Many factors impact veterans’ decisions not to seek care— a main one being stigma. Two examples of stigma are: one, a veterans’ hesitation to seek mental health services due to being perceived as “weak” or “vulnerable;” and, two, the possibility of having negative careeror job implications as the result of potentially impairing symptoms.
Why do veterans with mental health challenges not seek treatment?
Veterans with mental health challenges will often not seek out treatment despite their being eligible for VA care 35, potentially due to low satisfaction with services, poor perceptions of care quality, and difficulty navigating the VA system 12, 33, 36.
Why don’t more veterans use VA healthcare?
Despite these encouraging findings and developments, many veterans do not use VA healthcare services for a wide range of reasons (e.g., excessive wait times, difficulties navigating services) 11, 12.
What challenges do veterans face in getting care at the VA?
Other veterans said transportation challenges and the distance to the VA from their homes can be a huge obstacle to getting care, according to the report. See the latest news and share your comments with CNN Health on Facebook and Twitter.
Why do so many veterans believe that nothing is wrong with them?
Due to any number of reasons, sometimes veterans actually believe that nothing is wrong with them. This could be because they have become unable to gauge their own feelings. It could be that they are afraid to face the fact that something is wrong for fear of what may happen to them or to their family.
Why do veterans not go to therapy?
It could be that they are afraid to face the fact that something is wrong for fear of what may happen to them or to their family. One way or another, a veteran who may be behaving differently than pre-deployment, is simply unable or unwilling to admit a problem.
Why do veterans not have healthcare?
Among uninsured veterans, 26.5 percent said they couldn't get medical care because of costs, 31.2 percent delayed care due to costs, and 49.1 percent hadn't seen a doctor within the past year. In addition, two-thirds didn't receive preventive care. Yet, almost two-thirds were employed, the researchers found.
How many veterans don't get the help they need?
These decades-long conflicts have left survivors with invisible wounds that require treatment, but too many of those who suffer under those burdens have been denied means to get help. While only 1.7 percent of veterans were excluded from VA health care in the World War II era, today 6.5 percent are denied care.
What is the problem with veterans?
Health and Well-Being. Some veterans suffer combat-related injuries, including mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, and traumatic brain injury. Quality health care is critical as veterans return to their communities.
Can the VA refuse to treat you?
You can agree to or refuse any treatment. You will be told what is likely to happen to you if you refuse a treatment. Refusing a treatment will not affect your rights to future care but you take responsibility for the impact this decision may have on your health.
Why do veterans not like the VA?
Of the veteran and active service members who reported to the annual Wounded Warrior Project Survey that they have never used VA health care services, the most common reasons given included preferring to use other health care coverage and too much trouble or red tape....CharacteristicPercentage of respondents--9 more rows•6 days ago
How many veterans seek treatments?
About 55 percent of veterans with assessed and perceived need do seek care (438,412 veterans out of 799,982), in contrast with only 34 percent of veterans with assessed need but no perceived need.
Do veterans like the VA?
The survey, which asked Veterans about their experience with VA health care since the MISSION Act was implemented, found that more than 80% were satisfied with their VA health care. Nearly 75% of Veteran respondents reported improvements at their local VA, and more than 90% would recommend VA care to fellow Veterans.
Do veterans get the help they need?
It should come as no surprise that based on a recent VA study, Veterans who felt they needed treatment for posttraumatic stress were more likely to seek out, and eventually receive, care. But why some Veterans feel they need care, and what motivates them to seek out help in the first place, is less obvious.
What is the biggest problem for veterans?
Poor Mental Health Depression and suicide rates are higher among people who have served in the military. The reason people do not get the help that they need is that there is a social stigma attached to it. The cost can also be a barrier that stops people from getting mental health treatment.
What are the biggest problems facing veterans?
The two leading problems combat veterans face are post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, and moral injury, Dr. Lane said. PTSD and moral injury share similar symptoms but have different causes.
Why do veterans struggle with civilian life?
