PERCEPTIONS OF STIGMA AND OTHER BARRIERS TO SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES AMONG VETERANS

Abstract

This presentation is a subset of a larger study that examines the prevalence and manifestation of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) among a group of combat veterans. It examines the health of the social environment. The culture of the military values self-reliance and strength, and seeking mental health services stigmatizes one as weak (Bush et. al, 2011). Consequently, a significant proportion of the veteran population who are in need of mental health care are choosing not to seek treatment at all. Some combat veterans may also express concern about the potential effects a diagnosed mental disorder may have on their careers in the military (Britt 2012). A 2004 study found that those veterans whose self-report data were indicative of a mental health disorder were twice as likely to report concern about stigmatization and other barriers to seeking mental health care (Hoge et. al, 2004). This study examines the in-country diagnosis of Combat Related Stress (CRS) and the perceived reaction of the veteran’s unit leadership to the CRS diagnosis at their forward operating base. Some soldiers are told that such reactions to combat are signs of weakness. The effects of this dynamic in relation to the general stigmas perceived by veterans regarding the seeking of mental health services were analyzed in relation to the barriers that veterans have when attempting to seek mental health services. By researching these issues associated with seeking mental health care, we can better access why veterans do not seek help when experiencing symptoms of PTSD.