Saving Money VS. Saving Lives

Whether it is that they have not realized they're not exhibiting "ordinary" behavior within a non-combat environment or they are being told they have/are a problem, there are various reasons as to why a veteran will not accept nor request assistance.

One of the leading causes that may lead a veteran to appear averse to the idea of assistance is that they cannot form a foundation of trust, fearful that they will be misled or judged unfairly.

An article posted on April 23, 2015 in International Business Times by Elizabeth Whitman explains a reason why a veteran may have an aversion to treatment.

A West Virginian health clinic substituted older psychiatric drugs for the prescribed drugs, desperate to cut down on costs. Meddling with the medication an individual receives, whether they are a veteran or an ordinary civilian, can have detrimental circumstances.

Prescriptions must be specific, a miscalculation in dosage or a different medication in general could have lasting effects on the individual.

Older forms of medication are not utilized in treatment is because there is a newer form of medication that addresses the issues an individual may have in a better way, a manner that works well with (or without) therapy.

Doing such is a violation of policy that the Department of Veterans Affairs called potentially a "substantial and specific danger to public health and safety."

Thankfully, an agency whistleblower brought attention to this issue.

These men and women risk their lives, fight for this county so that we have a chance to experience what life has to offer, and yet there are people (like the West Virginian health clinic) that do not show their appreciation.

"At a time when many veterans are grappling with mental health issues, this VA facility was cutting corners on needed drug therapy to save money in violation of VA policy," Carolyn Lerner, head of the Office of Special Counsel, said in a statement.

Why should these soldiers fight for a country, for a people, if they cannot trust that they will fight for them?

 See IBT Article Here.

For Them

Mental illness does not come without baggage. When an individual, whether a soldier (and/or veteran) or a civilian, does receive proper treatment in time or in general, suicide and suicidal tendencies become options. Whether it is a positive or negative option, it's an option nonetheless.

We tend to neglect the soldiers. Yes, there are various events and charities that take place for those that are active. Maybe even some assistance for those that have returned home for good. But what're we truly doing for them?

Soldiers suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Depression, Anxiety, etc. do not receive proper treatment for what they have endured whilst serving.

Why? There is no logical answer. We would not have our freedoms nor a future without the men and women that volunteer their lives. Whether we know each and every single soldier or not, they fight for us. Lives are lost for us. Lives are altered permanently for us. So why can't we do for them?

These men and women will turn to drugs and alcohol. Some turn to taking their own lives. If we can avoid it, why don't we?

Due to the nature of the military, even though mental health services are provided, soldiers do not step forward. A soldier must be strong and resilient. It is not the fact that we are not making help an option, but the fact that we are making it seem as though they have to be something inhumane without feeling that is the problem.

The first step was made. Mental health services are being provided.

The second step has yet to be made. Letting soldiers know that getting help does not lessen them.

An American Soldier

Around 20% of the men and women that served in Afghanistan suffer from PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and/or Depression. Around 19% suffer from TBI (Traumatic Brain Injury). There are numbers, generally speaking, that settle at 50% of those that do not seek medical assistance. Out of the half that do seek help, only half receive "minimally adequate" treatment.

In the video above, an American soldier describes the struggles and obstacles he endured following the war. The sole coping mechanism he had utilized was drinking excessive amounts of alcohol, his internal rage and sorrow surfacing when he became intoxicated.

Identical to what could occur when ordinary civilians are not provided with the proper care and treatment, there could be devastating consequences. This soldier recalls when he intentionally harmed himself, smothering the countless memories and emotions he internalized until it "exploded", in a sense.

He claims he would have taken his life had he been given the opportunity.