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.
so sad, that these soldiers don't get the help that they need!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing such a touching story, this really personalized your presentation for me and made me really involved in your topic. I am sorry for your loss, but it just proves that this topic is real and current, more light needs to be shed on these people who are fighting for every American.
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