Mental health issues like depression are unfortunately common among soldiers. Serving in the military comes with unique stressors and challenges that can take a toll on one’s mental health. In this article, we’ll explore the factors that contribute to depression among soldiers, look at statistics on its prevalence, and discuss ways to address this important issue.
What causes depression in soldiers?
There are several factors that put soldiers at an increased risk of developing depressive disorders:
- Trauma from combat – Exposure to active war zones and seeing death/injury can lead to PTSD and depression.
- Separation from family – Being away from loved ones for long periods is emotionally taxing.
- Sleep deprivation – Disruptions to sleep cycles are common in the military.
- High stress – The demanding nature of military life elevates anxiety/stress.
- Substance abuse – Some turn to alcohol/drugs as unhealthy coping mechanisms.
- Traumatic brain injuries – Head trauma sustained in combat can influence mood.
- Grief – Losing fellow soldiers and friends can trigger depressive feelings.
In addition to these factors, the stigma around mental health issues can make soldiers reluctant to seek help. However, depression is never the fault of the individual – it’s the result of demanding experiences that weigh heavily on one’s psyche.
How common is depression among soldiers?
Several studies have found high rates of depressive disorders among military populations:
- A 2012 study showed that ~14% of soldiers screened positive for depression after returning from deployment.
- In 2013, a study found clinically significant depression in ~8% of US Army soldiers.
- Up to 20% of military service members who served in operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom are estimated to have PTSD and depression.
Unfortunately, many cases may go undiagnosed. Stigma prevents some soldiers from being open about their struggles. Others may not recognize their symptoms as indicators of a real medical issue.
Does deployment increase risk?
Soldiers who have been deployed, especially to active combat zones, do appear to have higher rates of depression compared to non-deployed military members:
- A study of over 10,000 soldiers found 15.7% of deployed soldiers experienced depression vs. 11.7% of non-deployed.
- Soldiers deployed for longer periods tend to have worse depressive symptoms than those deployed briefly.
- Increased exposure to combat situations elevates depression prevalence.
Being in life-threatening situations and witnessing human suffering weigh heavily on mental health. Transitioning back to civilian life after deployment also brings adjustment challenges that contribute to depression.
Do men and women soldiers experience depression differently?
There do appear to be some gender differences in how depression manifests itself:
- Women soldiers report higher rates of depression than their male counterparts across most studies.
- Male soldiers are more likely to externalize symptoms through alcohol/drug use and risk-taking behaviors.
- Female soldiers tend to internalize via withdrawal, sadness, and feelings of worthlessness.
- Stigma around mental health may prevent more male soldiers from opening up about symptoms.
However, depression takes a heavy toll regardless of gender. All soldiers would benefit from reduced stigma and increased mental health support to address depression.
What treatment options help soldiers with depression?
Effective treatments for depression in military populations include:
- Medication – Antidepressants like SSRIs can help manage neurotransmitter imbalances contributing to symptoms.
- Psychotherapy – Talk therapy provides coping skills and helps process traumatic experiences.
- Support groups – Connecting with other soldiers who relate helps build social support.
- Lifestyle changes – Improving fitness, diet, and sleep quality supports mental health.
- Alternative treatments – Options like acupuncture, meditation, and Emotional Freedom Technique may complement other treatment.
An integrated approach combining medication, therapy, peer support, and healthy lifestyle changes generally provides the best results.
Are soldiers required to get treatment?
Policies around mental health treatment in the military include:
- Annual mental health screenings are mandatory for all active duty service members.
- Seeking treatment is highly encouraged but cannot be forced unless a soldier poses a safety risk.
- Commanders have some discretion on whether/when to discharge soldiers with untreated mental health conditions.
- Discharged soldiers can still access care through the VA health system after completing service.
While mandatory treatment raises ethical issues, early intervention and reduced stigma could lower depression rates among soldiers.
What prevents soldiers from seeking mental health treatment?
Barriers that keep soldiers from getting treatment include:
- Stigma – Concerns about appearing weak or having career prospects limited.
- Confidentiality concerns – Worries about treatment records impacting future assignments or clearances.
- Skepticism of treatment – Not believing talk therapy or medication will help.
- Job security fears – Concerns about being discharged from service instead of supported.
- Logistical obstacles – Being deployed abroad, away from care resources.
Expanding anonymous treatment options, reducing stigma through education, and reassuring soldiers their careers won’t be impacted could increase treatment rates.
How does untreated depression impact soldiers?
Leaving depression untreated can lead to devastating outcomes for soldiers such as:
- Poor performance putting themselves or comrades at risk.
- Increased drug/alcohol abuse, injuries, and reckless behavior.
- Strained relationships due to emotional volatility and withdrawal.
- Increased risk of suicide and suicidal ideation.
- Exacerbation of PTSD symptoms.
- Difficulty transitioning back to civilian jobs and life after service.
Providing adequate mental health support is critical for maintaining readiness and well-being.
How can families help soldiers with depression?
Families play a key role in supporting soldiers struggling with mental health issues. Ways families can help include:
- Listening without judgement and providing unconditional love.
- Educating themselves on depression to better understand symptoms.
- Encouraging engagement with mental health professionals.
- Helping establish healthy routines – sleeping, eating, exercising.
- Being patient during difficult periods.
- Participating in counseling sessions if recommended by providers.
- Advocating for and reducing stigma around treatment.
Families live with the sacrifices soldiers make as well. Making mental health a priority at home helps set the tone for soldiers to get care.
Conclusion
Depression affects a concerning number of active duty and veteran soldiers. Contributing factors like trauma, grief, and high operational stress are difficult to avoid in military life. While stigma persists, reducing barriers to confidential mental health treatment is imperative. Soldiers who get appropriate help can still maintain successful careers and positive well-being. Support from leaders, families, and fellow service members makes a huge difference in treatment outcomes. As awareness and care improves, soldiers battling depression have hope for brighter futures.