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Page: << Prev | 1 | 2 But the fallout from mental health issues related to war stretch far beyond jobs, Rosenberg said.
"The problem is not only [with] the vet, but the vet's family," she said. When their soldier is off to war, the family's functioning is often difficult. Reintegrating as a family, likewise, can be difficult, she added, as spouses who assumed new roles now have to relinquish them. In families with children, the kids may act out at school and elsewhere, causing further stress, she said.
Organizations focused on mental health and on veterans are trying to raise awareness and offer more help. And once a veteran acknowledges the problem, help is available and treatment is effective, experts said.
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For PTSD, cognitive behavioral therapy that focuses on discussing the traumatic events is commonly used, said Armstrong. "Typically what happens with events you don't like [such as combat] is you avoid them," he said. "And you end up perpetuating problems."
Armstrong and others who work with veterans encourage them to talk in detail about what happened in combat. This, over time, eases the negative emotions by helping the veteran face the fear he or she carries inside.
In addition to therapy, medications can help veterans with depression, anxiety and PTSD, experts say.
And friends and family can also help, by encouraging the veteran to talk about the problems, Rosenberg said.
"Give them a chance to open up," she said. "Let them know you're available to listen. Try to help them figure out where to go to get help."
More information
The Veterans Administration has more on its "Warrior Care" program.
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