BISMARCK, N.D. (KFYR) – North Dakota’s shortage of mental-health providers leaves many veterans struggling in silence, but one Bismarck veteran is determined to change that.
“The Warrior’s Guide to Insanity” by Sgt. Brandi changed Andrew Horning’s life and helped him to better understand veterans’ mental health issues.
Horning served in Iraq in 2010 and found himself struggling with difficult thoughts when he got home.
“The thought of suicide is always there. I decided that it’s not a road I’m going down. I’m a lot stronger than that,” said Horning.
Veterans experience mental health conditions at nearly twice the rate of the general population, driven by trauma, chronic stress and difficult reintegration.
Horning said he did other things beyond reading that helped his mental health, such as taking medication and going to counseling sessions.
He also formed a discussion group that meets at AmVets, a club for current and former veterans and their children.
“I want to get out there and let my brothers and sisters know they’re not alone. You know, if you’re in the Bismarck Mandan area, I’m here, I see you and I want to help,” said Horning.
Horning meets at AmVets with other veterans bi-monthly and hopes to one day grow the support group into an organization.
Horning encourages those in need to join his discussion group. They meet every second and fourth Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. at AmVets in Bismarck.
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