Caring for Veterans’ ‘Invisible Wounds’

When a Veteran returns home, their battles may not always be visible. Many carry “invisible wounds.” These unseen injuries range from Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) to crippling anxiety and depression. When the weight of grief and loss is added, caring for the whole person becomes more important than ever. That’s when accessing support for Veterans and their families is essential, from mental counseling to financial protection. 

Understanding Invisible Wounds

Not every wound leaves a scar. For Veterans, trauma and the stress of service can lead to long-term emotional and neurological effects. According to the Bush Institute’s Veteran Wellness Alliance, millions of post-9/11 Veterans live with invisible wounds that “can significantly interfere with their ability to function across health, occupational, and family domains.”

• PTSD can cause flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and emotional detachment.
• TBI can lead to memory loss, difficulty concentrating, or mood swings.
• Depression may bring fatigue, sadness, loss of interest in daily life, or suicidal ideation.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that at least eight percent of America’s Veterans struggle with PTSD. These conditions often overlap, creating what experts call a “toxic triangle” of PTSD, TBI, and toxic exposure. Yet with awareness, therapy, and community support, veterans can and do recover.

One Persian Gulf War Veteran, who prefers to remain anonymous, said that a combination of therapy, medication, and support groups literally saved his life: “I was on the phone with the (crisis) hotline, with the thought that my family would be better without me. That one call was the start of a 23-year journey of self-discovery and healing. I still have a few dark days, but now I know how to ask for help.”  

Grief and the Path to Recovery

Grief doesn’t always come from the loss of life. For many Veterans, it’s tied to the loss of identity, purpose, or connection after service. When combined with PTSD or depression, grief can make everyday life feel heavier and more isolating. Margery H., a Vietnam War Veteran, described her situation this way: “When my partner passed, it felt like I lost my purpose too. For a long time, I didn’t know how to move forward. I started with drugs again, because it felt like my life was over, too. But thank God, I had the VA near me and friends who cared enough to stand by me.”

Finding the Right Care and Support

When invisible wounds become too heavy to manage alone, finding the proper care can change everything. Veterans and their families have access to a wide range of resources through the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and community organizations.

Steps to Finding Care

• VA: The VA website connects Veterans to nearby medical centers, mental health clinics, or Vet Centers. These facilities offer counseling, therapy, and specialized care for PTSD and TBI.
• Vet Centers: These community-based programs offer free, confidential counseling for combat Veterans, survivors of military sexual trauma, and their families. No enrollment in VA health care required.
• New Therapies: Treatments like Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) are now widely available and proven to help Veterans heal from trauma.
• Support Groups: Many nonprofits, faith-based programs, and telehealth services offer Veteran-focused mental health and grief counseling.
• Crisis Resources: The Veterans Crisis Line is open 24/7 — just call 988 and press 1, or text 838255 for immediate, confidential help.

Getting help is not a sign of weakness but an act of strength. Whether through professional therapy, group programs, or peer support, care can help Veterans and families reclaim stability, hope, and connection.

Planning for the Future: Supporting Veterans and Their Families

Just as emotional and mental health care are essential, so too are practical preparations that ensure Veterans and their loved ones are protected for the future. For many families, this includes estate planning, wills, and burial benefits.

Estate Planning and Low-Cost Legal Help

Veterans living with disabilities or long-term conditions can benefit from having their affairs clearly outlined. Estate planning isn’t only for the wealthy; it’s about peace of mind and protecting family members.

• Start with the basics: Create a will, power of attorney, and advance directive to make sure your healthcare and end-of-life wishes are respected.
• Seek affordable options: Many organizations, including the American Bar Association, state bar associations, and local Veteran service organizations, offer low-cost or free will-drafting programs for Veterans and their spouses.
• Include family conversations: Involving loved ones in planning ensures that everyone understands the Veteran’s wishes and reduces stress during difficult times.

Honoring Service Through VA Burial Benefits

The VA provides several burial and memorial benefits to honor a Veteran’s life and service. Including these benefits in end-of-life planning can ease financial and emotional burdens for families.

Benefits may include:

• Burial in a VA national cemetery at no cost to the family
• A government-furnished headstone, marker, or medallion
• An honor guard playing “Taps” and a burial flag to give to the next of kin
• A Presidential Memorial Certificate 
• Reimbursement of burial or cremation expenses in some instances

Supporting Those Who Served

Veterans are a unique group of men and women who often put others before themselves. As family members, friends, and communities, we can honor their service not only with gratitude but by listening, learning, and standing beside them through every season of life. Healing takes time, but with understanding and compassion, we can help those who once protected us find the peace, stability, and dignity they deserve.

Altogether funeral providers have certified Veterans specialists who help former service members and their families obtain the honors and benefits they’ve earned. Click here to search for a funeral home near you.