New Study Shows Female Veterans At Increased Risk For Suicide - Psychiatrists Take Notice
Article Source: HealthSnare.com
With the past 10 years marked by 2 wars, and plenty of American soldiers serving multiple deployments, mental health problems of returning veterans certainly are a growing concern in communities across the nation. Due to specific demands and issues, returning female vets can be especially vulnerable, and nearly every nationally recognized psychiatrist is taking notice of a new study that shows increased suicide risk for female veterans.
Emerging scientific studies concerning the impacts of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars on the mental health of the thousands of young women who have served paint an alarming picture. Female veterans are three times more likely to commit suicide than their civilian counterparts aged 18-34. Places like Las Vegas and Los Angeles attract veterans with the playground, escapist, atmosphere and the promise of success. L.A. and Las Vegas mental health professionals ought to be especially conscious of the needs these female soldiers have upon returning from the front.
One can find multiple explanations why women respond to active military service in a different way than male soldiers, and even though some are-well documented, others require further study. Most disheartening is the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and rape that many women endure while serving in a combat zone generally known as military sexual trauma (MST). Physical violence or attack at the hands of another American soldier can leave severe emotional and mental health wounds, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from sexual violence can have devastating effects on a young woman trying to resume a normal civilian life. Whether or not a woman has been assaulted, being the minority gender in the military has its general pressures. Women often feel as if they must conform to the majority, male dominated culture in the military, and be "one of the boys." The strains of deployment, battle, and merely "fitting-in," in the military can have unwanted effects on mental health.
Additionally, many women are separated from their young children or partner while deployed overseas, and the varied traumas of war could affect their ability to resume the role of mother and nurturer upon going back home. These emotional and physical wounds of war need direct, consistent treatment from trained mental health professionals. These clinicians ought to be trained to handle family issues, MST and PTSD for treating returning female veterans.
Fortunately, there are resources available in every state, including California and Nevada, and the Veterans Administration (VA) is the best place to go to get consultation on the issues and references to the correct psychiatrists in almost any city. In Nevada, there are nationally recognized psychiatrists that will help soldiers heal from the traumas of war. MST and PTSD are prevalent problems among our returning female soldiers, and really should be addressed with consistent, effective approaches. Psychiatrists can help a returning female soldier manage the real challenges of adjusting back to a life forever changed by her experience in battle.
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Date: Fri, 24 Dec 2010 Time: 2:22 AM
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