UK:The true cost of the Afghan war in mental illness

The true cost of the Afghan war in mental illness for our soldiers revealed
May 2 2010
by David Williamson, Wales On Sunday

THE true cost of the war in Afghanistan to our troops can be revealed today.

Figures exclusive to Wales On Sunday show that hundreds of troops are suffering with post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other mental health issues that often leave them plagued by nightmares and turning to drink.

And it is claimed our soldiers do not receive the help they need as they fight to cope with what they have seen and experienced.

Figures show that since 2007, 260 British Army soldiers have been assessed as having PTSD.

Almost one in 10 of those were medically discharged from the British Army over a 30-month period.

A total of 5,000 other army personnel were given assessments for “other mental health” issues between January 1, 2007 and June 30, 2009. The Army said that 170 were medically discharged – 90 of them because of “mental and behavioural disorders”.

But the total number of soldiers suffering from mental health issues as a result of the war in Afghanistan is far higher. The war started in 2001.

Plaid Cymru, which obtained the figures, is now calling for systematic stress counselling to help soldiers come to terms with the trauma of the war. It is concerned that a “macho culture” stops people seeking help.
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The true cost of the Afghan war in mental illness