Military Mental Health Care

Cheryl Lawhorne-Scott is a clinical therapist with an eighteen-year track record of counseling services specializing in trauma care, posttraumatic stress, and traumatic brain-injury treatment for wounded, ill, and injured service members and their families. As a senior consultant, under the Office of the Secretary of Defense, she is part of a team that seeks innovative and proactive ways to enhance resources and services to military members and their families. She recently participated in the corporate mission, vision, and implementation of projects for the Department of Defense to align current and future strategic plans and objectives. She possesses proven expertise in both program management and clinical experts in research, business development, and wounded care. Proud spouse and teammate to Lt. Col. Jeff Scott, and mom to Evan and Quinn..Don Philpott is editor of International Homeland Security Journal and has been writing, reporting, and broadcasting on international events, trouble spots, and major news stories for almost forty years. For twenty years he was a senior correspondent with Press Association-Reuters, the wire service, and traveled the world on assignments including Northern Ireland, Lebanon, Israel, South Africa, and Asia.He writes for magazines and newspapers in the United States and Europe and is a regular contributor to radio and television programs on security and other issues. He is the author of more than 120 books on a wide range of subjects and has had more than five thousand articles printed in publications around the world. His recent books include the Military Life series, Terror—Is America Safe?, Workplace Violence Prevention, and the Education Facility Security Handbook.

'Combat is one of life’s most significant traumatic events.' And in a manual that is both thorough and tender, the authors provide a splendid service to veterans, their families, and the mental healthprofessionals who compassionately care for them. Recommendations and resources pertaining to anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, anger management, suicide prevention, and drug abuse fill the book. An extensive presentation on posttraumatic stress disorder includes symptoms and various treatments of the problem. The discussion of traumatic brain injury—considered the 'signature wound' of the current war on terror—is adeptly handled. A stellar section on grieving reminds us that 'grief has its own time line' and comes in many forms: normal, pathological, acute traumatic, and complicated. Ways to aid bereaved military children are offered. A chapter on homelessness highlights a very sad situation: every night an estimated 67,000 veterans in America are homeless. The stigma surrounding mental health issues contributes to the silent suffering of veterans returning from the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Some feel shamed by their vulnerability; others feel guilt and blame themselves. This guide makes it clear that every veteran 'deserves to get better,' and highlights the various kinds of help available to military personnel.

• Foreword Introduction 1. Traumatic Brain Injury 2. Stress 3. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder 4. Depression 5. Anger 6. Anxiety 7. Grief 8. Stigma9. Alcohol/Drugs 10. Sleep Disturbance 11. Sexual Trauma and Hazing 12. Suicide 13. Families14. Homelessness and Mental Health 15. Resilience 16. Health and Wellness References and Resource Guide Glossary Index About the Authors