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The clinging impacts of war.

4/27/2015

11 Comments

 
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I read this morning about the plight of people in Vietnam after the war over 40 years ago. The chemical spray, Agent Orange, which foreign armies sprayed to clear areas, still causes birth defects in children, who are then ostracized and left unable to receive the benefit of health care.

How shocking—these clinging effects of war.

In addition to soldier's physical problems either exacerbated or caused by war, emotional problems could also be brought on by battle. The First World War is often associated with the syndrome called shell shock. This was originally believed to have a physical origin, caused by loud shelling. However, soldiers who had never been exposed to shells were developing the same symptoms. During the horrendous Battle of the Somme in 1916, there was a severe increase in the number of cases.

During WW2 the problems was known as Combat Fatigue, now, it is called PTSD. Soldiers are trained that they must kill or be killed.

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The after-affects linger in modern-day soldiers too—as many as one in ten suffer from mental health problems. More than 11,300 UK troops have suffered from at least one bout of mental health problems since 2007, according to the UK Ministry of Defence. Of those, 1,235 have been awarded compensation and discharged with post-traumatic stress disorder.

The figures, obtained under a Freedom of Information request, show 718 were discharged for depression, while 130 were suffering from alcohol-related behavioral disorders.

It's no surprise that, after the distress soldiers experience during war, they find it hard to be the same, emotionally, ever again.

Some veterans of past wars have recovered from their traumatic experience with the right care. But should we prepare troops for what is to come? How could we protect them from mental trauma before they are sent to fight, as opposed to treating their symptoms once the deep psychological damage has already been done?

If I had my way, there would be no more wars fought. Full stop. We shouldn't interfere in other country's fights. I know, it seems heartless to let dictators cause misery to the people. In a way, avoiding involvement is like watching a bully terrorize innocent people. The shocking example of Hitler comes to mind.

Should we just defend our own rights or should we help others if it means damaging our own personnel?


11 Comments
lata link
4/26/2015 08:04:48 pm

Francene, as long as there is greed for power, there will be wars. Its very sad

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Alana link
4/26/2015 08:25:09 pm

This is a good question, Francene, one without a ready answer. The U.S. does try to prepare at least some of its troops to be captured. I would be interested to know what they do to prepare troops for trauma, as they don't do very much for after-return PTSD. One of my husband's cousins was exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam. My father suffered a traumatic brain injury in his non compact (support) service in WWII. We pay a heavy toll for our freedom.

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Suzy link
4/26/2015 08:59:19 pm

I agree, we should not allow any wars. Isn't that what the UN is supposed to do - bring about peaceful resolutions? In my view there is no win in war.

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Tara link
4/26/2015 09:29:45 pm

I think this is something the world will always struggle with. I would like to see an end to all wars everywhere, but your question is a good on. What are we willing to sacrifice for peace in the whole world, not just our developed nations?

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Nancy Kay link
4/26/2015 09:59:09 pm

I believe that leaders could communicate more effectively if they parked their over-sized egos at home and embraced the art of listening and stealthy negotiations.
However, with leaders that are full of themselves who can't consider seeing past their own narrow agenda, power struggles often become inevitable and the fall-out is horrific.

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K.Lee Banks link
4/27/2015 02:28:28 am

I think an additional sad after-effect for our veterans is the number of them unable to receive the care they need, for one reason or another - and even being homeless. So tragic and disrespectful, after they risked their health and lives for their countries.

Unfortunately, with the proliferation of terrorism and evil in general worldwide, I'm afraid we won't ever see any end to wars. :-(

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Amy link
4/27/2015 04:33:27 am

It's so tragic and very sad that after the war is over, that there are still so many who suffer the after-effects. I can't imagine a day when there will be no war, as long as there is day and night, there will be good and evil.

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Amar Naik link
4/27/2015 04:40:42 am

no one is a winner in war. unfortunately with wars we also live trouble for our future generations

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Toni Nelson link
4/27/2015 08:28:49 am

It's so sad to see the ill effects war has had on so many people.

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Laurel Regan link
4/27/2015 11:02:17 am

I've always been incredibly conflicted about war. I tend towards pacifism, yet understand that there are some cases where war may be unavoidable. It's a tough one.

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Fab link
4/27/2015 09:25:46 pm

I agree with you and would eradicate all wars if it were in my hands, but I'm afraid it's not anywhere as simple as that.

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    Francene Stanley
    From England, I use news items in my novels which you can see below, all linked to an Amazon near you.

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