Insomnia may be debilitating, particularly when caused by mental health issues. Insomnia and other mental health issues can devastate the lives of veterans.
This article discusses insomnia due to mental health issues and the VA's system for assigning severity levels to this problem.
Let's examine this vital subject and suggest where and how veterans can help.
What is Insomnia Secondary to Mental Health?
When insomnia is linked to mental health issues, it is usually due to PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other psychiatric disorders. Symptoms include having trouble falling asleep or having a restful sleep.
Veterans may have a higher chance of it due to mental health concerns because of the unique and sometimes tragic events they had while serving their country.
Symptoms of Insomnia Secondary to Mental Health:
The term "insomnia secondary to mental health" describes sleep issues directly resulting from a diagnosable mental health condition, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, or other similar disorders. Common symptoms that veterans may suffer include the following:
- Difficulty falling asleep
- Frequent awakenings
- Non-restorative sleep
- Early morning awakening
- Daytime fatigue
- Mood disturbances
- Cognitive impairments
VA Ratings for Insomnia:
The VA recognizes the negative effects of it on veterans' mental and physical health. Veterans seeking disability benefits should meet the VA's criteria for assigning ratings for this condition. Disability ratings from the VA are determined by how symptoms hinder everyday life.
Here's a closer look at the procedure:
- Mild insomnia: If insomnia symptoms are mild and don't interfere with daily life, a veteran may receive a 0% VA rating.
- Moderate insomnia: People living with it may be eligible for a 10%-30% increase in their rating if their symptoms are chronic or severe. This rating takes into account the influence on typical functioning and well-being.
- Severe insomnia: A rating of 50% or more may be given when a veteran's insomnia is so severe that it severely limits their ability to do daily tasks.
Treatment Options:
It is caused by mental health issues that usually require a multifaceted approach to treatment. Cognitive-behavioral treatment for insomnia (CBT-I), medication management, relaxation techniques, sleep hygiene education, and mental health concerns may be used.
In addition to helping veterans find a safe place to process and deal with their experiences, therapy and counseling programs may help them get a better night's sleep.
Seeking Support:
Seek therapy immediately if you are a veteran experiencing insomnia due to mental health issues. It may be helpful to seek advice and encouragement from a medical expert, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or primary care physician.
They may work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses your requirements, from mental health care to better sleep.
Final Thoughts:
Many veterans struggle with insomnia because of their mental health. They must recognize these signs of health and get the treatment they need.
Veterans with more severe symptoms are given more assistance and compensation under the VA's rating system than those with more severe symptoms.
Veterans may enhance their quality of life and sleep by treating their mental health conditions and insomnia.
