Troops' Mental Health: How Much Is Unknown?

[MindMover]

The killing of 16 Afghan civilians last Sunday is now one of the greatest points of tension between the United States and Afghanistan. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Robert Bales allegedly killed the civilians in cold blood; those close to him say they were shocked by the news.

According to the Pentagon, Bales had been treated for a traumatic brain injury that he suffered in Iraq in 2010, though the extent of the damage is unclear.

Other information leaked by military officials indicate Bales, who was on his fourth deployment, may have "snapped" under pressure due to possible marital problems or alcohol abuse. Bales' civilian lawyer has cast doubt on those theories.

http://www.npr.org/2012/03/18/148849289/troops-mental-health-how-much-is-unknown?ft=1&f=1001

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As a mental health advocate, I will continue to ask the question....When are we going to take mental health seriously........???????

=================================================================

[elleng]

1. Dear Mover,

I'm afraid too many factors encourage NOT taking it seriously, among them cost and denial.

[MindMover]

2. And our present day health care delivery system......is really more to blame....

seems like the old Chiropractor--Dr......duel that went on for tooo many years.....Something to this effect: No you cannot go into my hospital and treat your patients, you are not a qualified Doctor......a bunch of real hoooey.......

[elleng]

3. Yes, system much to blame.

After all, and among other things, really how many MDs don't understand that alcoholism is a disease? (Just one example, re: denial.)