Jul 08
4
When Depression Sets In
As our troops deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan witness the horrific realities of war, depression and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder) set in. What is the military doing to help our brave soldiers cope?
In loving memory of
Spc Travis M. Virgadamo
I probably will never know exactly what happened.
What happened?
While Travis was beginning his military career, he began to complain of mental health issues.
When Travis returned home from his first tour in Iraq, his symptoms became more prevalent.
When Travis returned to Iraq, he was placed on suicide watch.
After a brief observation period Travis was relieved of suicide watch on August 30,2007
Later that day, a fellow soldier found Travis body on the ground with a self-inflicted gun shot wound.
300.000 soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan are suffering from depression Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
5 soldiers attempt suicide everyday.
29% of soldiers deployed in Iraq and Afghanistan are taking anti-depressants or sleeping pills.
In 2007, 2.100 soldiers attempted suicide.
Since 2004, there has been 374 suicides.
1 in 3 soldiers currently fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan feel they do not have access to mental health professionals.
