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  • March 11, 2008

    Post-traumatic stress disorder hits armed services

    By Edward T. Creagan, M.D.

12 comments posted

An important new study conducted by the U.S. Army Surgeon General's office, reported in "USA Today," the "Los Angeles Times" and elsewhere, clearly documents the profound toll of warfare on members of our armed services.

The study shows that the frequency of post-traumatic stress disorders and depression dramatically increases during a third or fourth tour of combat compared with the initial deployment. The toll of stress cascades from the armed service individual to the family and the community.

These sorts of studies clearly document that there is a limit and responsible mental health professionals are acknowledging that the length of deployment in a combat zone needs to be re-analyzed. The recuperative period needs to be prolonged and enhanced to somehow decrease the stresses on members of the armed services community.

We are human, we are vulnerable, and responsible leadership either in the business, corporate, or military environment is acknowledging the role of stress and depression on the individual, on the family, and on our communities. Yes, we need to take care of ourselves, but we also need the support of responsible leadership to help us as our journeys unfold. Whether it be in the board room, the office, the athletic arena, or a combat arena, we each have limits and need time and resources to heal and move forward.

12 comments posted

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SR00079

March 11, 2008

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