By MEAGAN RICO
Saline County Health Educator
MSN, RN
In the heartland of America, Kansas veterans are engaged in a relentless battle—a war that rages within their own minds. As we approach Veterans Day, it's vital to shine a spotlight on the mental health challenges that our country's defenders are grappling with.
The Scope of the Problem
According to The National Center for Veterans Analysis and Statistics, approximately 195,000 Veterans call Kansas home. While the mental health crisis among veterans is not unique to Kansas, it is acutely felt in this Midwestern state. According to recent surveys, a staggering 91% of injured post-9/11 veterans live with severe mental health conditions [1]. This statistic is more than just a number; it represents thousands of Kansas veterans struggling with invisible wounds that impact their daily lives and those of their families.
PTSD: The Silent Epidemic
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a pervasive and significant mental health issue that plagues many veterans, not just in Kansas but across the nation. Approximately one in five veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan in Kansas battle with PTSD or major depression [1]. This condition can manifest in a myriad of ways, from haunting nightmares and constant vigilance to difficulties in maintaining relationships and employment.
Depression and Anxiety: The Unseen Battle
Depression and anxiety often go hand-in-hand with PTSD. These conditions can be debilitating, affecting every aspect of a veteran's life. The isolation and stress brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic have only exacerbated these issues, with both veterans and non-veterans reporting a higher prevalence of mental health problems during this time [2].
Substance Abuse: A Dangerous Coping Mechanism
Many veterans turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with their mental health challenges. This self-medication can lead to substance abuse disorders, creating a vicious cycle that's difficult to break without professional help.
Suicide: A Tragic Reality
Perhaps the most alarming statistic is the suicide rate among veterans. Nationally, veterans are 1.5 times more likely to die by suicide than non-veterans. In Kansas, this translates to a significant number of lives lost each year, leaving families and communities devastated.
Barriers to Care
Despite the severity of these mental health challenges, many Kansas veterans face significant barriers to accessing care:
Stigma: There's still a pervasive stigma surrounding mental health in military culture, which can prevent veterans from seeking help.
Access: Rural veterans in Kansas may have limited access to mental health services, with long travel times to VA facilities.. Wait Times: Even when services are available, long wait times can discourage veterans from getting the timely care they need.
Lack of Awareness: Many veterans may not be aware of the mental health services available to them through the VA and other organizations.
Salina VA Clinic
The Salina VA outpatient clinic,1410 East Iron Avenue, Salina, KS 67401 offers primary care to help veterans. All VA healthcare facilities offer same-day help. The Salina VA will provide consultation, evaluation, and treatment for a range of issues that may impact a veteran's mental health or emotional well-being. Their confidential outpatient services include individual and group therapy for:
Psychiatric disorders such as depression
Marriage and relationship problems
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety, addictive behaviors, and personality disorders
Aggressive or self-harming behaviors
The 9-8-8 Suicide Prevention Hotline
Senator Jerry Moran of Kansas has been instrumental in implementing the 9-8-8 suicide prevention hotline [6]. This easy-to-remember number provides immediate access to critical mental health services for veterans in crisis.
Community-Based Support
Local organizations and support groups throughout Kansas offer peer-to-peer counseling and other services tailored to veterans' needs. These community-based initiatives are not just crucial, they are a testament to the power of community support in providing veterans with the care and understanding they deserve. They also provide an opportunity for all of us to get involved and make a difference.
Telehealth Services
Expanding telehealth services has been a game-changer for many Kansas veterans, especially those in rural areas. These services provide access to mental health care without needing long-distance travel.
The Road Ahead
While progress has been made, there's still much work to be done to address the mental health needs of Kansas veterans. Critical areas for improvement include:
Increasing Awareness: More outreach is needed to inform veterans about available mental health services.
Reducing Stigma: Continued efforts to normalize mental health discussions within military and veteran communities are not just essential, they are a shared responsibility. By committing to these efforts, we can create a more supportive and understanding environment for our veterans.
Expanding Services: The key to reducing wait times and improving access lies in increasing the number of mental health professionals who are specifically trained to cater to the unique needs of veterans. This could be a game-changer in the battle against mental health issues among Kansas veterans.
Research and Innovation: Ongoing research into effective treatments for PTSD and other mental health conditions affecting veterans is crucial.
As we honor our veterans this November, remember that their service doesn't end when they return home. The battle for mental health is ongoing and requires the support of the entire community. By raising awareness, improving access to care, and continuing to fight against stigma, we can help ensure that Kansas veterans receive the support and treatment they need and deserve.
Our veterans fought for us; now it's our turn to fight for them.