Catálogo de Investigaciones | 2012-2013

81 CATÁLOGO DE INVESTIGACIONES | AÑO ACADÉMICO 2012-2013 The concept of Recovery of Mental Health in a sampling of Hispanic Veterans resident in Puerto Rico and the stigma related with Mental Health Illness This research pursued to explore the experience of stigma related to mental health illness and the process of mental health recovery in a sample of Hispanic veterans residing in Puerto Rico. The President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health (2003) established that recovery of mental health is an expected goal for people suffering from some sort of a mental condition. It also states that the stigma related to mental health conditions is one of the main reasons why people that need help do not seek mental health treatment. Using a qualitative approach, eight veterans from the southern part of Puerto Rico were interviewed. A semi structured interview was designed to explore their life experiences as a service person and a veteran; their experiences with the mental health system and the stigma related to mental health: and, their views on what is recovery of mental health and how can it be achieved. From the information gathered, it was found that the ideations of stigma related to mental health conditions, during and after military service, continue to impact this population. Also, the experience of racial discrimination was almost universal among these Hispanic veterans. Recovery is possible, but not simple to achieve. The elements that most contribute to this process are family/friends/peers and timely access to quality services with specialized mental health professionals. alejandro l. ortiz vélez doctorado en filosofía con especialidad en psicología clínica mentor: dra. lisa a. miranda jiménez recovery stigma veterans mental health president’s new freedom commission