In the podcast episode “Veterans Mental Health Overview,” we explore the mental health challenges faced by veterans, emphasizing the need for societal support and understanding. Our guest, Dr. Donald Sanz, a psychologist specializing in trauma, shares his experiences as a veteran and his transition into mental health care. He highlights the readjustment issues veterans encounter upon returning home, such as social reintegration, job transitions, and the need for self-structure.
Dr. Sanz explains that while not all veterans develop mental health conditions, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common issue, characterized by symptoms like intrusive memories, avoidance behaviors, mood changes, and heightened arousal.
The episode underscores the importance of recognizing when functioning is affected, often noted by feedback from friends and family. The discussion aims to foster understanding and support for veterans, with a promise of further exploration of the specific things we as a society can do to better support and respect veterans, in the next episode.
