Caring for Veterans with depression and cancer: An overview for civilian nurse clinicians

Abstract: Purpose: Veterans put their lives on the line to serve our country, but their well-being is often threatened by multifaceted health issues related to military service, including elevated rates of lung cancer and depression. A significant percentage of Veterans have lost faith in mental health care or are unable to breach stigma-related barriers to seek and engage in this care. Veterans' lack of trust can be exacerbated by community mental health clinicians who have had little experience with Veterans and feel inadequately prepared to address their complex needs. Method: The following databases were searched: PubMed, CINAHL Plus with Full Text, and Google Scholar; as well as the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs website. Results: Results indicated that 50% of Veterans use civilian health care and perceive that civilian nurses lack knowledge of military culture and related trauma. Conclusions: The current review offers civilian mental health professionals an overview of Veterans' unique issues and provides resources and practical suggestions for helping them overcome barriers to mental health care.

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