Self-perceptions of mental health among U.S. Veterans and non-Veterans: Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, 2022

LAY SUMMARY Many studies investigate the various health conditions that impact Veteran populations and describe patterns of diagnosed mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression. These high rates of mental health diagnoses may be connected to traumatic experiences, military culture, and other challenges when facing reintegration into civilian life. Even though these mental health diagnoses are known to exist among Veteran communities, not very much is known about how Veterans see their health. Do Veterans view their mental distress as being poor? If so, do they report more days of poor mental health than non-Veterans? In this study, the authors found that Veterans perceive their mental health as poor and are more likely to report a greater number of poor mental health days than non-Veterans. Knowledge of a Veteran’s perceived mental health provides insight into population-level mental distress among Veterans rather than solely diagnosed mental health conditions. Veteran populations will remain, and researchers must continue to improve the understanding of the complexities surrounding health to expand Veteran-centred care.