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Veteran help-seeking behaviour for mental health issues: a systematic review
Randles, Rebecca Finnegan, Alan
Randles, Rebecca
Finnegan, Alan
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EPub Date
Publication Date
2021-07-12
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Abstract
Introduction Serving military personnel and veterans have been identified to have a high prevalence of mental health disorders. Despite this, only a significantly small number seek mental healthcare. With the UK beginning to invest further support to the armed forces community, identification of barriers and facilitators of help-seeking behaviour is needed.
Methods Corresponding literature search was conducted in PsycINFO, PsycArticles, Medline, Web of Science and EBSCO. Articles which discussed barriers and facilitators of seeking help for mental health concerns in the veteran population were included. Those which discussed serving personnel or physical problems were not included within this review. A total of 26 papers were analysed.
Results A number of barriers and facilitators of help-seeking for a mental health issue within the veteran population were identified. Barriers included stigma, military culture of stoicism and self-reliance, as well as deployment characteristics of combat exposure and different warzone deployments. Health service difficulties such as access and lack of understanding by civilian staff were also identified. Facilitators to help combat these barriers included a campaign to dispel the stigma, including involvement of veterans and training of military personnel, as well as more accessibility and understanding from healthcare staff.
Conclusions While some barriers and facilitators have been identified, much of this research has been conducted within the USA and on male veterans and lacks longitudinal evidence. Further research is needed within the context of other nations and female veterans and to further indicate the facilitators of help-seeking among veterans.
Citation
Randles, R., & Finnegan A. (2022). Veteran help-seeking behaviour for mental health issues: A systematic review. BMJ Military Health, 168(1), 99-104. http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001903
Publisher
BMJ Publishing Group
Journal
BMJ Military Health
Research Unit
DOI
10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001903
PubMed ID
PubMed Central ID
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Article
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Description
This article has been accepted for publication in [BMJ Military Health] following peer review, and the Version of Record can be accessed online at [http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/bmjmilitary-2021-001903].” “© Authors (or their employer(s).
Series/Report no.
ISSN
2633-3767
EISSN
2633-3775