Senators Try To Heal Veterans’ “Invisible Wounds”

By Joseph Russell – Talk Radio News Service

Senators Max Baucus (D-Mont.), Mike Johanns (R-Nev.), and Jon Tester (D-Mont.) hosted a discussion on the prevention of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and suicide in returning veterans, often referred to as “invisible wounds.” A panel comprised of doctors and military personnel highlighted the need for an increase in treatment alongside prevention. The members agreed that the current model of assessing veteran mental health is insufficient due to a lack of access and outreach.

Dr. Saralyn Mark, president of SolaMed Solutions, asserted that PTSD is a major issue, noting that the suicide rate among sufferers is at a critical level. She claimed the suicide rate among returning veterans is higher now than during Vietnam. “Everybody comes back changed,” Mark said. It is “not ethically or morally acceptable to send soldiers to war without being properly equipped.”

There have been advancements in providing mental health care to returning veterans, but more needs to be done, said Colonel Jeff Ireland, Director of Manpower and Personnel for the Montana National Guard. It is adamant that progress is made in education, access, and outreach, he said.

Ireland said “the bottom line is the continued emphasis on education and awareness so that we can help to change the way people look at PTSD and mental health issues. … If we as a society can accept that, it becomes easier for us to openly discuss it.”