With the last decade marked by two wars, and many American soldiers serving multiple deployments,the mental health problems of returning veterans has become a growing concern in communities across the country. Due to many specific pressures and issues, returning female vets may be especially vulnerable, and nearly every nationally recognized psychiatrist is taking notice of a new study that reveals increased suicide risk for female veterans.
Emerging studies regarding 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. Cities like Las Vegas and Los Angeles attract veterans because of the playground, escapist atmosphere and promise of success. L.A. and Las Vegas mental health professionals should be especially aware of the needs these women soldiers have upon returning from the front.
There are multiple reasons why women respond to active military service differently than male soldiers, and while some are-well documented, others call for further study. Most disheartening is the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and rape that many women endure while serving in a war zone known as military sexual trauma (MST). Violence or assault at the hands of another American soldier can leave intense emotional and mental health wounds, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) arising from sexual violence can have devastating effects on a young woman attempting to return to 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 like they have to conform to the majority, male dominated culture in the military, and be "one of the boys." The stresses of deployment, battle, and just "fitting-in," in the military can have negative effects on mental health.
Additionally, many women are separated from their young children or partner while deployed overseas, and the varied traumas of war can impact their ability to resume the role of mother and nurturer upon returning home. These physical and emotional scars of war need direct and consistent treatment from trained mental health professionals. These practitioners are trained to deal with family issues, MST and PTSD to best treat female veterans.
Fortunately, there are resources available in every state, including California and Nevada, and the Veterans Administration (VA) is the first place to go to get consultation on the issues and references to the right psychiatrists in any city. In Nevada, there are nationally recognized psychiatrists that can help soldiers heal from the traumas of war. MST and PTSD are widespread problems among our returning female soldiers, and should be treated with consistent, effective approaches. Psychiatrists can help a returning female soldier cope with the real challenges of adjusting back to a life forever changed by her experience in battle.
Author Resource:-
If you or a loved one is a veteran looking for a
Las Vegas psychiatrist
, internet marketing specialist Stephen Daniels highly recommends Dr. Ron Zedek. This nationally recognized psychiatrist has over 12 years of experience in treating a wide variety of mental health issues including PTSD.
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