With the past decade marked by 2 wars, and many American troops serving multiple deployments, mental health problems of returning veterans certainly are a growing concern in communities throughout the country. Due to specific pressures and issues, returning female vets may be particularly vulnerable, and nearly every nationally recognized psychiatrist is taking notice of a new study that reveals increased suicide risk for female veterans.
Emerging scientific studies with regards to the impacts of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars on the mental health of the thousands of young women who’ve served paint a truly alarming picture. Female veterans are 3 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, feeling and the hope 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 numerous explanations why women respond to active military service in a different way than male soldiers, and even though some are-well documented, others demand further study. Most disheartening is the widespread prevalence of sexual assault and rape that many women endure while serving in a combat zone known as military sexual trauma (MST). Physical violence or attack at the hands of a fellow American soldier can result in serious emotional and mental health wounds, and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) due to sexual violence can have devastating effects on a young woman working to resume a normal civilian life. Whether or not a woman has been assaulted, being the minority gender within the military has its general pressures. Women often feel as though they must conform to the majority, male dominated culture in the military, and turn into “one of the boys.” The strains of deployment, battle, and just “fitting-in,” in the military can have negative effects on mental health.
Additionally, many women are separated from their 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 returning home. These emotional and physical wounds of war need direct, consistent treatment from trained mental health professionals. These clinicians should be trained to manage family issues, MST and PTSD for treating returning female veterans.
Fortunately, one can find 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 any city. In Nevada, you will find nationally recognized psychiatrists that can help soldiers heal from the traumas of war. MST and PTSD are prevalent problems among our returning female soldiers, and should be addressed with consistent, effective approaches. Psychiatrists can help a returning female soldier handle the real challenges of adjusting back to a life forever changed by her experience in battle.
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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.