Publish-traumatic pressure disorder is the invisible scar of war

But like shellshock throughout the First Planet War, and combat fatigue in the 2nd, PTSD remains a contentious problem. Official MoD figures claim that only four per cent of soldiers will endure from it, even though they accept that the level will be slightly larger for infantry units and between reservists (at five and 6 per cent respectively). But this calculation is primarily based on a study completed in 2009. Given that then, the United kingdom has been at war for an additional 5 many years, and 1000′s a lot more have served. Furthermore, the research did not track veterans, so can’t get account of the delayed onset of PTSD – which can typically manifest itself when veterans leave the acquainted surroundings of the military and enter civilian daily life.

This is not to propose that the MoD has not acted. Publish-tour decompression schooling and training to recognize and manage PTSD 24-hour psychological well being lines joint initiatives with the NHS – all have been put in area in excess of the past couple of many years. The Support charities have also worked hard to handle the concern. However, there is nonetheless more that we can do, specifically in regard to supporting those who depart the military. In 2012, 50 soldiers and veterans took their very own lives – a lot more than the quantity of combat casualties in the very same 12 months. And I proceed to hear stories from former soldiers whose remedy for PTSD has fallen short of the place it need to be.

Given the number of British troops that have been exposed to the dehumanising effects of war in Afghanistan and the likely incubation periods connected with the problem, there is a compelling case to review the statistics and address the gaps in provision. But we also need to stay away from exaggerating the extent of the mental trauma, and maligning individuals who endure from it.

By no signifies will everybody who has served on fight operations succumb to PTSD – and even then, the condition does not avert them from leading standard lives or holding down a meaningful work, with correct treatment and managerial support. My present employer, Barclays, has aided 2,350 veterans considering that 2010 through its Armed Forces Transition, Employment and Resettlement programme, and a tiny amount have suffered from PTSD.

Our Servicemen and women are a impressive fraternity, “born from smoke, danger and death”. They know what genuine fear is and have to live with the consequences of the application and receipt of lethal force. Yet they are constantly ready to danger daily life and limb in places this kind of as Afghanistan to do the nation’s bidding.

Even though not all will suffer from mental trauma, even the bravest of soldiers can succumb to the problem. We want to perform with each other in the state, military and personal sectors to understand and deal with PTSD as an invisible scar of war, and the all-natural – but treatable – consequence of fight.

Stuart Tootal was commander of three Para and is chairman and founder of the Afghanistan Trust, which supports members of the Parachute Regiment who served there

Publish-traumatic pressure disorder is the invisible scar of war