I am glad that these returning military folks will at least be aware of PTSD and other health problems.As a viet nam vet I had a lot of broken marriages and drinking an anger problems and no one new of mental symptpms.But now that I am finally getting some help with my depression things are better even though I can't proove my claim for PTSD because I was not in a recognized combat,but was in a combat where my MOS was in the Jungle and my scars don't show on the outside.I welcome home every soldiers of all branches when I come in contact with them,which is one of my scars you cannot see.
Sadly a lot of people will probably not report their condition out of fear it will effect there careers. Of course that is most likely what the bureaucrats want to happen because it will save the government money in not paying for treatment and disability.
Remember the VA under the Bush Administration was under diagnosing PTSD to save money. Saving tax cuts for the rich top priority of the Republican Party.
Sadly, there remains in our society at large (not just the military) a stigma in regards to the area of mental health, psychiatry and psycho-therapy despite gains made in science and services.
But slowly things are changing. You see ads for depression medications on TV now. This is a huge gain --before it wasn't even depressed and the words "get over it" was a common response to anyone who complained.
Also, we continue to make huge gains in understanding the intricacies and role of neurotransmitters in the brain. We're able to map brain functions now, and medicate more effectively than ever before. In addition, we're aware that the best improvements come by combining psychiatry with psycho-therapy, and there's more emphasis on a "total life" approach --throwing in diet and exercise as part of the overall regemine.
I'm optimistic that treatments will only improve.
However, the challenging issue is and will continue to be one of access. Who can get (or afford) treatment, and how cumbersome will it be to get through the bureaucracy? Will the states be able to afford to continue providing access through county mental health facilities to that those without mental health coverage? Can we erase the stigma of receiving medication, or will we have to listen to Scientology-practicing movie stars like Tom Cruise decry the use of psychiatry and medication?
One major thing to be aware of is nationwide, we have a shortage of psychiatrists. With the current healthcare crises, fewer bright young men and women are going into medicine, and of these only a few are going into psychiatry. What we really need are adolescent and child psychiatrists so that we may treat many of the symptoms of depression, OCD, and anxiety in the pre-teen years --making it so the tendency to self-medicate in later years with street drugs and alcohol becomes less so. And also, we can help them gain coping skills by giving them therapy as well.
A mentally fit nation is one that works, contributes and helps to build a great country. We need to erase the stigma so everyone can contribute. This has to be a national priority in order to erase the stigma.
