Post-traumatic stress among US troops soars

[braindev]

in the year of 2007, the number of American troops diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder rose over 50%. Since 2003, 40,000 soldiers involved in the Middle east conflicts have been diagnosed with it and many more may be hiding the fact that they are suffering from it.

In response to the high numbers, this was said:
"I don't think right now we ... have good numbers," said Army Surgeon General Eric Schoomaker.

Experts however fully believe that this is treatable if those in need seek help.

[mytvtalk]

sad story to read about, another reason why we shouldnt be at war, we gain nothing while we have lost troops, family members and so on.

[freud]

sad story to read about, another reason why we shouldnt be at war, we gain nothing while we have lost troops, family members and so on.

It would be nice to keep this on topic and for it to not be derailed by political nonsense like "we shouldnt be at war" and so on. Please discuss the psychological issue at hand.

As a result of such an increase of post-traumatic stress occurrences, congress as sought to look for more extensive coverage of returning troops to make sure they get the help they need to assimilate back into American life and to stay mentally healthy and capable.

[Recon]

Yes well I cannot imagine how much they are going through with this war business so there's bound to be a hell lot of stress which is sad really

[pmer.jack]

PTSD is an issue that is similar to a silent killer, for my knowledge. You might not die from it, still your life wont be worth living either. I really feel petty on the troops toiling hard even with such a disorder prevailing in their head.

[viv.brav]

I'll agree with you jack...it is a said thing that our troops have to fight with several adversaries simultaneously....And all of them are sure to leave an impact on them...Hats Off to all of them....God Bless their souls...

[Honesty]

Newly diagnosed cases of post-traumatic stress disorder among U.S. troops sent to Iraq and Afghanistan surged 46.4 percent in 2007, bringing the five-year total to nearly 40,000, according to U.S. military data released on Tuesday.
In the first figures on Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) from the two wars disclosed by the Defence Department, officials said nearly 40,000 troops have been diagnosed with the illness since 2003, and they believe many more probably are keeping their illness a secret.

That is partly because officials have been encouraging troops to get help even if it means they go to private civilian therapists and do not report it to the military. The 40,000 cases cover only those that the military has tracked.