by Gina DeMent, Public Information Officer
Five County Mental Health Authority
This Veterans’ Day, we can do more than fly the flag and express our deep appreciation for sacrifices made during wartime.
Thousands of veterans are in need of mental health and addiction services. The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan continue to increase the demand on an already stretched Department of Veterans Affairs, and the stigma attached to mental illness prevents many veterans from seeking needed treatment.
Nearly 300,000 veterans from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from either post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or depression according to a recent study by the RAND Corporation. The Department of Veterans’ Affairs says mental health is the second largest area of illness for veterans of these wars.
The invisible scars carried home by veterans can present challenges for years to come. These problems are complicated by the many traumatic brain injuries and other physical wounds suffered by veterans of the current wars. An estimated 14% of American soldiers returning from Afghanistan and Iraq will experience PTSD.
There are some statistics that give a hint about the toll PTSD takes on veterans and their families. According to a recent study done by the U.S. Army, for example, documented cases of aggression among soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan rose from 11% before deployment to 22% afterwards. Alcohol misuse increased from 13% to 21%. Divorces among soldiers in 2004 were 28%, more than in 2003, and 53% more than in 2000 while the total number of soldiers stayed about the same during that time period.
Of course, soldiers, their families and friends don’t need these statistics to know what war does to people. They experience it first-hand. They know that most of those who survive a war will carry the scars of it, physical as well as mental, for the rest of their lives. Many of them will not be able to adjust to society, hold down a job or a stable relationship, and will end up in the street. Many will take their own lives. (Most estimates agree that the number of Vietnam veterans who committed suicide within several years after the war is greater than 58,000, the number of U.S. troops killed in that war). It has been found that young veterans who served during the war on terror have a suicide rate two to four times higher than civilians the same age
A 2004 study of 6,000 military men and women involved in ground combat operations in Iraq and Afghanistan found that of those whose responses indicated a mental health problem, only 23 to 40% sought psychiatric help. Many who did not seek treatment cited fear of being stigmatized as a reason.
Everyone has a role to play to help veterans overcome the stigma of mental illness. A few easy ways to help veterans overcome the stigma of mental illness include:
On this Veterans Day, whether we are a veteran, family member, friend, co-worker or simply a concerned citizen, we all need to make sure we continue to fight the stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment.
The Five County Mental Health Authority provides a HELPLINE toll free, 24 hours a day, 365/366 days a year, for screening, triage and referrals related to mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse services. Contact the HELPLINE at (877) 619-3761. Five County Mental Health Authority serves the counties of Franklin, Granville, Halifax, Vance, and Warren.
Transportation to Durham and Richmond VA Hospitals from Halifax and Vance County pick-up locations is provided by Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Chapter 15 (Halifax) at no cost, first come-first served, if a driver is available. A VA hospital appointment is required. Call (252) 488-0826 and leave a message. The current schedule is posted at www.RoanokeValleyVeterans.org.
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment Resources
The following veterans’ centers specialize in treating post-traumatic stress disorder. They offer appointments, but also accept walk-ins. According to the centers, they coordinate with the Veterans’ Outpatient Clinics in Greenville and Raleigh for medication and physical health problems and with local veterans service officers for claims assistance. Hours are from 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Serves Halifax and Warren Counties
150 E. Arlington Blvd., Greenville, NC 27585
(252) 355-7920
Serves Franklin, Granville, Vance Counties
1609 Old Louisburg Road, Raleigh, NC 27604
(919) 856-4616
Local Veteran Services
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, available 24 hours a day every day, is 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Veterans should press “1” after being connected to speak with VA suicide-prevention and/or mental health professionals.
We need to do go the extra yard to ensure that veterans who may be suffering from mental illnesses receive the help they need.
These are just a few ways we can express our appreciation on this Veterans Day – by helping those who have sacrificed for us.