Mega Doctor News

The statistics are sobering: Roughly one in five Veterans experiences Mental Health problems during or after their service, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression and anxiety, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. In fact, research by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs found that the rate of major depression among members of the U.S. military is five times higher than that of civilians, while the rate for PTSD is almost 15 times higher. Almost 20% of veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have also reported traumatic brain injuries, making the likelihood of other psychological problems and attempting suicide more probable. 

To shine a spotlight on this important issue, South Texas Health System Behavioral will host a special Veterans Day commemoration on Thursday, November 10 from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. The event aims to recognize local veterans, including STHS staff members, who have fought bravely to protect our freedom while aiming to break the stigma surrounding mental health in the veteran community and highlighting the resources available locally.

“For many veterans, their service to our country is a lifelong sacrifice. Military life involves significant stressors like deployment, combat and relocations, which can lead to anxiety and depression. The higher likelihood of Mental Health Challenges does not end with their discharge, especially for those who have served in combat and experienced more trauma,” says Jessica Becker, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Behavioral. “Sadly, there’s a mental health stigma that veterans and active military members face that we must break. Through events like this one, we’re hoping to begin the important conversations needed to let our veterans know it’s okay not to be okay, and that being transparent is vital to maintaining a healthy life. By coming together as a community, we can show our veterans they are not alone.”

The Veterans Day commemoration will include a special photo opportunity with community leaders to demonstrate the Valley’s support for all veterans and let those experiencing mental health challenges know they are not alone.

For more details on the event or to RSVP, please contact  Kassandra Rodriguez at (956) 388-2033 or [email protected].

Veterans experiencing an emotional crisis, feeling hopeless or engaging in self-destructive behavior, can call STHS Behavioral for a confidential assessment at 956-388-1300. If you or someone you know needs immediate attention, you should call the Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). Press 1 for Veterans.

Who: South Texas Health System Behavioral

What: Veterans Day Commemoration 

When: Thursday, November 10, 2022, from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Where: Main Parking Lot, South Texas Health System Behavioral, 2102 W. Trenton Rd., Edinburg, TX 78539 

The post Importance Of Mental Health Services for Our Vets, Nov. 10th  appeared first on Mega Doctor News.