Mental Illness !
By-Sherese Rivers
How would you feel if it was someone close to you?
What is the issue?
-"Approximately 40,000 military members who have returned from Iraq or Afghanistan have been officially diagnosed with PSTD since 2003, according to the U.S. Department of Defense (Anxiety And Depression Of America) ".
What is mental Illness in details?
-"Fearing for their careers, many service members keep quiet about their mental health problems----- and their silents suffering is taking a toll on our military readiness. In response, the Defense Department has begun fighting stigma on several fronts (Dingfeldar)".
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
What effects has it had on the military?
-"A very recent study of 10,000 serving personnel found lower than expected levels of PSTD. Common mental disorders and alcohol misuse were the most frequently required mental health problems among UK armed forces personnel (Mental Health Foundation)".
What are the American views on the issue?
-" Americans perceive most Veterans as "broken or "damaged." This has become the cultural norm. The results of predispositions like this are detrimental to veterans as they reintegrate and are damaging to a society that fails to recognize Veterans' potential (U.S. Department Of Veterans Affairs)".
What are the military views on the issue?
Military views on mental illness in the military, they feel like it is up to them encourage better mental health to ensure that everyone serving in the military can continue serving their country as long as they want to without being force to leave the military because of a mental illness. "The Department of Defense acknowledges that untreated mental health conditions pose a greater safety threat than mental conditions for which your'e seeking treatment" . Then again not seeking treatment for a Veteran suffering from a mental illness can ruin their career in the long-run. They also view it as if a person suffering in the military talks to a doctor or seek treatments it doesn't affect their career or their career is not at risk (National Alliance on Mental Illness).
What programs/ resources are in place?
-Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center
-The National Center for Telehealth & Technology
-Relaxation Therapy
-Psychotherapy
-Professional therapy / counseling
Risk Increase
-More serve physical injury
-Traumatic brain injury
-Lower morale and poor social support within the unit
-Family Problems
Signs that may occur
-Sleeplessness
-Loss of interest
-Feeling numb
-Anger and irritability
-Have a hard time getting along with people
Relaxation Therapy
Work Cited
"Armed Forces and Mental Health." Mental Health Foundation, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
Acosta, Joie, Amariah Becker, Jennifer L. Cerully, Micheal P. Fisher, Laurie T. Martin, Raffaele Vardavas, Mary Ellen Slaughter, and Terry L. Schell. "U.S. Military Making Progress on Reducing Stigma Associated with Seeking Help For Mental Illness." Mental Health Stigma in the Military. OBJECTIVE ANALYSIS. EFFECTIVE SOLUTIONS, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
"Mental Health and Related Resources for Assisting Service Members, Veterans, and Their Families." American Psychological Association. American Psychological Association, May 2010. Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
"PTSD: National Center for PTSD." Mental Health Effects of Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq -. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
"Transitioning from Service." Make The Connection. Make The Connection, n.d. Web. 31 Jan. 2016.
"Veterans & Active Duty." NAMI: National Alliance on Mental Illness. National Alliance on Mental Illness, n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
Zarembo, Alan. "High Rate of Mental Illness in Recruits." Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 04 Mar. 2014. Web. 30 Jan. 2016.
Zoroya, Gregg. "1 Soldier in 9 Exists Army for Mental Disorder." My Army Benefits. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Jan. 2016.