US soldiers will not be eligible to receive the Purple Heart for the invisible psychic wounds of war, the Pentagon said Thursday, reserving the medal for those wounded in combat.
US soldiers will not be eligible to receive the Purple Heart for the invisible psychic wounds of war, the Pentagon said Thursday, reserving the medal for those wounded in combat.
The decision was reached following a review suggested by US Defense Secretary Robert Gates after touring a mental health center at Fort Bliss, Texas in May.
Depression - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting approximately 340 million people in the world. No one is immune from depression - it occurs in people of all social classes, all countries and all cultural settings.
Depression is one of the most common mental disorders affecting approximately 340 million people in the world. No one is immune from depression - it occurs in people of all social classes, all countries and all cultural settings.
He said Gates thought the issue was worth re-addressing when asked about it in Texas, but accepted the conclusion of the panel that reviewed the requirements for receiving the award.
"But I don't think anybody should assume that that decision is in any way reflective on how seriously we take the problem of PTSD in this department," he said.
Depression Screening Test
Online Depression Screening Test tells if you have mild or chronic depression based on your depression symptoms. Learn how to deal with depression by using this self-assessment calculator.
Online Depression Screening Test tells if you have mild or chronic depression based on your depression symptoms. Learn how to deal with depression by using this self-assessment calculator.
About 300,000 service members who fought in Iraq or Afghanistan suffer from PTSD or major depression, the Rand Corporation estimated in a study in April.
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Military Healthcare Lacks Compassion, Say US Soldiers
US soldiers have complained that the military health care system is underfunded, understaffed and overwhelmed. A presidential commission is currently holding hearings on the issue.
US soldiers have complained that the military health care system is underfunded, understaffed and overwhelmed. A presidential commission is currently holding hearings on the issue.
SRM
Traumatised US Soldiers Visit Stress Clinics For Treatment
Traumatised by the battlefield or the anguish of divorce caused by long absence from home, many American troops in Iraq are increasingly shedding their macho image and visiting Combat Stress Clinics.
Traumatised by the battlefield or the anguish of divorce caused by long absence from home, many American troops in Iraq are increasingly shedding their macho image and visiting Combat Stress Clinics.
