More than 9 million combatants were killed, due largely to great technological advances in firepower without corresponding advances in mobility. It was the second deadliest conflict in Western history. For a comprehensive list of U. Veterans Crisis Line: Press 1. Complete Directory. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, visit VeteransCrisisLine. Quick Links. Dates and Names of Conflicts The U. Selected Past Conflicts Dates indicate U.
Specifically, the U. PTSD was more likely to be diagnosed in service members several months after they returned from the two conflicts, rather than right away. Here's some information on the conflicts and how PTSD has affected those who participated.
Operation Iraqi Freedom, also known as the Iraq War, started with the invasion of Iraq on March 20, , and officially ended in when the U. Soldiers returning from Iraq many of whom served multiple deployments were at high risk of PTSD, in large part because they had faced many combat stressors as part of their service.
According to studies from the VA, some 95 percent of OIF combat veterans reported seeing dead bodies. Meanwhile, 93 percent said they had been shot at, 89 percent said they had been attacked or ambushed, 86 percent received mortar or rocket fire, and 86 percent said they knew someone who had been seriously injured or killed.
Operation Enduring Freedom was launched by the United States and its allies as a response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. The attacks were linked to al Qaeda, a terrorist group operating in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban.
In October , the U. Operation Enduring Freedom lasted for 13 years, until December , when the U. Although OEF combat veterans generally don't suffer from PTSD at the same rates as OIF veterans, significant numbers of soldiers who participated in this conflict also experienced combat stressors, according to the VA.
Specifically, 84 percent said they had received mortar or rocket fire, 66 percent said they had been shot at, 58 percent said they had been attacked or ambushed, 43 percent said they knew someone who had been seriously injured or killed, and 39 percent said they had seen dead bodies.
Unfortunately, even though we know PTSD is very common among veterans and treatments are available, too many veterans aren't seeking help. Thankfully, something is being done about this. The Department of Defense realizes there is a stigma problem and is taking measures to reduce the stigma. Veterans no longer need to report that they are seeking mental health treatment for combat-related reasons. The military is also trying to spread the word that symptoms such as PTSD are normal after experiencing the stressors of war.
Many vets are also coming forward to share their experience as a way to decrease the stigma and allow others to speak up about their struggles. As a final note, it's important to bring up families and support systems. Few people experience PTSD in isolation, and it's important the concerns and needs of family members of those who serve are recognized as well.
In addition, it's been noted in a few studies that dependents of veterans who develop PTSD as a result of the stressors or war may have an increased risk of developing PTSD as well. If you are living with PTSD but don't know where to start, there are resources available.
The U. In addition to mental health support, there are VA drug rehab services , which can go hand in hand, as many people with PTSD related to the stressors of war self-medicate. Learn the best ways to manage stress and negativity in your life. Department of Veterans Affairs.
How common is PTSD in veterans? Both Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans who served in OIF and OEF may have been exposed to environmental and chemical hazards during their service that have resulted in long-term injuries and illnesses.
Two sizes of particles pose a health concern — those with a diameter of 10 microns PM10 or smaller and those with a diameter of 2. OEF and OIF veterans were also exposed to pollution, dust, sand, and other airborne particles because of the environment in Iraq and Afghanistan. The ingestion of this matter can contribute to respiratory conditions as well as irritation to the skin, eyes, nose, and throat.
The military used depleted uranium in Iraq and Afghanistan for both offensive and defensive purposes. For example, tanks had a layer of depleted uranium armor to increase protection and it was also used in ammunition rounds.
The primary forms of exposure occur through ingestion or inhalation, and the amount of depleted uranium retained in the body depends on the amount of exposure. Exposure to depleted uranium could potentially lead to long-term health effects, including various cancers e. According to a study of , soldiers and Marines, Immediate symptoms of TBI can include confusion, temporary memory loss, dizziness, and loss of consciousness while long-term symptoms can involve chronic headaches and neck pain, chronic fatigue, light and noise sensitivity, blurred, vision, depression, etc.
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