(11 Nov 2020) Veterans of wars past and present continue to fight mental health battles at higher rates than civilians.  
According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, up to 20% of veterans who served in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder in a given year.
That number grows to nearly 30% for Vietnam veterans experiencing PTSD in their lifetime.  
On Veterans Day, Atrium Heath Psychiatrist and U.S. Air Force veteran Dr. James Rachal addressed the mental health crisis.  
"This is a day when we honor people that have made a sacrifice for this country but the unseen sacrifice is mental health issues," he said.  
Despite efforts to combat the stigma surrounding seeking mental health treatment within active-duty troops and the veteran community, Rachal says it still very much exists.  
"People don't want to walk into the clinic, that can be somewhat anxiety provoking," Rachal said.  
Sexual harassment or trauma while serving in the military can also cause PTSD.
According to the VA, 23% of women reported being sexually assaulted during their time in the U.S. military.

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