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The literature on how enlisted troops are affected by the mental health of soldiers is growing. The truth is that studies— across the board— conclude that soldiers have a much higher chance of mental health problems. This report will focus on United States troops.
A report from the United States Joint Mental Health Advisory Team estimated that 19.8% of soldiers who were involved in combat also developed a psychological problem. The report, conducted in 2013, does not stand alone. Even recent reports conclude that mental health among soldiers is severely disproportional by those who have not enlisted. CNN reported that a Harvard Medical professor expressed the concern that major depression was five times higher among soldiers that returned from combat. Also, PTSD was an average of 15 times higher. JAMA did one of the largest studies conducted on the United States military and mental health in 2014. From a group study of almost 5,500 active duty but non-deployed soldiers; they tested positive for mental health problems. 11% in this group had more than one illness. It gets even more disturbing. The study concludes that 14% of soldiers had thought about taking their lives and 2.4% had made one or more attempt.
The data is conclusive that mental health problems are devastating our troops. In fact, mental illness is highest among newly enlisted soldiers. In 2003, 250,000 soldiers left the service after their time was up. It has been noted that veterans returning to war zones had lower rates of mental health issues. However, the majority of the troops leaving after their enlisted time are soldiers who have a much a higher chance of a developed mental illness. It is believed that soldiers do not know what they are getting themselves into when joining the United States forces. In fact, in 2008 the vast majority of men that enlisted in the United States army were 25 or younger. Only 4.5% had a bachelors degree. These young soldiers are often unaware at some of the circumstances that will be involved.
Not only is mental health a significant factor for the individuals to develop but it is apparent that it can and will affect the soldier's performance. Many studies relate mental disorders to the performance of troops. In fact, it is reported that 1/2 of the casualties are due to soldiers who are suffering from severe stress or fatigue. This study was done in 2013 and correlates to a study in 2008 by the Mental Health and Advisory Teams that suggests mental health plays a huge factor in the role of soldiers performance. They mainly revert their attention to the factor that extreme stress is in direct correlation with troops performance.
In 2008 the United States Department of Veterans Affairs looked at 1.7 million American service members returning to America. They estimated that 4%-14% had depression. 12%-25% had PTSD, and 18%-35% had some other type of mental health problem.
However, returning to the United States might be the biggest problem. Soldiers are trained to go into combat, but there is no training for the return back to the United States. They often struggle to fit back into society. As stated earlier, many of them do not have the education to support their families. The inability to get proper work could lead to further mental health problems. Another factor arises— children. 43% of active duty soldiers have children. These children have to deal with a parent overseas in a war-zone. Studies are currently being conducted on how it affects children’s mental health. It has also been documented that when soldiers return, they are often changed by their experience and have a difficult time handling families. In fact, a study done in the U.K. Shows that 13% of soldiers returning home were likely to abuse alcohol.
These are critical topics that will be further expanded on in the future blogs. How mental health affects soldiers is important to acknowledge. The United States is waging several wars and what will become of many soldiers is unknown. What we should acknowledge; is that these men have placed their lives on the line for America. We need to ensure that veterans are adequately taken care of and receive any help they need.
Main Sources:
http://ppc.unl.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Harms_Stress-and-emotional-well-being-in-military-organizations_2013.pdf
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treatment/family/pro_deployment_stress_children.asp
https://watson.brown.edu/costsofwar/files/cow/imce/papers/2017/Zogas_Veterans%27%20Transitions_CoW_2.1.17.pdf
https://www.cnn.com/2014/03/03/health/jama-military-mental-health/index.html
https://watermark.silverchair.com/milmed-167-11-877.pdf?token=AQECAHi208BE49Ooan9kkhW_Ercy7Dm3ZL_9Cf3qfKAc485ysgAAAbowggG2BgkqhkiG9w0BBwagggGnMIIBowIBADCCAZwGCSqGSIb3DQEHATAeBglghkgBZQMEAS4wEQQM3330zAYeMJSHChhtAgEQgIIBbenq39UWK_jkJPHH4VIeiqcdMR5qB7kCA0EYnvG59t2yRqEUWrgWWKjSrrscVKl6Y8EX2zc-MKKH5H9eEpxSna9GItVZowg63oEcXAxTzdMijKDXLDuZyUrjl0PnXi2VrDNtF4WSpUKlIxoXv_b0d5o-LN1ZCrDSDc_ByZPeUnHcmXfRejitUNsoMPaNHJY53FR-AdV_Yp2To1gLTQCRAeyjoFv2_81gHWaeKhbgW0nmL6FqZuoDZFHhRkWKOvugTdr7hVjbVThnCwplFx2RA_Hd4eCnM3dV0m_fgAlCsjEoK5K1UOwn6I0xmUej4eWdlfrdGM8h4BUlEEokfGOJSuT2ntA11q1Iu4p1H93iRYTiW9j9IjEt8ENOvYbhsXKYrA4iur6T0xEvVsfPpw2HMZf7oRJ1Ep0hrGAdQP-XqnuO1h0E6xtaxdmHFGD0lxpdcyS0-msf-YR_t9Wz5KttcTYY12ZnOWFoJT-MnoNS