Most military people talk with other veterans of foreign wars . We all know they understand and they know we understand . We also know there is no way that people who have not experienced war can understand , and veterans still try , when they are ready , to help those who are not veterans understand .
If professional help is needed , it of course must be accomplished and without any stigma attached . Others just need a very good support system that includes veterans .
I believe mental health is much like physical health and , in fact , intertwined . Some people need medicine and support and some need a good support system . I count myself lucky because I had and have a great support system including my fellow soldiers , sailors , marines , and airmen in Iraq and at home in the U . S ., as well as many veterans that have gravitated to my office . When I retired from the Air Force ( Air National Guard ) on June 30 , 2021 , and told one of my 80- something-year-old veteran patients , Dick , I retired ; he looked at me sternly at first , then smiled and said , “ Hell , I wish I was still in the military , I wish I could join again , but they won ’ t take me .” He understands it all .