To the editor:
Soldiers, veterans, and their families experience unique mental health challenges. The stress and trauma encountered in service and from being separated from loved ones can have a large impact on one’s mental health. This May during Mental Health Month, learn more about what the nation’s heroes are facing and where to go for more information and help. Did you know?
A new American Psychiatric Association survey highlights the issues that soldiers and their spouses cope with:
• More than one-third self report experiencing anxiety (military member 38 percent, military spouse 39 percent) and feeling depression (military member 40 percent, military spouse 33 percent) at least twice a week.
• In addition to stress caused by worry for their loved one serving in the military, spouses reported a lot or a little stress from handling domestic issues alone (60 percent) and single parenting (54 percent).
• More than six in 10 military members (61 percent) think that seeking help for mental health concerns would have at least some negative impact on their career.
If you or a family member is suffering from depression, anxiety, stress, or abuse, there is help available near where you live. Services are confidential and accessible 24/7 by calling AMHC’s HELPLine in Aroostook County at 1-800-432-7805.
Aroostook Mental Health Center
