In war zones, civilians are reported to be affected by the traumas and losses encountered as an immediate effect of the war. However, soldiers are some times left behind although it is known that they are at the forefront of the battle fields.
Practitioners and scholars have evidenced that soldiers, and later on veterans, suffer from severe Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) as a consequence of psychological and physical traumas of the war. Surprisingly,PTSD and TBI suffers are most of the time forgotten and remain untreated in post-war situations in that sub-population.
Addressing graduates in Professional Psychology at the TCS PP (www.thechicagoschool.edu), Senator Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy emphasized the importance of diagnosing and treating the "invisible wounds" that veterans may suffer from after war ends. These invisible wounds include PTSD and TBI associated with a number of comorbid disorders, e.g. Depression, suicide, homicide, drugs and substance use and abuse, poor social integration and performance, chronic pain, chronic fatigue, chronic headaches, etc. Severe psychiatric comorbities are assumed to be associated with PTSD and TBI in veterans at their immediate return home.
To address this, it requires (1) well trained professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, trauma counsellors) and (b) "health system that has mental health as a part of it".(Dr. Patrick J. Kennedy).
In the Great Lakes Region, where wars and conflicts endemic, it should be better to develop specialized centers assisting veterans and soldiers on duties, e.g. Soldiers in Peace Keeping Missions.
What do you think about such statement ? Your comments can enrich the topic. Comments can be done both in English or French.
Vincent
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