Emily Graham: Syracuse University Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs – Lerner Center for Public Health Promotion & Population Health · Issue Brief #59 December 6, 2022
KEY TAKEAWAYS: Veterans are at a high risk for social isolation and loneliness, and poor mental and physical health; Separation from service, loss of social support, and difficulty forming new connections contribute to isolation and loneliness
Approximately half of U.S. veterans report feeling they don’t belong in society after separation from military service. This diminished sense of belonging is often associated with feeling socially isolated or lonely, regardless of the strength of familial support at home. Loneliness isn’t necessarily the same as being alone. Loneliness refers to the distress people feel when their social involvement and relationships are not what they want them to be, such as feeling left out or alone, when they’d prefer to be involved or interacting with others. The transition from active duty to civilian life, loss of social support, and difficulty forming connections with the general population upon separation from service worsens social isolation and loneliness. Loneliness can have negative health consequences for veterans, such as depression, anxiety, and premature death. https://surface.syr.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1201&context=lerner