Furloughs due to sequester threaten military's mental health ranks

[HereSince1628]

2. Nearly a third is frightening.

At least mental trauma is recognized now. IIRC the Sandlandistan vets all have VA mental health benefits for several years after they return. Technically, PTSD is supposed to emerge within weeks or months of the traumatic exposure, so 'technically' they should have access to help.

Of course, men generally are reluctant to seek help for mental illness, and vets are no different. Several studies have shown that significant numbers of OIF/OEF vets have skepticism about PTSD and the value of treatment.

Reintegrating into society they are subject to a lot of speculation and stigma. Much of the public is overly scared about vets 'going postal.' But vets sense that stigma and so don't want to expose themselves to discrimination by employers and/or insurers.

I suspect that VA mental health staff are going to learn a lot about variations of trauma related mental illness.