Report: Nearly 1 In 5 Iraq/Afhanistan Vets Have “Mental Problems”
That’s right. Mental problems. So says the headline:
Except, it’s not so much that these troops have mental problems as they’re exhibiting symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress:
The researchers said 18.5 percent of current and former service members contacted in a recent survey reported symptoms of depression or post-traumatic stress. Based on Pentagon data that more than 1.6 million have deployed to the two wars, the researchers calculated that about 300,000 are suffering mental health problems.
It’s worth noting that nearly 1 in 10 Americans in general are diagnosed with mood disorders - including major depressive disorder - every year. That twice as many soldiers are merely showing symptoms of depression and PTSD is hardly surprising and certainly not outside of normal and acceptable bounds.
Now, personally, I think it’s great that some out there are trying to raise awareness about the sort of challenges our veterans face. But how do you think the veterans themselves feel about news reporters accusing them of having “mental problems” simply because they’re feeling a little depressed? Or stressed?
