The Intersection of Veteran Mental Health and Academic Success

Whether you've recently served in the military or are several years removed, returning to college as a veteran can be quite the feat. Many veteran college students struggle with things like returning to civilian life and facing new mental health challenges, which can make academic success feel out of reach. 

With a better understanding of some of the unique challenges faced by veteran college students, as well as the support and resources available, veteran college students can advocate for themselves and maximize their chances of success in school. 

Understanding the Needs of Veteran Students

Compared to more "traditional" college students, veteran students have some unique needs. This is especially true when it comes to their need for comprehensive veteran mental health services. 

Importance of Mental Health Support Services

Veterans returning to school face many challenges. This is not just when it comes to adjusting to a new lifestyle, but also when dealing with mental health conditions (like PTSD, depression, and anxiety) following their military service. 

Veteran students need to be able to rely on veteran support from their schools and surrounding communities. This support can take on many forms, ranging from individual counseling to group sessions and even emergency response/crisis services. With access to the right veteran mental health services, these students can get the help and support they need to manage mental health conditions and succeed in their educational journeys.

Challenges Faced by Veteran College Students

So, what are some of the most common challenges that veteran college students face? These can range from simply adjusting to the realities of civilian life to handling trauma and other conditions related to their military service. 

Adjusting From Military to Civilian Life

For many veterans attending college for the first time or returning to school after a long absence, simply getting used to living life as a civilian can be a struggle. This may be especially evident for those who served several years in the military and have grown accustomed to the military lifestyle. This challenge alone can make attending classes and performing other basic civilian tasks difficult. 

Coping With Combat-Related Trauma and PTSD

Some military veterans who have been involved in combat may also suffer from mental health conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety, following their service. 

In fact, one study found that up to 38 percent of veterans have suffered from at least one common mental health disorder at some point in their lives. Having a mental health disorder or condition can make succeeding in academia even more challenging, especially when it comes to keeping deadlines and finding the motivation to study for exams. 

Balancing Academics and Personal Life

Finally, many military veterans simply struggle with balancing academics and personal life after serving in the military. These students may have a tough time structuring their days so that they have enough time to complete their schoolwork while maintaining a healthy personal life and meeting other obligations or responsibilities. As a result, they may be more likely to fail classes. This may be an occurrence for military veterans working part- or full-time jobs in addition to going to school or raising families of their own. 

Available Resources and Support for Veteran Students

Despite the many common challenges that many veterans face when returning to college, the good news is that schools and universities often have extensive veteran support networks set up to help these students succeed. This may include counseling and therapy services, peer support groups, special accommodations, and more. 

Counseling and Therapy Services

Many schools offer counseling and therapy services as a means of providing support to students who may be suffering from mental health conditions or other challenges in their lives. These services extend to veteran students, and some colleges may even have counselors and therapists who have been trained to work with veterans who may be suffering from PTSD or other military-related mental health issues. 

Peer Support Groups and Veteran-Specific Organizations

Many schools with larger veteran populations may also offer peer support groups or other veteran-specific organizations for additional support. Attending these group counseling sessions can be a great outlet for veteran students to connect with others who may be going through similar struggles as them. These sessions can also be an excellent resource for finding healthy coping mechanisms. 

Academic Accommodations and Disability Services

For veteran students who may have been injured in the line of duty or who have been diagnosed with certain mental health conditions, certain academic accommodations may also be offered by a military-friendly college. This is done as a means of ensuring that these students have the support they need to succeed. In some cases, disability services can also provide veteran students with additional assistance. 

VA Healthcare and Mental Health Benefits

The United States Department of Veteran Affairs also offers special benefits to retired military, including healthcare and mental health benefits to help pay for support services or treatment that veteran students may need. These benefits can be used for costs related to the treatment of mental health conditions (like PTSD and anxiety), counseling, therapy, and related services. 

Promoting Mental Wellness on Campus

In addition to taking advantage of the special veteran support services and mental health services offered to them while in school, there are some other things that prospective and current veteran students should know about mental wellness while in school. 

Training Faculty on Mental Health Issues

For starters, consider inquiring about the kind of training that faculty at your school have received regarding recognizing signs of mental health issues among students. Ideally, the school that you attend will have faculty and staff who have received specific mental health training and will be able to spot the signs of mental health issues. These faculty and staff members will also be able to help provide guidance and support as needed. 

Campus-Wide Mental Health Awareness and Events

With mental health becoming less taboo to talk about, many colleges and universities are also beginning to embrace special mental health awareness events on their respective campuses. These events can be a great resource for retired military who may be struggling with the transition to school and looking for support or mental health resources. Take some time to research any campus-wide awareness events at your chosen school and decide whether you would like to attend any of them. 

Stress Management and Coping Skills Seminars

College students are no stranger to stress, and even those who have not served in the military may struggle with stress related to academic deadlines and demands. If this applies to you, consider researching any stress management or coping skills seminars that may be put on by your school (or a local organization) to address these issues head-on. 

Attending these kinds of mental health seminars can be an excellent way for you to tune into your own mental health and wellness as a veteran student. It’s also a means of taking proactive steps to better manage stress and cope with symptoms related to anxiety, depression, or other common mental health conditions. These events can present a fantastic opportunity to meet other people who may be sharing similar struggles as you while in school. 

Wellness and Physical Activity Programs

Exercise and physical activity can make all the difference in your mental health, so staying active is important, even while you're in school. One of the biggest challenges veteran students have is balancing their schedules and finding the time for regular exercise. This is where getting involved in a wellness or physical activity program on your campus or in another organized setting can make all the difference. 

Whether it's something as simple as taking 15 minutes to meditate and stretch first thing in the morning or committing to a weekly group fitness class at your local gym, a little physical activity can go a long way. 

Ready to Explore a Military-Friendly College?

Dealing with mental health conditions while trying to return to school and better yourself as a retired military member can be difficult. However, with the right support and mental health services in place, you can get the help you need to thrive while in college. From there, you'll be set up for success as you chip away at your degree program and strive to achieve your academic and career goals. 

At the end of the day, one of the best things you can do to set yourself up for success as a veteran is to choose a military-friendly college. At Lindenwood University, we're fully committed to serving all military-affiliated students with a dedicated Veterans Affairs Center and other resources to support your journey. Get in touch to learn more about our program offerings and what sets us apart as a military-friendly college today.