This study demonstrates that someone's experiences while in service can greatly affect their mental health. Those who had to kill someone in war will never be the same again. This can then lead to serious mental health problems in the future, and if left untreated, suicide is an option for some. Another study wanted to look at veterans who served in Iraq, their mental health problems and their treatment. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs health system, 25% of veterans returning from Iraq have reported problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression. While many have reported these problems, very few have actually sought help. The stigma of having something wrong and needing help was the main reason veterans did not receive care. They feared being labeled crazy. Veterans also mentioned fear of negative consequences at work if others learned they were in treatment. This study demonstrated that although many veterans experience mental health problems due to military service, they do not actively seek the help they need (Stecker, Fortney, Hamilton, & Ajzen, 2007). In another study examining Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Veterans of Freedom, they examined the stigma of mental health care and ways that might be helpful in changing those stigmas. Those who had post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and alcohol use problems were found to be more likely to perceive mental health stigma than those who did not. This perceived stigma was also associated with the likelihood that diagnosed individuals would not utilize mental health services. They were embarrassed, they didn't want to seem weak, they didn't know where to get help, and they had... half the paper... in my experience on the action plan. I will never know what the training was like or their use. The best thing I could do instead of pretending to know would be to ask questions and try to empathize with the person as best I can. Ultimately, counseling someone in the military is about their transition to civilian life. Although PTSD is widespread among the military population, they have many other stressors and symptoms. As counselors we must understand that simple things we don't even realize can be difficult for returning service members. Adequate mental health services with counselors who understand military culture are very important. I feel that I have learned a lot from my experience in the action plan and I hope that with my knowledge I will feel more comfortable advising someone from the military culture.
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