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APA Highlights MH Problems of Combat Veterans

APA turns its attention toward the thousands of military personnel who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan for this year's Mental Health Month, now being observed.

Though their mental health may be in jeopardy, almost half (47 percent) of military personnel said that they believe that seeking treatment for mental health problems would have a negative impact on their careers, according to survey conducted for APA. Additionally, 44 percent of military members and 34 percent of spouses said they avoid discussing any mental health concerns they might have with other people.

APA released the survey findings at a press conference in Washington, D.C., in late April in conjunction with this year's Mental Health Month. APA wanted to educate the public about some of the mental health issues faced by soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan and their families. (More information about the press conference will appear in a future issue.)

The online survey was conducted in March by researchers with Harris Interactive Inc. The sample consisted of 183 members of the military and 164 spouses across the United States.

The survey results showed that stigma remains a significant barrier to seeking treatment for mental illness within the military community.

"We are quite concerned that the perception of stigma is so strong among our servicemen and women," APA President Carolyn Robinowitz, M.D., told Psychiatric News. "There are so many examples of leaders in all fields who have spoken to the positive impact of treatment not only on their health but on their families and on their careers, and we need to work with leaders in the Department of Defense to help address the culture that prevents people from receiving needed care."

Military spouses also reported feelings of stress caused by worry for their loved one serving in the military, handling domestic issues alone, and single parenting. Military spouses were less likely than soldiers to believe that the military cares about their mental health, with only 44 percent of spouses agreeing to this statement versus 60 percent of military members.

Just about half of military respondents (46 percent) agreed that taking care of their mental health is a low priority, and 67 percent said that they are only somewhat or not at all knowledgeable about the warning signs of mental illness associated with deployment or serving in a war zone, according to the findings.

Nonetheless, the majority of military members and their spouses (68 percent) reported feeling that there are not enough psychiatrists available through TRICARE, the health insurance program of the U.S. Armed Forces, to meet their mental health needs.

APA leaders had planned to release the results of a study of APA members regarding their participation in TRICARE in conjunction with Mental Health Month, but the results were not available at press time. The goal of the survey is to identify the barriers that keep psychiatrists from participating in TRICARE.

Mental health information, treatment resources, and other information for members of the military and their families is now available on APA's Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives Web site.

For the month of May, APA has produced and distributed a number of public service announcements (PSAs) to be broadcast on radio stations throughout the country. The PSAs give information on a variety of mental health topics aimed at such populations as college students and veterans, as well as disseminate general messages on the importance of seeking treatment for mental health disorders.

APA also is sponsoring a message on National Public Radio stations during key times with large audiences, including morning and afternoon drive time and on weekends.

More information about mental health resources for military personnel and their families is posted at <www.healthyminds.org/military.cfm>.

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