Troops being sustained by antidepressants

Nurses General Nursing

Published

http://www.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1811858-2,00.html

This is an article from time magazine that reports on the use of SSRIs among troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. What we ask them to do is causing this problem. Should we ask young men and women to go through this? I would say no. What do you think?

The support of our soliders allow you to have the freedoms that you enjoy right now, including posting on this website. Before lumping people into groups about joining for the money, or "knowing what they were getting into" choices. Don't offend our soldiers or disrespect them just because ythink about all the freedoms you have because of our soliders. Some were prepared, some were not, but until you have been overseas and see the things that I occur, I find it hard for anyone to critizize or judge others ou don't agree with the war or the goverment. The bottom line is, they represent America over there and give thier lives so that our country can continue to enjoy the freedoms that it has in the past.

Agree 250%. How easily some forget that everything they have and do and the freedom to express themselves and live whatever lifestyle they want to comes from the defense of our nation from vets now and in the past. People just don't get it. I sat in my breakroom one night listening to another nurse just trash the war, trash the government, trash everything knowing full well my husband was there ... .I had to get up and walk out. Everyone has a right to their opinion, but to express it in the company of those making so many sacrifices -- takes a lot of gall.

Not to say that anyone here has done that -- as this thread started out about the use of antidepressants -- but it always seems to drift into that gray area. You don't have to support the war -- just support the troops and their willingless to go so you don't have to.

Thanks for your service, Lela -- we can't do or say enough to thank you and others like you.

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Specializes in ED/trauma.
In the "old days" they handed out Grog and Ale to the troops. Now it's zoloft and Prozac.

New century, new names.

At least they recognize a need and are trying to do something about it. I think counseling and/or debriefing is very important as well.

Counseling is available. It's actually quite helpful because individuals can receive disability pay for PTSD. Debriefing is almost a joke though. Much of it entails "reminding" the troops to keep certain pieces of information confidential...

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Specializes in ED/trauma.
Hey I feel flames. Yeah it's probably easy for me to say that they "volunteered" for the service. Whatever. I know how recruiters are. I've been called many many times. I have a close friend who has served three tours in Iraq over the past couple years but he made the decision to re-up because he wanted that money. I'm not removing myself from any situation by saying that either.

No flames -- just education. I married into the military. My husband did several deployments in the mid east, though not in Iraq, thank gawd (simply because of his career path though!). My attempt was only to inform because I know many people are "removed," though I realize this is not by choice. Clearly, no one is privy to second-hand knowledge if it's just plain not available -- esp. when the media paints a MUCH rosier picture than reality is.

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Specializes in ED/trauma.
As a military nurse who is currently deployed, I see how the effects of the war are affecting soldiers of all ages and socioeconomics everyday. If someone needs help, whether it be therapy or medications or self help groups, whatever, more power to them for recognizing this. It is easy to sit back at our computers and judge what we think others should do, but until you have been over there and seen what our soldiers are seeing, I think no one can judge the choices these soldiers make in seeking help. As for joining the military, my husband has been active duty for 14 years and is now a recruiter. Not everyone that joins the military is of low income with a family to support. I graduated college, had an excellent paying job and chose to join in order to fight and support my country. I take pride that I serve our nation, and feel like our soldiers should be the most respected people in the country. The support of our soliders allow you to have the freedoms that you enjoy right now, including posting on this website. Before lumping people into groups about joining for the money, or "knowing what they were getting into" think about all the freedoms you have because of our soliders. Some were prepared, some were not, but until you have been overseas and see the things that I occur, I find it hard for anyone to critizize or judge others choices. Don't offend our soldiers or disrespect them just because you don't agree with the war or the goverment. The bottom line is, they represent America over there and give thier lives so that our country can continue to enjoy the freedoms that it has in the past.

I guess everyone in the military feels different about their role. I won't dare speak on behalf of ANY military member, but my husband does NOT believe that we're over THERE fighting for OUR freedom -- present or future. I'm pretty sure this response has no place in a nursing forum, though, so let's just pretend I kept my mouth shut :stone

And I do wholeheartedly agree that there is a BIG difference between supporting our troops and supporting "my" government.

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Specializes in ICU/Critical Care.
No flames -- just education. I married into the military. My husband did several deployments in the mid east, though not in Iraq, thank gawd (simply because of his career path though!). My attempt was only to inform because I know many people are "removed," though I realize this is not by choice. Clearly, no one is privy to second-hand knowledge if it's just plain not available -- esp. when the media paints a MUCH rosier picture than reality is.

I didn't need education. I am well aware of military life. Like I said I have a friend who is serving in Iraq for the third time in 3 years,an uncle served in Vietnam (not drafted either) who was awarded the Navy Cross and a grandfather who served in WWII. My father also served in the Navy. As I recall they were not coerced into the military. They joined the military out of love for their country not because some recruiter said its a good idea. That's all I was simply stating. I'm proud of them as they are doing something I would never be able to do.You have your opinion, I have mine. We will have to agree to disagree. No I don't agree with this "war". And I could go on and on about our president's war-mongering. Look at my signature...1-20-09 END OF AN ERROR. No more Bush(sorry to those who support him).

But if some anti-depressants are going to help the troops cope with the crap they have to deal with over in Iraq and Afghanistan, I have no qualms about it.:twocents:

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Specializes in Operating Room Nursing.

I'm not going to express my views on the war. The fact is that like it or not the war has happened and the soldiers have probably seen a lot of things that most of us cannot even imagine.

If you have look at the experiences from soldiers in WW1, WW2, Vietnam etc and the mental health problems they suffered later then IMHO the government/military needs to provide them with the best possible care.

I think that if the soldiers need antidepressants to cope then that is fine. However if the antidepressants they are just used as a bandaid solution just to keep them going day after day when they may need to be pulled out of the situation and receive further mental health care then no it's not enough.

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Specializes in ER/OR.

If the troops need SSRI's, then yes they should get them. However, I think it's tragically sad we are putting them in a never-ending situation in which they have to utilize SSRI's to get through the day. Our current administration absolutely loves making veterans, but are disinterested in taking care of them. :(

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Specializes in ED/trauma.
I didn't need education. I am well aware of military life...

If I'm trying to educate you directly, you'll know it. Otherwise, go right ahead and assume that I'm NOT directing my response at YOU only. Cheers!

:hdvwl:

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While I hate the war, sometimes the military has to do what it has to do. I remember the big ruckus about the Anthrax Vaccine and I was really glad I received it after all the mail scares (not that I needed it). It tells you in the fine print that the military can and will use you as a guinea pig and/or make you take things you otherwise wouldn't want to.

Volunteer Army. Read the fine print... Besides, if you have to be in a war, having an antidepressant might be nice. In danger and depressed or just in danger???

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