Military Doctors Withholding Treatment from Soldiers with Mental Health Problems

[annabanana]

http://www.alternet.org/waroniraq/77867/

The military is denying crucial care to soldiers, making them vulnerable on the battlefield.
Since 9/11, one Army division has spent more time in Iraq than any other group of soldiers: the 10th Mountain Division, based at Fort Drum, New York.

Over the past 6 years and and six months, their 2nd Brigade Combat Team (BCT) has been the most deployed brigade in the army. As of this month, the brigade had completed its fourth tour of Iraq. All in all, the soldiers of BCT have spent 40 months in Iraq.

At what cost? According to a February 13 report issued by the Veterans for America's (VFA) Wounded Warrior Outreach Program, which is dedicated to strengthening the military mental health system, it is not just their bodies that have been maimed and, in some cases, destroyed. Many of these soldiers are suffering from severe mental health problems that have led to suicide attempts as well as spousal abuse and alcoholism.

(more at link)

[siligut]

1. This is despicable!

I have studied PTSD and I cannot imagine yet what these guys are going through. It is complex and unfortunately survival means repression and that is why these guys have outbursts and depression. The manipulation of their estimated time of relief is unforgivable! I can’t help but believe there is a faction of the military that is using these boys as guinea pigs to test the limits of human endurance.

The military docs know better, they probably get bonuses to deny these guys care. Just denying that they have a disturbance is cruel and despicable.