As we celebrated our nation’s independence this past month, it is importance to remember the sacrifices that have been made for our freedom. Since the dawn of our county, brave citizens, first in the militia and then in the military have put their lives on the line to secure and protect what most people now take for granted. To these individuals we owe endless gratitude. Soldiers risk more than just their physical health in the protection of our country; war has a severe impact on their mental health as well and it is common for veterans to return from duty needing mental health assistance.
While on duty, soldiers experience and witness traumatic events, which often lead to flashbacks, nightmares, sleeplessness, irritability, and feelings of detachment. Formerly known as shell shock or combat fatigue, post-traumatic stress disorder affects one in every eight soldiers. A study released in 2007 by the San Francisco Veterans Medical Center and the University of California found that one third of the 103,000 returning veterans seen at Veteran’s Affairs facilities between 2001 and 2005 were diagnosed with a mental health issue or a social disorder. Fifty-six percent of those treated were suffering from more than one disorder. Most common, according to researchers, was a combination of post traumatic stress disorder and depression.
In addition to veterans themselves, immediate family members of those deployed overseas for more than 11 months are also suffering from mental health issues. A study of 250,000 army wives, revealed an 18 percent higher depression rate than those whose husbands were not at war. The study showed stigma at work as well, revealing that many don’t seek treatment because they believe it will have a negative impact on their spouse’s career. Some symptoms of PTSD include:
Symptoms that last for more than a month are necessary for a diagnosis of PTSD to be made. It is well known that stigma associated with mental health care keeps many people in the general population from seeking treatment and nearly 50% of military personnel who need mental health services do not seek it. As a nation whose society exists due to the efforts of our heroes, it is unacceptable that veterans suffer from treatable mental health disorders due to that same society’s perceptions of people who require mental health care.
As we honor the individuals who continue to fight for our freedom, consider what they are putting on the line for our country. It has been proven many times in the connection between mental health and physical health that a person cannot have one without the other. Our veterans deserve that we educate ourselves and our community on mental health to reduce the stigma. To learn more about mental health and available treatments for yourself or a family member you may contact Gratiot County Mental Health at (989) 463-4971 or (800) 622-5583. The Aleda E. Lutz VA Medical Center in Saginaw can be reached at (989) 497-2500 or the Gratiot County Veteran’s office at (989) 875-5258.