One of the impacts of the trauma from Camp Lejeune water contamination has been the effects on the mental health of those affected. Whether service members or their spouses, their children, or civilian workers, waterborne toxins led to a great deal of illnesses that were never fully understood. While physical health is usually the focus, mental health sometimes isn’t as well considered. Mental health issues can be just as debilitating as issues with physical health. Trauma from Camp Lejeune has led to both physical and mental health issues that should be addressed.
Neurobehavioral Effects
Chronic toxic exposure to trichloroethylene (TCE), even in low amounts, can lead to neurobehavioral effects. Because service members spent on average 18 months at Camp Lejeune, most who lived or worked in the affected areas very likely suffered exposure. The presence of high amounts of TCE, perchloroethylene (PCE), benzene, and vinyl chloride in the Camp Lejeune water system was more than enough to cause brain injuries in service members, their families, and civilian workers.
These neurobehavioral symptoms include:
- Anxiety
- Confusion
- Coordination, balance, and other motor problems
- Depression
- Difficulty with concentration
- Dizziness
- Dystonia dyskinesia, or involuntary muscle movement
- Headaches
- Lack of coordination
- Learning disorders
- Memory problems
- Parkinson’s disease
- Personality and/or mood changes
- Sensory disturbances
- Tension
- Tremors
- Trouble with concentration
Short-term exposure may resolve over time. However, longer-term exposure can lead to more permanent neurobiological problems that are permanent and possibly untreatable, leading to lifelong problems in both children and adults.
Additionally, prenatal and childhood exposures can also lead to problems with a child’s development. The results of the exposure may not be immediately visible, and take years to manifest and appear. Any illnesses may not be obvious until an individual gets older. Cognitive impairment and full-blown dementia may also become evident during adulthood.
Psychological Impacts
Those who did not suffer neurobiological or other physical effects from the water contamination may find themselves with psychological trauma from Camp Lejeune. Mothers who gave birth to stillborn children or children who died shortly after birth and parents whose children developed serious illnesses from Camp Lejeune water contamination are also likely to suffer psychological trauma.
Individuals who lived through the trauma from Camp Lejeune may experience:
- Anxiety and/or depression over concerns of illnesses from Camp Lejeune water contamination
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, with symptoms including flashbacks, nightmares, and hyper-arousal
- Increases in stress and emotional burdens, such as financial difficulties, continuing medical issues (for self or a family member), and handling the complicated legal process for a claim can also take a toll
- Survivor’s guilt, especially for someone who has lost a loved one or watched a loved one battle with continual health issues following exposure to Camp Lejeune water contamination.
Even without the presence of a physical medical condition, former Camp Lejeune residents may also find themselves with a direct impact on their mental health. They may need medical assistance as much as anyone exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune.
Camp Lejeune Claim? Contact The Herren Law Firm Today
If you or someone you know became ill after being stationed at Camp Lejeune, contact us immediately. The deadline for filing a claim is this month.
We’ve helped over 4,000 people, and we can help you as well. Contact us today by calling (713) 682-8194 or using our online contact form. Your consultation is free, and you won’t owe us a fee until we win your case.
