What Ails the US Military

Mental health problems are not new to the U.S. military. Many war veterans in the past have reportedly suffered from a mental illness while serving the country. Unfortunately, some are still struggling with symptoms of various mental disorders.

When Robert Koger, former training administrator for the U.S. Air Force and well-known author, said, "The brave men and women, who serve their country and as a result, live constantly with the war inside them, exist in a world of chaos," he aptly described the state of mental and behavioral health in the U.S. military. According to the 2014 study published in the JAMA Psychiatry, "nearly 1 in 4 active duty members showed signs of a mental health condition," and the situation is most likely to worsen if left unaddressed. Moreover, the stigma that soldiers encounter while seeking mental health treatment has led to a dramatic increase in the numbers of veterans grappling with untreated mental illnesses and depression-related suicides.

There is no doubt that the mental health problems experienced by military personnel are the same as the civilian populations, however, traumatic experiences and stress during service and the subsequent inability to transition to civilian life indicate that they could have been triggered by unique factors.

The three most important mental disorders affecting a significant number of service personnel and veterans are:

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Trauma causing events, such as genocides, wars, bloody coups, military combats, assaults or even sexual assault can leave lifelong emotional and mental scars which may trigger problems such as an inability to sleep, persistent irritation, anger, nightmares, restlessness, anxiety and alcohol and drug abuse resulting in PTSD. The study found that the rate of PTSD in soldiers was 15 times higher than in ordinary civilians.

Depression: It is a serious psychological disorder affecting the thoughts, behaviors, actions, feelings and even physical health of those in service and veterans alike. The rate of depression in military personnel is five times higher than in general civilians, as per the JAMA study.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI): If an external blow, jolt or trauma from a nearby blast or explosion hits the head penetrating the brain, it may result in TBI causing disorientation, confusion, memory problems, mood swings, and even coma. In fact, TBI is popularly known as "the signature wound of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars."

Reasons why people in uniform don't seek treatment
It is important to eradicate the stigma of mental disorders among veterans, soldiers and their families to make sure that they receive the proper care and treatment that they deserve. However, soldiers generally face the following roadblocks on their road to recovery:

Fear of stigma linked with mental health: Studies have shown that military personnel often fear the stigma associated with mental health. More than a third of the soldiers felt they might be denied promotions or be sidelined if they sought mental health treatment openly.

Threat of a dishonorable discharge: Studies show that soldiers have been routinely subjected to dishonorable discharges for exhibiting symptoms of mental illness. An act of dishonorable discharge may not only adversely impact a soldier's benefits but also reduce his or her chances of securing civilian employment post retirement.

Restricted access to treatment: Many soldiers facing mental health problems often forgo treatment altogether while being stationed in remote and inaccessible locations due to poor quality or almost negligible treatment facilities in such areas.

Inadequate mental health screenings: Due to shame or ignorance, many soldiers may deliberately conceal the symptoms or feelings associated with mental illnesses. It has been found that many soldiers develop mental health problems during the period of active service.

Recovery road map
The department of defense in the U.S. has revamped several of its policies in the recent past to ensure better mental health for all officers. Following the amendments in 2014, seeking treatment for a mental health condition will not affect one's career in the defense forces. In addition, changes in the security clearance procedures ensure that people needn't fear losing clearance by seeking medical consultation.

If you or your loved one is suffering from any mental health disorder, it is time to break the stereotypes and not remain silent. Contact the Colorado Mental Health Helpline to connect to any of the treatment centers. Call us at our 24/7 helpline number 866-899-5063 to get in touch.


 By Barbara Odozi



Article Source: What Ails the US Military