Militarism..

 

The prevalence of domestic gun violence disproportionately impacts veterans. Since 2001, 114,000 US veterans have died by gun suicide, a result of militarism and its impact on veteran health and American gun culture.

Direct involvement in war zones is highly correlated with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and other mental illnesses in veterans, all of which are exacerbated by the military’s hegemonic masculine culture. 

The military creates and relies on a culture that emphasizes toughness, a moral responsibility to serve, prioritization of the unit and mission over personal needs, and taking the blame for actions and consequences over which individual members have no control. These values are so ingrained in military members that they often avoid seeking mental health care. 

Taking a break to get mental health care is at odds with the military’s expectation of perseverance and selflessness at all costs. Active members of the military and veterans who are indoctrinated with these values often do not receive needed mental health care because seeking such care is perceived as a weakness. This lack of treatment worsens veterans’ risk of suicide. Just a thoght.