National Guard Families After Combat: Mental Health, Use of Mental Health Services, and Perceived Treatment Barriers

• DOI: 10.1176/ps.62.1.pss6201_0028
• Publication Date: 2014-12-17T23:02:33Z
• Authors: Lisa A. Gorman; Adrian J. Blow; Barbara D. Ames; Philip L. Reed
• Keywords: Guard (computer science); National guard

National Guard forces have deployed in large numbers to Iraq and Afghanistan since September 11, 2001. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was assess mental health symptoms, utilization services, perceived barriers service use among members their significant others (including spouses with whom they share a committed relationship) from Midwestern state.Participants were recruited for the at military-sponsored reintegration workshops, which took place 45-90 days after members' return deployment. A sample 332 212 volunteered complete survey that assessed utilization, treatment.Forty percent 34% met screening criteria one or more problems. Of those meeting criteria, 53% reported seeking help some kind (50% soldiers; 61% others). Stigma associated care concerns about appearing on military records ranked high as members. Concerns influence issues career advancement note. For others, included costs care, trouble scheduling appointments, difficulty getting time off work, not knowing where get help.The effects combat soldier his her other remain challenge families, who often reside communities show little understanding psychological war. Barriers utilization.