The Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is taking proactive steps to address the mental health challenges faced by veterans through a monthly seminar held at their Clearwater headquarters. The event, which takes place on the first Saturday of each month at 2 pm, aims to shed light on the unique struggles veterans encounter and explore alternatives to conventional psychiatric treatments.
Diane Stein, president of CCHR in Florida, emphasizes the distinctive needs of veterans stemming from their exposure to traumatic events and the difficulties they face when transitioning back to civilian life. ‘Veterans as a whole can have special needs due to unique experiences and exposure to traumatic events. Many of them also face an uncertain return to civilian life. This sometimes leads to drug abuse, pain or loneliness after discharge from the military,’ Stein explains.
The seminar addresses a pressing issue within the veteran community: the alarmingly high rate of substance abuse and suicide. According to Stein, an estimated one in ten veterans suffers from some form of substance abuse, a rate higher than that of the general public. Even more concerning is the suicide rate among military personnel and veterans. A USO article cited in the seminar reveals that between 2001 and 2021, 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served after 9/11 died by suicide, compared to 7,057 service members killed in combat during the same period.
CCHR Florida questions the effectiveness of current psychiatric treatments in addressing these issues. Stein suggests that psychiatric intervention, particularly the use of psychotropic drugs, may be a ‘hidden influence’ contributing to the high suicide rates. ‘For years psychiatrists have been infiltrating the military with their various diagnoses and psychotropic drugs,’ she states.
The organization advocates for exploring alternative treatments that do not involve psychotropic medications. However, Stein notes that these alternatives often lack the substantial advertising budgets of the pharmaceutical industry, making it challenging for them to gain widespread recognition. ‘The psychotropic drug industry is one of the most lucrative in the world,’ Stein points out, citing projections that the global antipsychotic drugs market is expected to grow from $15.50 billion in 2022 to $24.74 billion by 2029.
CCHR Florida’s seminar serves as a platform to discuss these critical issues and present information on alternative approaches to mental health care for veterans. By hosting these events, the organization aims to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with conventional psychiatric treatments and encourage a broader conversation about effective, non-pharmaceutical interventions for veterans struggling with mental health challenges.
The monthly seminars are open to the public and free of charge, though reservations are recommended due to limited seating. These events provide an opportunity for veterans, their families, and concerned citizens to learn about the complex issues surrounding veteran mental health and explore potential solutions beyond traditional psychiatric interventions.
As the debate over the most effective ways to support veterans’ mental health continues, initiatives like CCHR Florida’s seminar play a crucial role in educating the public and advocating for comprehensive, holistic approaches to addressing the mental health needs of those who have served in the military. By fostering open discussions and presenting alternative viewpoints, these seminars contribute to the ongoing effort to improve mental health outcomes for veterans and reduce the tragically high rates of suicide within this vulnerable population.
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