Contributed.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Nov. 1, 2021 – In honor of Veterans Day on Nov. 11, HopeWay – an accredited nonprofit mental health residential and day treatment center for adults – is helping raise awareness about the importance of quality mental health treatment for military Veterans and how to support a Veteran who may be struggling with mental health.
Studies show that the suicide rate in the military rose 30 percent over the past year and that on average, nationally, 20 Veterans die by suicide a day. In addition, nearly one in four active service members present with signs of a mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The rate of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may be up to 15 times higher – and the rate of depression up to five times higher – in active duty service members compared to civilians.
“The mental health challenges among our military and Veterans remains a priority for improvement,” Justin Johnson, MD, a board-certified psychiatrist and Director of Veteran Services at HopeWay. “As we commemorate this Veterans Day, we are deeply grateful to our military for their bravery, sacrifice and service, and also use this as an opportunity to raise awareness about the devastating and often-invisible wounds suffered by our Veterans. It is vital that Veterans and their family members know the signs and symptoms of PTSD and related mental health issues, the importance of receiving effective treatment, and that they are not alone.”
Signs and symptoms of PTSD include:
· Difficulty sleeping
· Nightmares or vivid memories of the event
· Losing interest in things that used to bring joy
· Difficulty concentrating
· Feeling on edge or jumpy or like you have to be on guard
· Feeling irritated or angry
HopeWay suggests three basic ways to support a Veteran who is struggling with their mental health: be there, listen without judgement and let the Veteran know there are resources available.
HopeWay’s Veterans Program is a resource to Veterans in the Charlotte community and across the nation: HopeWay: 1-844-HOPEWAY
Other available resources:
Military and Veterans Crisis Line: 1-800-273-8255, press 1
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Psychological Health Resource Center: 1-866-966-1020
Military One Source: 800-342-9647
About HopeWay
HopeWay is an accredited nonprofit mental health treatment center for adults in located Charlotte, N.C. and serving clients from North Carolina and across the nation. HopeWay also offers an evidence-based Veterans Program and services for children, adolescents and adults through its outpatient clinic, HopeWay Psychiatry & Associates. HopeWay’s continuum of care meets the needs of adults living with mental illness and their families with residential care and outpatient treatment options as well as after-care planning, with a goal of helping clients live successfully and independently in the community. HopeWay’s goal is also to raise awareness and reduce the stigma surrounding mental health issues through a community education program. To learn more, visit www.hopeway.org
