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Soldiers Back From Iraq Still Struggle
Soldiers fighting in Iraq face physical harm every day. Bullets, mortar shells, and bombs are constant dangers. But there are also threats to their mental health that are harder to see. A new study by the Army has revealed that many soldiers suffer from emotional problems even after they are safely home from the war.
The Army screened nearly 90,000 soldiers returning from Iraq in 2005 and 2006. They found that around 27 percent reported having some sort of mental problem. Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a common condition they suffer. Soldiers with PTSD might experience sleep problems, emotional numbness, or be easily startled. Other mental problems include depression, alcohol abuse, and family fighting.
To help uncover these ailments, the Army examines the soldiers as they return home. But because the troops are so happy to be home, most problems don't show up for a long time. That's why, in 2003, the Army introduced a second screening that takes place three to six months afterwards.
This second screening has been very helpful. The number of soldiers reporting problems increased nearly 50 percent. Finding soldiers with these kinds of stressful problems and getting them the medical attention they deserve as soon as possible are important steps in improving their mental health.
I'm Ben and that's what happened in our nation this week.
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