Mental Health In Veterans Essay

Veterans of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) have higher rates of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and combat related mental disorders. For over 13 years, young service members have carried the burden of fighting America’s battles in Iraq and Afghanistan. Throughout this period, many young men and women have answered their Nation’s call to deploy and serve in a combat zone. As these veterans returned home, high rates of PTSD and other mental disorders have become apparent. Young veterans are more susceptible to PTSD due to their age, exposure to direct combat, and lack of willingness to seek mental health assistance.
OIF/OEF veterans between the ages of 18 to 24 are more prone to mental illness related to PTSD. In contrast, “PTSD rates tend to be lower among older OIF/OEF Veterans than among younger OIF/OEF Veterans.” (Pritchett). Young veterans are forced to cope with traumatic events at such a young age with little experience
The young generation of veterans that served in Iraq and Afghanistan are no different. As this generation of veterans returned home, the high risk of PTSD within this demographic has become very apparent. Young veterans are more prone to mental illnesses associated with combat due to their lack of life experiences, lengthy combat deployments, and the negative attitude towards seeking PTSD treatment. Their minimal dealings with emotional events leave them ill equipped to process the traumas of war. Long and numerous deployments exposed young veterans to hostilities and conflicts, exacerbating post-traumatic stress. Lastly, young veterans are reluctant to seek assistance for mental health out of fear of perception and not wanting to accept their own diagnosis. With such a large population at high risk for PTSD, the need to identify and treat these veterans is imperative to ensuring the mental health of our Nation’s service