Ceremony highlights need for veterans to address mental health issues
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A licensed Valley psychiatrist says there is a stigma between veterans and mental health.
“Socially and culturally in the Valley, a lot of veterans were trained to be tough and were trained to just keep fighting for whatever obstacles are in our way,” Robert Ruiz said. “And sometimes we don't admit that we need help."
Ruiz, a psychiatrist with South Texas Health System Behavioral Hospital, was recognized Thursday as veteran of the year by his company. He said he joined the U.S. army in the 1980s — and his transition to civilian life was difficult.
"I became very depressed, sought services from the [Veterans Affairs]… and in the process of going through the mental health services I was getting, I just had an epiphany,” Ruiz recalled.
Ruiz said those experiences led to his true passion for helping other men and women of service.
South Texas Health System Behavioral Hospital CEO Jessica Becker said she wants veterans to think about their mental health.
Roughly one in five veterans experience mental health problems during or after their service, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
If you or someone you know struggling with mental health, you can call the Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255.
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