Veterans who say they had emotionally traumatic or distressing experiences related to military service and those who say they have suffered from post-traumatic stress (PTS) as a result of their experiences in the military are among the most likely to say their transition to civilian life was difficult.
Why do veterans believe nothing is wrong with them?
Due to any number of reasons, sometimes veterans actually believe that nothing is wrong with them. This could be because they have become unable to gauge their own feelings.
Why don't veterans disclose their illness?
Many veterans will not disclose that they are becoming ill for fear of losing their rights and access to their children. To many of them, admitting that they have a war-related illness may seem like they are jeopardizing the most important thing in their lives; their children.
Why are veterans so resistant to help?
Many Veterans can be highly resistant to the admission of war related illness due to the consequences it may bring. These consequences are very real and the impact can be deep and affect the veteran and their family with long lasting ...
What does it mean when a veteran is unable to admit a problem?
One way or another, a veteran who may be behaving differently than pre-deployment, is simply unable or unwilling to admit a problem. Veterans may be concerned about being invalidated or minimized if they speak up. Veterans have become experts in “sucking it up” and enduring to stay safe and alert in a war zone.
What does it mean when a vet is overwhelmed?
Being overwhelmed by not knowing a specific point of contact to seek help. Sometimes, even when a vet is ready and willing to take the risk to seek help, they are often overwhelmed at how difficult it is, and lack of personal contact in seeking help.
What does it mean to share information with a veteran?
To recognize something is wrong but be cautious about who they tell and the amount of detail that they share. Information shared will be on a need-to-know basis, meaning that if the veteran feels that he or his family is threatened in any way, he/she will share only what they believe is safe to share.
1. Stigma Surrounding Assistance
This is a broad term and can be seen in a variety of forms. Veterans feel that in the military there is a rationale of “just ignore it” or “man up”. So, instead of facing the razzing of the peanut gallery, those with problems become experts in emotional camouflage.
2. Ego and Self-Medicating
At the same time veterans don’t want to admit it and lose face, they may be experiencing physical pain or psychological trauma from their experiences.
3. Labeling, Loss of Benefits, and VA Wait Time
There is also the fear of being labeled by the military, which in cases of illnesses—including mental illnesses and substance use disorder—can be cause for dismissal or even dishonorable discharge and loss of veterans’ benefits.
4. Homelessness
Actual counts for the homeless in general are difficult to pinpoint due to their transient nature, but estimates show over 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Another 1.4 million veterans are considered at risk for homelessness due to lack of support networks, poverty, and miserable conditions in substandard or overcrowded housing.
5. Rural Areas Have Fewer Resources
After facing the noise and chaos of battle, a number of veterans return home and choose to settle into relatively rural areas. While this can be a welcome change of pace and create a more serene environment with fewer PTSD triggers than living in a city, there are drawbacks as well.
6. PTSD
As mentioned in number 5 above, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be a problem for many veterans—especially the ones who have seen combat action. Any traumatic experience has the potential to cause PTSD.
What does Manzi say about trauma?
Manzi says it's just one avenue for veterans to see that trauma doesn't have to dictate the outcome of one's life. "I want them to take away a little bit of hope, because hope leads to courageous actions.". Photos: Vets use unconventional therapy to treat PTSD. PHOTO: Raymond McCrea Jones/CNN.
Does the Army use hockey?
US Army veteran uses hockey to serve his country. According to the new study, nearly half of American veterans who need mental health care don’t get it. Also, more than half of those who would benefit from care don’t know they need it, the research by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine found.
Do vets use unconventional therapy?
Photos: Vets use unconventional therapy to treat PTSD. PHOTO: Raymond McCrea Jones/CNN. The group has found that having therapy on the beach makes it more approachable for veterans. They aren't required to participate if they're not ready, but they are encouraged to work with the organization's therapist.
Can you surf after talk therapy?
