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Mental Disorders In Veterans Essay

539 Words3 Pages

A constant watch over mental health issues of all military servicemen and women has gone under the radar in the past few years due to a lack of knowing how unrecognizable the problem just might be. The magnitude of this problem is enormous. A recent report finds that the estimates of PTSD range from 4 to 45 percent for those soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan (Cesur, Sabia & Tekin, 2012). Research suggested that other serious medical issues are likely to accompany the PTSD diagnosis, such as cardiovascular disease, and chronic pain (Frayne, et al, 2010). Compiling mental health issues, physical ailments along with family reintegration can prove overwhelming for a returning veteran. Nearly 20 percent of 30,000 suicides are attributed to veterans each year (Cesar, Sabia & Tekin, 2012). This number represents a substantial number of military personnel suffering with mental health problems. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2011) PTSD impairs one’s ability to function in social or family life, which includes instability, marital problems, divorce, family conflict, and difficulty in parenting (p. 3). PTSD causes much impairment and has many contributing factors; for that reason, it is important to discuss the quality of services available to …show more content…

Understanding PTSD symptoms is important, because PTSD makes one experience feelings of anger, aggression, despair, and hopelessness. Also, many have problems with relationships, social isolation, impairments in 4 work and school, homelessness, and suicide (National Alliance on Mental Illness, 2011). PTSD affects many elements of one’s life that can lead to devastating impacts without the proper treatment. Therefore exploration into the quality of services available for veterans is beneficial. The purpose of this study is to examine the perceptions and attitudes of combat veterans towards the quality of mental health services. (Toscano&Roberts pg.

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