News Combat Stress In Us - 1 Billion Per Annum

[anthony]

I found this quite interesting, yet also expected this to be significantly higher myself, though the statisticians have worked out some magical number crunching to divulge the cost of mental health due to the war on terror, is costing between $750 million and $1.35 billion per annum.

[DLMURL]http://www.wired.com/dangerroom/2011/04/billion-dollar-ptsd/[/DLMURL]

Think about if you added the cost of having to retrain more soldiers due to those being discharged for mental health, into that equation... would be an interestingly higher number again.

Is war really worth the effective cost it places on any country after the fact? IMO... not really.

 

[cherryblossom]

I sat and watched the news the other day, and boy, what a mess the world is in. People fighting and people dying. We view natural disasters as an horrific waste of life, (and it is - no doubt), but I view all the wars and fighting going on as even more tragic. Natural disasters happen. Always have done, and sadly always will do. But human beings going out with one thing in mind, to kill other human beings - that is tragic. Religion has a lot to answer for. I support our troops 1000% for doing their job, and taking the risks that they do, to provide a good place to live for us.

I know it's simplistic, but why can't people just live in harmony with each other? Whatever your beliefs or religion, or what you wear, or don't wear. The monetary cost is ridiculous for any nation involved in war. But if our boys and girls are going to go in fighting (following political decisions), then I would rather they have the correct gear to do it.

But my heart is saddened by the lack of resources for our boys and girls when they get home. In the UK, our mental health provisions are very poor. I watched a documentary about guys who came back from Iraq, or Afghanistan, with PTSD. Some were lucky to get diagnosed because they sought help. But we all understand why guys (particularly military guys) wouldn't seek help. Some literally landed in the UK, picked up their bags and walked to the exit. Some were met by family and friends, but some were not. Some of our 'hero's' have already screwed up their relationships and been disowned by their families, because of PTSD, and their anger, and their uncontrollable symptoms.I just wish someone would give them a chance.

They get back to the UK, and have nothing. They turn to drink and drugs and end up living on the streets. These single men end up right at the bottom of the housing list for council housing. I would beg the councils to home our 'hero's' ahead of the asylum seekers please, and give them some chance at a 'normal life'. Not a life on the streets, where drink and drugs are the only cure for horrendous PTSD symptoms.

(Ok, I'll hop down from my soap box now:oops:)