There is a difference between physically surviving combat injury and living a healthy life. The same can be said of the mental trauma of combat. I would submit to you that both physiological and psychological medicine has significant limitations where health is concerned but has been wildly successful in profitability, technological advancement and short term treatment.

If it is, I might finally purchase the latest/ last addition of the DSM (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)...

Nobody want’s to talk about it … but having paid close attention in life, listening to combat veterans and their commanders ..always wondering what I’d barely missed in Vietnam … many have described the poor mental condition of those entering the military to begin with. As more research and discoveries are made regarding ‘micro-concussions’ alone, the number of ‘ex jocks’ moving from high school to the military would no doubt include a very high number of those, including even earlier injuries.

We’ve a participant on these boards who’s an expert on ..brains. I’m not, but appreciate insight and new information on mental health issues. Brain scans have become quite telling, but drugs will of course never replace severed synaptic connections.. And since there’s little or no ‘repair’ to be done, the emphasis should be placed on avoidance and protection.

As far as psychological disorders, the DSM I’d mentioned is constantly evolving. I suppose that alone might be considered ‘progress.’ Refining definitions or diagnosis, and treatment or therapy continues to advance. But combat on top of ..anything can only compound it..

Unfortunately our health care system is pushing more reliance on meds, which doesn't solve the problem, only glosses it over. Meds are vital, but mental health care is so much more than handing out pills. As my mother used to say, "you don't put a band-aid on a cancer." But that's how we treat the mentally ill: dope them up and ship them out. Can't afford treatment? Too bad.

No, it is not increasing (mental health), it just that more soldiers live and there are more horrific weapons now.

Unfortunately a big part of the problem is the double-edged sword of the right to refuse treatment. A lot of folks with mental illnesses don't think there's anything wrong with them and thus refuse treatment. Everyone's hands are tied unless they 'prove a clear and present danger to themselves or others,' by which time it's too late.

The other big problem is cost, which has already been discussed.

The only way forward is single-payer health care and a rewrite of the Patient's Bill Of Rights.

For one - we need to quit having some bean counter at the insurance company telling doctors how to treat patients and when to release them. My ex sis in law was in and out of hospitals many times for attempted suicide from her bi-polar/manic depression. She was always kicked out the door, not b/c she was ready, but b/c the insurance ran out (yet there was always plenty of money for the phar companies and their latest drugs). She later went on to kill herself with a shotgun, which was legally owned and registered to her then husband. Yea, we have a big problem with the stigma of the issue, as well as the greed of corporations getting rich off us.

The mobilization of Peers and peer-support strategies is revolutionizing mental health practice across the globe. No one can understand what you are going through like someone who has experienced - and is in recovery from - a similar experience. With a good combination of supports and treatments, 80% of people facing mental health challenges recover.

IMHO we are not doing enough to deal with the mental health issues not just with our Veterans but the population in general.
Happy people do not go out seeking weapons to kill the perceived threat they look to kill.
We must stop the constant barrage of hate and violence coming from many of our elected officials. We have to stop marginalizing the poor and disenfranchised in this country.

Be more loving. Refuse to fight. Kindness is the way.