CCHR Florida will host a networking event for veteran advocates to discuss mental health rights and alternative treatment approaches for military personnel struggling with post-traumatic stress and other mental health challenges.
The event, scheduled for Saturday, April 26th, comes amid concerning statistics about veteran mental health. According to USO research, 30,177 active-duty personnel and post-9/11 veterans have died by suicide, significantly outnumbering the 7,057 service members killed in combat during the same period.
Diane Stein, CCHR Florida's president, emphasizes the critical need to address veteran mental health differently. She notes that one in ten veterans experiences substance abuse, a rate higher than the general population. The organization challenges the current psychiatric treatment model, particularly the widespread use of psychotropic drugs.
The global antipsychotic drugs market is projected to grow from $15.50 billion in 2022 to $24.74 billion by 2029, highlighting the pharmaceutical industry's significant economic influence. CCHR advocates for exploring non-pharmaceutical mental health interventions that they believe could better serve veterans' needs.
Susan Devlin, CCHR FL's Community Education Director, stressed the importance of providing veterans with comprehensive, accurate information about mental health treatment options. The event aims to unite veteran advocates and promote alternative approaches to mental wellness.
By facilitating dialogue and networking, CCHR Florida seeks to draw attention to what they perceive as systemic issues in veteran mental health treatment and provide support for those seeking alternative healing methods.
