WASHINGTON (CBS/KCBS) -- The House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Wednesday heard from VA doctors, mental health experts and parents as it examined the high rate of suicide among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan.
The panel heard from doctors and family members about the impact of post-traumatic stress disorder on those who had served as it evaluates how best to meet the mental health needs of veterans.
“What they suggested is that we make it anonymous for veterans and soldiers to come in and ask for help,” said Congressman Jerry McNerney, the East Bay Democrat who sits on the committee.
KCBS's Rebecca Corral interviews Congressman Jerry McNerny
In one case, a National Guardsman refused to seek professional counseling because he feared it would hurt his career.
Despite some screening provided by the military for veterans coming off the battle field, many of the problems associated with PTSD do not manifest themselves until much later.
McNerney said that some of the doctors testifying before the committee recommended instituting some kind of formal follow-up at regular intervals after veterans return home to ensure they are re-acclimating to civilian life.
(jro)
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