Military Veterans Combat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with Faith

"Allowing large numbers of veterans with PTSD to go untreated is not an option. The effects are socially and economically disastrous. Untreated PTSD can lead to drug use, marital problems, unemployment and homelessness," said Robert Morgenthau in The Wall Street Journal (July 22, 2010).

NEWPORT NEWS, Va., July 30, 2010—New studies are showing a disturbing trend in our nation’s military—as stress becomes an increasingly serious threat to the lives of our soldiers.  The latest numbers paint a grim picture, especially when it comes to suicide rates.   Last year, 347 military personnel were killed in two wars, but at least 381 current and former members of our military took their own lives. Another alarming statistic that highlighted in a recent USA Today story shows that the number of soldiers forced to leave the Army solely because of a mental illness, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), has increased 64% from 2005 to 2009.

While much needs to be done to help our soldiers deal with the stress of combat, Major General (U.S. Army Ret.) Bob Dees believes faith should play a significant role in the military’s mental health and suicide prevention programs.

“There are decades of studies in respected medical journals that show faith makes a difference in depression, post traumatic stress disorder and suicide prevention,” said Dees.   “Faith in God helps give us encouragement, hope and optimism—which is especially important for our military during these difficult times of persistent warfare.”

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITY:  Gen. Dees is in a unique position to discuss this topic, which is impacting so many families.  He is the executive director of Military Ministry, a division of Campus Crusade for Christ International.  Military Ministry works with military chaplains, commanders and churches across America in caring for the spiritual well-being of troops and their families before, during and after deployment.  A U.S. Military Academy graduate, Gen. Dees served in a variety of positions in the Army, including Commander, Second Infantry Division, United States Forces Korea; and as Deputy Commanding General, V (US/GE) Corps in Europe, concurrently serving as Commander, US-Israeli Combined Task Force for Missile Defense.