Veterans are a group at high risk for isolation and loneliness. Their experiences are ones that no one else can understand or relate to, which puts them at high risk for loneliness compared to others. This loneliness can manifest into other psychiatric disorders, so it’s important for veterans to find resources that work for them and counteract these feelings of loneliness very quickly. Here is some more information on loneliness in veterans and some great resources for them.

How loneliness develops

Veterans are at increased risk for loneliness because of the disconnect that is present between them and their social circle. This disconnect may be physical where they are truly separated from their social support. Or, their disconnect may be just a social disconnect where people are around them but they just don’t feel connected to them.

Either way, this loneliness can exacerbate some of the negative feelings and thoughts they may already be having from their time serving. It may be difficult for them to fully engage with those around them because there is this huge lack of understanding. Unless one has been a service member, they can’t relate to some of the sentiments, experiences and feelings of veterans.

This can lead to veterans slowly pulling away from their support system until they find themselves isolated and feeling very lonely. This disconnect is like being “disconnected from one’s battery” because humans are social creatures. We thrive off the energy we get from being around others. As soon as that is taken away, we are missing that power source.

Loneliness missed by health professionals

Loneliness seems to be missed by health professionals, especially primary care professionals. As the first stop in veteran health journeys, it should be more important of a question to ask for one’s social support. But prior to a study done by Teo at the VA, there didn’t seem to be a lot of primary care physicians who screened for loneliness in their patients.

It’s especially important for primary care physicians to pick up on loneliness because of its link to depression (discussed below). Primary care physicians are usually the first to diagnose depression because they are much more accessible than psychiatrists. Therefore, if they can pick up on their patients’ loneliness early, then they may be able to intervene before there is a deterioration in mental health.

Loneliness link to depression

The link between loneliness and depression is still being studied. However, it is not clearly understood which one causes the other. Loneliness and depression is like a chicken and egg situation. Does loneliness cause depression or does depression cause loneliness? This may be the reason that primary care physicians don’t screen for loneliness like they should. They view it as more of a consequence of depression instead of a cause.

Although the direction between these two constructs is unclear, they are still highly related. In a study completed by Dr. Alan Teo, he found that of all the social components and their link to depression, loneliness was the strongest factor. He included 301 patients who were being treated for major depression at the Portland VA. He and his colleagues looked at the five elements of social connectedness – number of confidants, social support, interpersonal conflicts, social norms, and loneliness, then related these to five depression-related outcomes: depression symptom severity, suicide ideation, patient efforts to manage their health and to seek help and medication adherence.

What he found was that loneliness was like to depression symptoms greater than any of the other forms of social connectedness. Another interesting finding was that there was no link to the number of confidants, meaning that regardless of the number of individuals veterans had to share their private thoughts, they still were at the same risk of depression as the other veterans.

Older veterans and loneliness risk

The older veterans are, the more loneliness impacted them. Those who fought in wars decades ago especially feel more lonely than those who have fought more recently or are currently deployed. There are many changes in their physical mobility, they start losing people around them, and they really lack a group of individuals around them who can relate to what they’re going through.

Resources for veterans

It’s important for veterans to speak up about their fears of becoming lonely or if they feel they are in the process of becoming lonely. Whether the depression comes first or the loneliness comes first, tackling both early can help to prevent more serious manifestations of both.

There are peer support groups which may be the best option for veterans. It’s important that veterans find individuals who are experiencing the same life changes that they are. Peer support groups are filled with individuals who have the same experiences, worries, troubles, anxieties, and diagnoses so they may be able to give some of that support that non-veterans may lack.

They are led by veterans and can meet either in person or via the internet. They offer spaces for veterans to share their story and to be heard by others who will help them deal with their various emotions. Connecting with others can be a very strong intervention for veterans, especially while dealing with such negative emotions and memories that can increase feelings of isolation.

Diverse Health Services also offers companionship as part of their veteran services. If you or someone you know needs some social support, then please click on services to set that up.

Although peer support groups are important for deterring loneliness and other psychiatric illnesses, it is not a substitute for professional help in the form of a psychiatrist, therapist, and psychiatric medication.

[Sources]

• research.va.gov/currents/0218-The-loneliness-factor-in-depression.cfm
• https://www.ptsd.va.gov/gethelp/peer_support.asp