Wounded veterans still struggle to access mental health support: survey


Senior Airman Heather Valenzuela, 96th Medical Group, stands at parade rest as part of an all-female formation prior to the base retreat ceremony March 30, 2017, at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

Despite already receiving benefits for other injuries, a majority of veterans working with the Wounded Warrior Project aren’t sure where to access mental health services to help with issues like depression, anxiety and suicidal thoughts, according to a new survey by the organization.

Nearly 88 percent of the individuals who took part in the advocacy group’s annual survey have used Veterans Affairs health care in the past, and 93 percent of the group have a disability rating of 70 percent or more, making them eligible for a host of Veterans Affairs assistance.

However, nearly 60 percent of WWP members surveyed said they were unsure what professional mental health care options were available to them, and 66 percent said they would be “embarrassed or ashamed” to use those services.