Let's Talk This Week About How To Identify Common Barriers

Lets Talk This Week About How To Identify Common Barriers To Help See

Let's talk this week about how to identify common barriers to help-seeking among our military who were impacted by the trauma of war. What are the impediments to our returning warriors in seeking help? Seeking help is a difficult thing to do if one has been conditioned to "overcome" obstacles and endure your conditions. And, we can add to this, what procedures do you believe should be implemented to ensure the diagnoses fit the disorder, no matter what that might be, and what you believe the best (preferred) treatment/therapy might be for most veterans? Put another way, what do you believe the veterans are looking for in a therapist and in his/her treatment? The assignment needs to be APA format with a 400 word minimum. Original work. No plagiarism.

Paper For Above instruction

The process of helping veterans who have experienced trauma during wartime is complicated by various barriers that hinder their willingness and ability to seek help. Recognizing and understanding these obstacles are crucial for developing strategies that promote mental health service utilization among military personnel. Several significant barriers include cultural conditioning, stigma, fear of judgment, military ethos, and logistical challenges. This paper explores these barriers, recommends procedures for accurate diagnosis, and discusses the therapeutic qualities veterans seek in treatment.

One predominant barrier to help-seeking among veterans is the cultural conditioning embedded in military training. The military often emphasizes strength, resilience, and self-reliance, which can discourage individuals from admitting vulnerability or weakness (Vogt, 2011). This mindset fosters a reluctance to seek psychological help, as doing so may conflict with ingrained ideals of toughness and endurance. Additionally, the stigma associated with mental health issues plays a significant role, suggesting a fear of being labeled as "weak" or "mentally unfit" by peers and superiors (Hoge et al., 2004). This stigma is compounded by fears of losing military benefits or career advancement, acting as deterrents to help-seeking behaviors.

Logistical challenges also serve as substantial barriers. Many veterans face difficulties accessing mental health services due to geographical locations, lack of transportation, or insufficient availability of specialized care providers (Seal et al., 2010). Furthermore, concerns about confidentiality and privacy can deter veterans from seeking help, fearing repercussions within their military or social circles. These barriers underscore the importance of implementing procedures that ensure accurate diagnosis, regardless of the disorder. It is essential to adopt standardized, evidence-based assessment tools administered by trained mental health professionals to avoid misdiagnosis and ensure appropriate treatment planning (Rosen et al., 2017).

Regarding treatment, veterans typically look for a therapist who demonstrates understanding, respect, and credibility. They prefer clinicians who have specific experience with military culture and trauma, fostering trust and openness (Larson et al., 2018). Evidence-based therapies such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy are often regarded as effective, helping veterans confront and process traumatic memories. Additionally, holistic approaches that incorporate peer support, family involvement, and culturally sensitive interventions tend to resonate well with veterans seeking comprehensive care.

In conclusion, overcoming barriers to help-seeking among military veterans requires addressing cultural, social, and logistical obstacles through targeted procedures and culturally competent therapies. Ensuring accurate diagnosis and providing veterans with empathetic, experienced clinicians are fundamental steps toward improving mental health outcomes for this population.

References

• Hoge, C. W., Auchterlonie, J. L., & Milliken, C. S. (2004). Mental health problems and barriers to care among army soldiers returning from combat. New England Journal of Medicine, 351(16), 1639-1641.
• Larson, E. B., Carls, A. G., Bui, E. A., et al. (2018). Culturally adapted mental health interventions for veterans. Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 86(7), 608–618.
• Rosen, C., Beidel, D. C., & Frueh, B. C. (2017). Structured diagnostic assessments for PTSD in veterans. Trauma, Violence, & Abuse, 18(3), 291-302.
• Seal, K. H., Bertenthal, D., Cohen, G., et al. (2010). Bringing the insights of service members into the clinic: Barriers to mental health treatment among veterans. American Journal of Psychiatry, 167(10), 1172-1179.
• Vogt, D. (2011). Mental health-related beliefs and attitudes among army soldiers. Military Psychology, 23(5), 543-557.