WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

As veterans of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq return stateside, we are becoming more aware of the mental health implications of serving in the armed forces.  These men and women, their families, and all veterans may need special support to obtain the mental health services they need.  Combat veterans are often concerned with the stigma associated with mental disorders and barriers to care (*see article under Scholarly Journal articles).

Resources:
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (WUMH)

United States Department of Veterans Affairs

• National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
• Center for Women Veterans
  
  

Operation Healthy Reunions (Mental Health America; "provides education and helps to bust the stigma of mental health issues among soldiers, their families, and medical staff to ensure that a greater number of military families receive the prompt and high-quality care they deserve.")

Veterans Resource Center (NAMI's online portal to mental health resources for America's veterans, active duty service members, and their families.)

Veteran Recovery (Vet-to-Vet Program and other support services involved with recovery)

Reducing Stigma for American Military Personnel Teleconference Archive (from SAMHSA's Resource Center to Address Discrimination & Stigma Associated with Mental Illness (ADS Center))

Scholarly Reports and Journal articles:
Findings of the President's Commission on Care for America's Returning Wounded Warriors - The commission released its report in July 2007 on how to best address the health care needs of those fighting the Global War on Terror.  Former Sen. Bob Dole (R-Kan.), a disabled veteran of World War II, and University of Miami President and former HHS Secretary Donna Shalala were co-chairs of the commission and interviewed dozens of veterans, their families, and health care providers across the country.  The report consists of six recommendations for improving health services for veterans when they return home.

Serious Psychological Distress and Substance Use Disorder among Veterans (Report from SAMHSA's National Survey on Drug Use and Health)

Combat Duty in Iraq and Afghanistan, Mental Health Problems, and Barriers to Care (July 2004 New England Journal of Medicine article)

Invisible Wounds: Serving Service Members and Veterans with PTSD and TBI  - .doc (March 4, 2009 report from the National Council on Disability)

Mental Health Problems, Use of Mental Health Services, and Attrition From Military Service After Returning From Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan  (March 2006 Journal of the American Medical Association)