News from the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA)
RAWA News
News from the Revolutionary Association of the Women of Afghanistan (RAWA)
RAWA News


 

 

 





 


 


Help RAWA: Order from our wish list on Amazon.com

RAWA Channel on Youtube

Follow RAWA on Twitter

Join RAWA on Facebook



Daily Mirror, January 24, 2011

Ten troops a day suffer mental health problems in fight against Taliban

From October 2009 to September last year, 3,970 Armed Forces staff were ­diagnosed with a mental disorder

by Chris Hughes

Large number of troops suffer from mental health issues in the army
MoD figures show the number of troops with mental health issues was last year up 28% on the year before while those with PTSD had risen by a shocking 72%. (Photo: Photo illustration by Jennifer Clampet / USAG Wiesbaden Public Affairs)

THE war on terror is taking its toll on the mental state of British troops with a dramatic rise in the number seeking psychiatric help.

Worrying new figures have revealed 10 a day are now being treated for ­psychological problems as a result of the bitter fight with the Taliban.

The daily threat of roadside bombs, fierce gun battles and seeing comrades killed or horrifically maimed in the blood and dust of Afghanistan has led to a steep increase in the number of personnel suffering post-traumatic stress disorder.

But experts claim many troops hit by mental illness do not present with any symptoms until many years after the incidents that triggered the problems.

A report for the Government by former navy doctor and Tory MP Andrew Murrison calls for serving personnel to be screened for signs of psychiatric disorders in a bid to prevent chronic illness later.

MoD figures show the number of troops with mental health issues was last year up 28% on the year before while those with PTSD had risen by a shocking 72%. Military charity SSAFA Forces Help said: “It is not surprising the intense nature of current and recent operations is resulting in an increase in mental health issues amongst those who have deployed.

“SSAFA Forces Help welcomes the fact there are now far more comprehensive and robust mechanisms in place to detect these problems at an early stage.

“However, we should also be concerned that many veterans do not present with psychological injuries until many years after serving.”

Another charity, Combat Stress – which last year launched an appeal to raise £30million to address the issue – told of the “ever increasing caseload” of troops with mental ­problems. Spokesman Robert Marsh said: “The report underlines the importance of investing in high quality mental health services for veterans as well as serving personnel.”

From October 2009 to September last year, 3,970 Armed Forces staff were ­diagnosed with a mental disorder.

Of those, 235 suffered PTSD. Troops who do not get psychiatric help before quitting the services often end up ­homeless, suffer drug or alcohol abuse and even drift into crime.

Deputy Prime Minister Nick Clegg said yesterday: “For too long, the mental health issues of our veterans have been ignored. Many simply haven’t been given the help they require or deserve.

“Given the sacrifices we have asked them to make, the least we can do is support them when they need it most.” The Government has pledged to act with millions of pounds being pumped into a new scheme to help troops suffering mental health problems.

A new NHS screening programme will identify victims of battlefield stress and GPs will get special training on dealing with sufferers of PTSD.

The job of spotting potential mental health issues in combat falls to sergeant majors. One such person is Stuart Potter.

The 34-year-old told how he encourages his 160-strong company of troops in Afghanistan to talk through problems.

Sgt Maj Potter said: “No matter who you are, the realisation that you are in ­someone’s sights, that someone wants to kill you, is traumatic.

“For years there has been a stigma attached to feeling shame or upset at mental issues. When I first joined, some said it was a sign of weakness.

“But now I encourage soldiers to discuss their feelings, with mates, commanders and with me. As soldiers we understand what other soldiers are going through.”

Mental illness numbers were ­“significantly higher” among membersof the Army and RAF, female troops, and Afghanistan veterans.

But some officials claim the figures were skewed by changes to the way they were compiled, with repeat attendances now recorded as new cases.

Category: US-NATO, Healthcare/Environment - Views: 13361



Related

30.07.2010: US army suicide rate exceeds national average
15.07.2010: June was worst month for Army suicides, statistics show
03.07.2010: The wounds of war: physical, psychological injuries legacy of Afghan battle
10.05.2010: After nearly a decade of war, PTSD is afflicting the U.S. military
11.02.2010: Most Iraq and Afghanistan veterans with PTSD did not get enough care, study shows
08.02.2010: Afghanistan veterans on disability now 6,000
28.01.2010: Suicide Risk Rises For Young War Veterans
16.01.2010: US Army suicides hit grim record for 2009
27.12.2009: A Peril in War Zones: Sexual Abuse by Fellow G.I.’s
26.12.2009: The US army is overstretched and exhausted, says peace campaigner Sarah Lazare
11.11.2009: Soldier faces 10 years for decision to speak out against war
05.08.2009: Army Resister Victor Agosto Speaks Out on Why He’s Refusing to Fight in Afghanistan
10.07.2009: Suicides in US Army rise in first half of 2009
24.04.2009: Army trying to stem increase in soldiers’ suicides
20.04.2009: America’s Imperialism: We need to see the horrors
15.04.2009: An Apology for an Occupation
17.04.2009: Officials: Troops hurt by brain-injury focus
05.03.2009: Wartime troop brain injures could reach 360,000
30.07.2008: Suicides among veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan reaching epidemic proportions
10.06.2008: Happy pills helping US fight war on terror
05.05.2008: Post-War Suicides May Exceed Combat Deaths, U.S. Says
18.04.2008: Nearly 1 in 5 troops has mental problems after war service
31.10.2007: 147 US Troops Have Killed Themselves in Iraq and Afghanistan
17.08.2007: US military suicides at highest rate for 16 years

Latest

Most Viewed