The APA's survey included "78 members of the military and 113 spouses," and found that "[t]hree of five members of the military worry that [seeking help] would have at least some impact" on their careers, while "[a]bout half said they thought other people would think less of them if they sought help for mental health problems." Carolyn Robinowitz, M.D., president of the APA, "called the figures in the survey 'alarming' and urged Congress to devote more money to treating mental health problems arising from service in combat zones."

The AFP (5/1) explains that, in the survey, "[n]early six in 10 U.S. military members said their deployment in a war zone has caused them to suffer from 'negative experiences' associated with stress." However, "a mere 10 percent have sought treatment for mental health concerns," and "[t]wo-thirds of military members said they rarely, if ever, talk about their mental health with family and friends."

Of the symptoms reported, almost "half (48 percent) of the soldiers said they had difficulty sleeping, half reported feeling depressed, and one-third reported a lack of interest in daily activities." Furthermore, 65 percent of respondents "said they were unfamiliar with the warning signs of mental health problems that might result from being in a war zone" while 35 percent "said they knew what to look for."

Related Links:

- "Study finds troops shy away from mental health care," CNN, April 30, 2008.

- "Fearing stigma, US soldiers hide mental problems: study," AFP, April 30, 2008.