Memorial Day: Stay-home orders present challenges for veterans

SAN DIEGO - Stay-at-home orders enacted nationwide in March were seen as necessary, if unprecedented, as the spread of the novel coronavirus threatened to overwhelm hospitals.

However, the wide societal shutdown also disrupted the support systems and coping routines of many veterans living with physical and mental health challenges, according to experts and veterans organizations. Stress and isolation are major issues - for some, those conditions can lead to thoughts of suicide.

Dr. Neal Doran, who manages the suicide prevention team for the San Diego Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, said stress within the home and the loss of a work routine can be challenging for people living with mental health issues, including post-traumatic stress disorder.

"One big piece of it is not being able to get away from any disagreement (in the home)," he said. "There's no opportunity to step away and go do something else. Everybody's routine is disrupted."

Shari Houser, director of the San Diego Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic, agreed. For the families of people living with depression, PTSD and anxiety, their whole lives can revolve around that person's symptoms, she said. For some individuals, their symptoms can make them feel more isolated even though they're with their families.