Employment plays a crucial role in the emotional wellbeing of veterans with mental illness, according to a recent study published in the journal Stress and Health. The study, led by researchers from The University of Texas at El Paso’s College of Health Sciences, highlights the importance of work for veterans’ mental health.
“VA data indicates that over 1.7 million veterans received mental health care services last year due to transition-related stressors and mental health conditions,” said Emre Umucu, Ph.D., the study’s principal investigator and an associate professor in the Department of Public Health Sciences. “For these veterans, employment is not just a means of financial support; it also serves as a critical public health intervention that can significantly enhance their emotional wellbeing and quality of life.”
The study focused on 517 veterans experiencing mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or substance use disorder. Participants varied in gender, race, and ethnicity, though most were men in their late 20s or 30s.
Using an emotion toolbox approach developed by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), Umucu and co-principal investigator Beatrice Lee, Ph.D., surveyed the veterans about their mental health, sense of wellbeing, and employment status, whether full-time, part-time, or self-employed.
The findings revealed a strong link between employment and positive social and emotional wellbeing in veterans with mental illness. Unemployed veterans were, on average, twice as likely to experience depression compared to their employed counterparts. Employed veterans reported lower levels of stress, higher levels of positive emotions, a sense of meaning in life, and stronger social relationships.
“Employment outcomes play a crucial role in improving the health and mental health of veterans,” Lee explained.
While similar studies have been conducted on the general population, the researchers emphasized that veterans might be more vulnerable to mental illness due to combat experiences and the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life.
“It can be difficult for veterans to identify transferable skills for the job market once they return to civilian life,” Umucu said. “Amid efforts by the Veterans Administration to emphasize quality employment with competitive wages for veterans, this study shows the significant impact of employment on overall wellbeing.”
William Robertson, Ph.D., dean of the College of Health Sciences, added, “The importance of Drs. Umucu and Lee’s work lies in its focus on factors impacting the wellbeing of our veterans, many of whom live within the Paso del Norte community. The practical implications of this research align with the College of Health Sciences’ goals of addressing health disparities and responding to social determinants of health.”
