CCHR Florida Addresses Veteran Mental Health and Suicide Prevention in Monthly Seminar

The Florida chapter of the Citizens Commission on Human Rights (CCHR) is taking a proactive stance on veteran mental health by hosting a monthly seminar that addresses the challenges faced by former service members. Held on the first Saturday of each month at 2 pm in Clearwater, the event aims to explore the complexities of veterans' mental health issues and discuss alternatives to conventional psychiatric treatments.

The seminar comes at a critical time, as recent statistics reveal alarming trends in veteran suicide rates. According to research cited by the USO, 30,177 active-duty personnel and veterans who served after 9/11 have died by suicide, compared to 7,057 service members killed in combat during the same period. This stark contrast has raised questions about the effectiveness of current mental health interventions for veterans.

Diane Stein, president of CCHR in Florida, emphasizes the unique experiences and needs of veterans. "Veterans as a whole can have special needs due to unique experiences and exposure to traumatic events. Many of them also face an uncertain return to civilian life," Stein explains. She notes that approximately one in ten veterans suffers from substance abuse, a rate higher than that of the general public.

The CCHR seminar critically examines the role of psychiatric treatments in veteran care. Stein suggests that the widespread use of psychotropic drugs in treating veterans' mental health issues may be a contributing factor to the high suicide rates. "Psychiatric treatment is the hidden influence," she states. "For years psychiatrists have been infiltrating the military with their various diagnoses and psychotropic drugs."

While not drawing a direct causal link, the seminar aims to highlight that conventional psychiatric drug treatments have not adequately addressed the mental health crisis among veterans. The CCHR advocates for exploring alternative treatments that do not involve psychotropic medications, which they consider unproven and potentially dangerous.

The seminar also sheds light on the economic aspects of mental health treatment. Stein points out that the global antipsychotic drugs market is projected to grow from $15.50 billion in 2022 to $24.74 billion by 2029. This financial incentive, she argues, often overshadows non-pharmaceutical approaches to mental health care.

By hosting these monthly seminars, CCHR Florida aims to educate the public about alternative mental health treatments and raise awareness about the potential risks associated with psychotropic drug use among veterans. The organization hopes to contribute to a more comprehensive and effective approach to veteran mental health care.

The seminars are open to the general public and are held at the CCHR Florida headquarters at 109 N. Fort Harrison Ave in Clearwater. Attendees are encouraged to reserve seats in advance due to limited space.

As the dialogue around veteran mental health continues to evolve, initiatives like CCHR Florida's monthly seminar play a crucial role in broadening the conversation and exploring diverse approaches to addressing the mental health needs of those who have served in the military.