Predictors of Depression Diagnoses and Symptoms in Veterans: Results From a National Survey

Abstract

The suicide numbers among active duty military personnel eclipsed the number of combat deaths in 2011. Before the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the incidence of suicide in active duty US service members was consistently 25% lower than in the civilian population.Currently military and veteran suicide rates exceed those found in the general population, with 22 per day being the most conservative estimates by the Veteran's Administration. The reasons for this are multi-faceted, with the question looming as to whether repeated ground combat tours have a deleterious effect on resilience and overall mental health. Operational tempo in the last ten years has exceeded all previous expectations and metrics; frequent trips to Iraq and Afghanistan are commonplace for this community.

Regional differences in BMI, obesity, and exercise frequency in a large veteran service organization: A secondary analysis of new veteran member surveys from Team Red, White & Blue

“…The items assessing anxious/depressed mood were broad ( Thomas et al, 2015 ). As a result, the present study's prevalence rates indicate symptom self-report at a broad range of severity levels.…”

Bulletproofing the Psyche: Mindfulness Interventions in the Training Environment to Improve Resilience in the Military and Veteran Communities

“…A focus on stigmareduction can lead to improved rates of treatment-seeking. When working within the boundaries of warrior culture and so improving treatment-seeking by reducing existing barriers is of paramount importance (Hendricks Thomas, Turner et al, 2015;Tanielan & Jaycox, 2008).…”

Writing of War in Afghanistan: A Review of Dr. Esmeralda Kleinreesink’s On Military Memoirs

“…Veterans' reported sense of disconnect while transitioning out of Active Duty service may actually be stronger for the modern veteran; only 12% of men and 3% of women under the age of 35 are veterans of Iraq or Afghanistan (Castro & Kintzle, 2014). The research shows that this cultural disconnect may be generational, impacting younger veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan to a greater degree than predecessors (Thomas, et al, 2016). Because of military culture insularity and the lack of communication between bureaucratic treatment agencies, only those programs that seek to collaborate, bridge gaps, and use peer leadership meet with real success (Greden, et al, 2010).…”