistance.

Suicide

The mental strain of returning to civilian life with the burdens of military service can lead to devastating consequences if it becomes overwhelming or goes untreated. Studies have shown that while women vets may be less likely to commit suicide than male veterans, they are still much more at risk than a woman in the general population. One study done by CBS news reported that women vets have a suicide rate that is twice as high than that of non-veterans.

If you or a veteran you know is experiencing emotional trauma or considering suicide, you may contact the Veterans Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK, which puts vets in touch with trained counselors.

Substance Abuse

Substance abuse is another side effect that can come with the mental illnesses that perpetuate homelessness and the risk of suicide. Drinking and using drugs can be ways of coping with post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety, and military sexual trauma. Heavy drinking and other substance abuse is more common among veterans than those who haven’t served. Women vets can seek help through VA counseling and substance abuse treatment programs.

For More Help

Sources:

California’s Women Veterans. (2009) California Research Bureau