Surfing can be a way to decompress after a talk therapy session, said Manzi. When anxiety gets high, the water can have a calming effect for him and other vets. Photos: Vets use unconventional therapy to treat PTSD. PHOTO: Raymond McCrea Jones/CNN.
How many veterans served in Iraq and Afghanistan?
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine, on behalf of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), surveyed a representative sample of records for the 4 million veterans who served in recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Do veterans need mental health services?
wartime veterans who may have a need for mental health services have not taken advantage of such help.
Do veterans know how to connect to VA services?
Despite the support systems that exist in the VA, many veterans don’t know “how to connect” to services, are uncertain about their eligibility or simply aren’t aware that the services exist. The study also found “chronic workforce problems” that “have a significant impact on the care veterans receive.”.
Do veterans have close family and friends?
In particular, the study found that veterans without close family and friends were much less likely to avail themselves of mental health services. Such personal connections help prod veterans to seek help, the study found.
Why is mental health important for veterans?
Veteran mental health services are essential in order to help our returning vets recover from their combat experiences and mental health issues related to their military service. There are a number of troubling statistics which show that enough is not being done and that many of our veterans are not receiving the care that they deserve in this area.
What percentage of veterans sought mental health treatment in 2005?
According to the American Psychological Association, in the year 2005 22 percent of veterans sought veteran mental health treatment in the private sector rather than getting help from the VA. That number has increased along with wait times at many of the VA mental health facilities around the country.
What are the barriers veterans face?
Both active duty service members and veterans face barriers to treatment for mental health issues. Some of the barriers veterans face, identified by the USGAO and other sources, include: Personal embarrassment about service-related mental disabilities. Long wait times to receive mental health treatment. Shame over needing to seek mental health ...
How many veterans receive mental health care?
Department of Veterans Affairs in the five year period from 2006 through 2010. A study by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration revealed that only 50 percent of returning vets who need veteran mental health treatment will receive these services.
What does it mean when a veteran has TBI and PTSD?
For newly released veterans the delay between the TBI and the onset of PTSD could mean that the service member has been discharged before they experience severe symptoms. For older vets the PTSD symptoms that they experience could last for many years and require extensive treatment.
What is the most important aspect of mental health for veterans?
One important aspect of veteran mental health treatment is substance abuse . The National Institute of Drug Abuse reports that substance abuse among veterans is strongly related to their exposure to combat. One study by the organization showed that 25 percent of returning Iraq and Afghanistan veterans showed signs of substance abuse disorder.
What is the National Veterans Foundation?
The National Veterans Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to serving the crisis management, information and referral needs of U.S. Veterans and their families. We need your help to continue. Please donate what you can to help the NVF continue to serve our Veterans.
Who is the VA's chief mental health consultant?
The VA's chief mental health consultant is Dr. Harold Kudler. DR. HAROLD KUDLER, Chief Consultant for Mental Health Services, Department of Veterans Affairs: The most important thing to remove the stigma from PTSD is for people to talk about it, but, in talking about it, not fall into the stereotypes.
Did Drew Barnett have PTSD?
Special Agent Drew Barnett , who served with Navy seals in Afghanistan, refused to believe that he had PTSD. DREW BARNETT: During my early training in the Navy, one of our instructors said, you know, hey, guys, it's better to die than look stupid. Just make sure you don't do both.
Why do people not seek treatment?
Stigma as a Barrier to Seeking Treatment. According to a report by the RAND National Defense Research Institute, a major reason many service members do not seek out treatment is the stigma associated with receiving mental health care. Many service members are worried that disclosing psychological difficulties or seeking out mental health treatment ...
What are the problems that OEF veterans face?
Given this, it is really not that surprising that OEF/OIF veterans are showing high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol use, anger management problems, physical health problems, and suicide.
Why do people avoid seeking help for psychological problems?
Many people avoid seeking out help for psychological problems because of the perceived stigma associated with needing mental health care. This may particularly be the case for military service members. OEF/OIF soldiers face a number of highly stressful situations, including deployment, combat exposure, and reintegration.
