Post Tag: "Mental Illness"

As Attitudes Shift on PTSD, Media Slow to Remove Stigma

On July 12th, 2012 by Rob Kane

I understand that the sensational nature of shootings really grabs the attention of the media and the public in general. However, it inadvertently paints the veteran community with a broad brush, doing us a disservice. Coupling the service for which we should be respected with the propensity to become unraveled and violent is not [...]

« Read More

TOPICS: Mental Illness • PTSD • TBI

Combat-Related Mental Illness Was Denied Immediate and Appropriate Care

On March 22nd, 2012 by Amy Fairweather

In 2011, the Palo Alto VA refused to admit a suicidal Iraq veteran, William Hamilton, claiming it was too late in the afternoon. Instead, Hamilton was taken to David Grant Medical Center for overnight observation. Despite his mother’s pleas to keep him in psychiatric care, he was discharged the next day. Hours after he [...]

Study: Vets Face Greater Risk of Mental Health Issues During Pregnancy

On January 10th, 2012 by Jordan Towers

Women war veterans who became pregnant after serving in Iraq or Afghanistan were twice as likely as other female vets to experience mental health problems, according to a study published this week in the Journal of Women’s Health. The study, Pregnancy and Mental Health Among Women Veterans Returning from Iraq and Afghanistan, aimed to [...]

« Read More

TOPICS: Afghanistan • Bay Area Veterans • Mental Illness • OIF/OEF • VA claims • Vets • Women in combat • Women Veterans

SF Veterans Mural Project: Murals On A Mission

On January 10th, 2012 by Jordan Towers

Amos Lee Gregory wants people to know that every day 32 U.S. veterans attempt to commit suicide and 18 are successful. It is a statistic that he cites in conversations about the SF Veterans Mural Project, which he launched in November on Shannon Alley between Geary and O’Farrell and Jones and Taylor in the [...]

New Study Shows True Human Cost of War

On July 6th, 2011 by Megan Klein Zottarelli

A very important new study by Catherine Lutz at Brown University reports on the very high human costs of the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars. This research catalogues the deaths and injuries of military personnel, U.S. private contractors (who make up 54 percent of the total US workforce in Iraq and Afghanistan), as well as non [...]

« Read More

TOPICS: Afghanistan • casualties • Deployment • Disabled Veterans • Iraq • killed in action • Mental Illness • OIF/OEF • PTSD • Resources • Suicide • TBI • VA claims • Veteran News • Veteran Policy • wounded in action

Swords Trains 750 Attorneys on VA Claims and Discharge Upgrades

On May 19th, 2011 by Megan Klein Zottarelli

On May 6, 2011 our Legal Director, Teresa Panepinto and Staff Attorney, Katie Dwight delivered a training for attorneys through the Practising Law Institute (PLI) on “Advocating for Veterans – The Basics on Benefits, Discharge Upgrades and Cultural Competency.” Over 750 people participated in the training either live and via webcast; in fact, it [...]

Mental Health Issues and Chronic Pain Increase Significantly for Those Deployed in Afghanistan

On May 9th, 2011 by Megan Klein Zottarelli

The effects of multiple deployments, a 10-year war, a small force, and little access to mental health support are appearing to take their toll on those deployed. Troops in Afghanistan show decreased morale and increased mental health issues as the U.S. approaches the 10th year of our longest war, according to a military study [...]

« Read More

TOPICS: Afghanistan • chronic pain • Deployment • Mental Illness • Policy • PTSD • Veteran News • Veteran Policy

Military Study Finds Benefits in Mental Health Screening

On January 18th, 2011 by Colleen Corliss

The study below finds that screening soldiers for mental illness prior to deployment can prevent mental health from becoming and issue in the field. This would seem to be a no-brainer, of course service members who screen positive for PTSD and suicidal tendencies should receive follow up care and not be deployed. In addition, those [...]

« Read More

TOPICS: Mental Illness • PTSD • Suicide • Veteran Policy

Study: Deployed GIs Benefited from Upfront Help

On January 17th, 2011 by Colleen Corliss

The study mentioned in the article below sounds interesting, but what does it really say? We have long argued that the military address mental health before, during and after deployment and are glad that they are doing so. But stigma remains a huge issue. The responsibility to ensure that service members are not stigmatized [...]

« Read More

TOPICS: Deployment • Mental Illness • PTSD • Veteran Policy

Study Ties Problems to Post-traumatic Stress

On January 6th, 2011 by Colleen Corliss

VA Secretary Shinseki has said many times, “Veterans lead the nation in homelessness, depression, suicide, substance abuse and joblessness.” Studies like the one mentioned below are important as our nation works to understand the inter-related issues that contribute to the struggles veterans face, as well as how to provide adequate support and care. That [...]

« Read More

TOPICS: Mental Illness • PTSD • TBI • Veteran Policy

Post-Traumatic Stress: Iraq Vets Feel Neglected

On December 30th, 2010 by Colleen Corliss

Almost six months after the Department of Veterans Affairs relaxed rules for filing post-traumatic stress claims, many men and women returning from Iraq still aren’t getting the care they need and deserve, say counselors and others who work with soldiers. The new regulations, which were issued in July, don’t change how soldiers are diagnosed [...]

« Read More

TOPICS: Afghanistan • Iraq • Mental Illness • OIF/OEF • PTSD • Suicide • Veteran News • Veteran Policy