A new study was found that an increasing percentage of American Soldiers are experiencing mental health issues. The rate of major depression is 5 times higher and the rate of Post Traumatic Stress disorder is 6 times higher in soldiers then the regular population.
Other mental health issues in soldiers include serve anxiety, eating disorders, panic disorders, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), as well as excessive drug and alcohol use.
A study by Kessler found that one quarter of active duty non-deployed soldiers were found to have at least one of these mental health issues. Having 1/4th of the US military with a mental problem is pretty concerning. Another study found that 14% of soldiers have had suicidal thoughts, 5.3% have planned suicide, and 2.4% have attempted it. These are very scary numbers and since I have a loved one in the military, this makes me even more concerned.
After reading this article and learning all about the dangers and struggles that the US soldier face, I can't help but to feel uneasy. Something needs to be done to help these soldiers with their mental struggles and challenges. I wonder if there are counselors and psychologists who could help them out. Either way I believe that something needs to be done and that we should raise awareness for this issue. The men and women who are risking their lives for our country should be given a way to help cope with the stress or to deal with their mental health. Many people don't realize how important the mental health of individuals is. It is over looked many times, however I think that needs to change. The mental health of the soldiers defending our country is way to important to overlook and longer; something needs to be done.
Citations:
Mundell, E.J. "Psychiatric Ills Widespread Among U.S. Soldiers." US News. U.S.News & World Report, 3 Mar. 2014. Web. 10 Mar. 2014.
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