Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Depression in the Military

As we’re celebrating the long holiday weekend and Independence Day (July 4th) here in the US, our thoughts are also with the troops overseas in Iraq. We’re often exposed to the facts in the news – what’s happening in Iraq and the activities that go on – but we often don’t hear about the soldiers’ mental health during and after the war.

I’m not sure that our nations are prepared to face the reality that many soldiers are experiencing depression and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) from this war. The media is starting to pick it up, though, and this will increase awareness of the stark mental and emotional consequences of war.

Recently Dateline NBC’s story, “Rescue on Roberts Ridge” and touched upon the effects of war on the mental health of a soldier, Nate Self. Nate had described feelings of guilt of being alive while his comrades had died, and how his mental state plummeted to the point where he did not take care of himself or wanted to do anything.

MSNBC’s website also had an article about 1 in 8 returning soldiers suffering from PTSD not seeking help because they are afraid of social stigma and their careers being hurt if they speak up. What was notable was that the rate of PTSD was much higher for those engaged in the Iraq war than those in the Afghanistan war, because of those in the Iraq war saw more combats including attacks and firefights.

Mental health crisis is hitting UK troops as well. UK’s The Observer ran an article that echoed what was found in US soldiers: that UK troops engaged in the Iraq war has record levels of PTSD and depression.

Regardless of the political discussions around the war, what is clear is the need for troops to get mental health screening, support, and treatment they need for what they’ve been through in serving their country.