Can mental health affect military?
Many service members are worried that disclosing psychological difficulties or seeking out mental health treatment will negatively affect their military careers. 3 However, the consequences of not seeking out treatment can be dire.
Is stigma a problem in the military?
The Department of Defense has recognized that stigma is a major problem in the armed forces, and as a result, every branch of the military is taking steps to combat the stigma associated with mental health problems and seeking out treatment.
What is the key to getting more veterans into psychotherapy?
Avoidance and skepticism are to be expected, particularly in a population that tends to be hypervigilant and wary. The key to getting more Veterans into psychotherapy treatment, according to Hundt, lies in a subject taught more often in business school than medical school: marketing.
Why are people reluctant to seek treatment for mental illness?
They may be reluctant to seek treatment due to a perceived stigma around mental illness, or because they live in rural areas and would have to travel too far. Many have full-time jobs or young children that make it difficult to find time for mental health treatment.
What is trauma focused treatment?
Trauma-focused treatment helps patients gain the skills and abilities to re-engage in the lives they had before these traumatic events. It's more difficult than just taking medications," says Hundt, "but the thing with medications is they work while you're on them but when you stop, the symptoms come back.
Is psychotherapy effective for PTSD?
Numerous studies have borne out the effectiveness of evidence-based psychotherapy in treating posttraumatic stress disorder. Studies suggest that Veterans with PTSD who go through these therapies have better outcomes than those who receive other treatments or no treatment at all.
Does psychotherapy help with PTSD?
Interviews with 23 Veterans. That, says Hundt, is unfortunate because according to the research, evidenced-based psychotherapy works better at treating PTSD than other available treatments, plain and simple. "It helps patients live their lives.
Does VA offer cognitive therapy?
To that end, VA has a policy mandating that cognitive processing therapy or prolonged exposure be available to every enrolled Veteran with a primary PTSD diagnosis. But not every Veteran with PTSD takes advantage. An estimated 500,000 Veterans receive PTSD treatment at VA medical centers or clinics nationwide every year.
Is psychotherapy a low rate?
Psychotherapy rates are low in general. "Psychotherapy rates are low in general. They're actually even lower outside of VA," says Dr. Natalie Hundt, a research psychologist at the Michael E. DeBakey VA Medical Center in Houston.
Stigma Surrounding Assistance
Ego and Self-Medicating
- At the same time veterans don’t want to admit it and lose face, they may be experiencing physical pain or psychological trauma from their experiences. These can require medications, but some veterans may again be hesitant of the stigma associated with using prescriptions to treat problems they mistakenly assume they should be able to conquer on the...
Labeling, Loss of Benefits, and VA Wait Time
- There is also the fear of being labeled by the military, which in cases of illnesses—including mental illnesses and substance use disorder—can be cause for dismissal or even dishonorable discharge and loss of veterans’ benefits. This fear is a catch-22, in that it’s a very real possibility yet at the same time the VA offers programs for not only mental health but substance abuse tre…
Homelessness
- Actual counts for the homeless in general are difficult to pinpoint due to their transient nature, but estimatesshow over 40,000 veterans are homeless on any given night. Another 1.4 million veterans are considered at risk for homelessness due to lack of support networks, poverty, and miserable conditions in substandard or overcrowded housing. Homeless veterans likely aren’t re…
Rural Areas Have Fewer Resources
- After facing the noise and chaos of battle, a number of veterans return home and choose to settle into relatively rural areas. While this can be a welcome change of pace and create a more serene environment with fewer PTSD triggers than living in a city, there are drawbacks as well. There are decidedly fewer treatment options in these areas in comparison with urban areas, both catering …
PTSD
- As mentioned in number 5 above, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be a problem for many veterans—especially the ones who have seen combat action. Any traumatic experience has the potential to cause PTSD. Seeing someone killed, being the one who killed another person, and being exposed to constant life-threatening situations are logical causes for developing this debil…