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Remembering Combat Stress
90 years ago, the armistice ending World War One was signed. We often remember those with amputations and scars, but the psychiatric casualties are just as numerous. WW1 was when the term 'shell shock' became well known and today, though we may call it PTSD [post traumatic stress disorder], it is still a major problem for soldiers. Physical handicap and brain damage can also often result in depression.
The stigma of mental illness combines with the stigma of being a wounded veteran of an increasingly distant combat, which is not a nice combination. The physical damage cause and the psychological shock are accompanied by other huge questions like "Why?" or "Did I do something wrong?". So, the 11th of November each year is a time when we can remember those who bought our freedom [what ever your stance on war may be] and make sure that as a nation we look after those who gave huge sacrifices. Remembering must always be accompanied by the giving of hope.
For 80 years, one charity called Combat Stress has been pushing for greater recognition of the mental welfare of ex-servicemen and making sure the support is available for them for the long term through homes, respite care and outreach. Many do not get ongoing support from the Ministry of Defence after being discharged from the services. You can read more about their work at www.combatstress.org.uk and make a donation online. |
Rob Waller, 10/11/2008 |
1 Comment
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| | | Anonymous (Guest) | 29/04/2010 10:57 | posted on February 21 at 02:10
I had two grandfathers who were first world war veterans. They survived the war but were traumatised by it. They enlisted in the 1914 - 1918 war when they were about 17 years old - so young. They were both injured. One grandfather committed suicide long before I was born. The other grandfather spent periods of time in psychiatric hospital care.
Although I admire the courage and sacrifice of the soldiers in the two world wars, I'm also anti-war, I hate it when people kill each other, and I want to promote peace. I'm reluctant to agree with any war and I can only accept that we need our forces in case we need to defend our country.
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