Military

Challenges Related to Mental Health Help Seeking for Veterans and Their Families

Somindicates that one in three veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from significant to severe stress, anxiety and/or trauma, yet close to 60% of them do not seek help, typically for one or all of the following reasons:

Fear of being stigmatized by peers and superiors

Fear of having documentation in their medical records that could prevent future advancement or civilian employment opportunities

An emphasis on self-reliance that may make it difficult to ask for help

A discomfort or aversion to counseling and to sharing or reliving difficult experiences, especially if the counselor is a non-Veteran or non-Combat Veteran
The lack of availability of culturally sensitive or financially practical help sources

Psychotherapy involves talking with a trained mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, social worker or counselor. The professional helps people gain insight into their feelings, change behaviors, resolve problems or learn how to deal with feelings like stress, grief, loss, fear and sadness. Talk therapy is sometimes combined with homework assignments between sessions. Therapy can be held one-on-one, with couples, families or even in groups. Participation in short-term counseling or psychotherapy can help active personnel, veterans, and family members recognize and begin to recover from the influence of trauma related to military service and its consequences. Millions of Americans have found help changing some aspect of their life through psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy or counseling.

Consider Therapy If...

You feel an overwhelming and prolonged sense of helplessness and sadness, and your problems do not seem to get better despite your efforts and help from family and friends.
You are finding it difficult to carry out everyday activities: for example, you are unable to concentrate on assignments at work, and your job performance is suffering as a result.
You worry excessively, expect the worst, or are constantly on edge.
Your actions are harmful to yourself or to others: for instance, you are drinking too much alcohol, abusing drugs, or becoming overly argumentative and aggressive.

This fact sheet is based on information contained at the following websites:

APA Help Center (pdf)

Brainguidance.com (pdf)

Web Links

The Veterans Crisis Line connects Veterans in crisis and their families and friends with qualified, caring Department of Veterans Affairs responders through a confidential toll-free hotline, online chat, or text. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 and Press 1, chat online, or send a text message to 838255 to receive confidential support 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals is available.