It is only in the past few years that there has been serious attention and discussion given to the role of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in American veterans. Often isolated once they’ve returned home, soldiers do not always have access to the help they need.
Sebastian Errazuriz, an artist, was surprised to learn that in 2009 more soldiers committed suicide than were killed in Iraq. His public art installation brought attention to soldiers’ experiences both on and off the battlefield, both before and after their service.
You can check out his art here:
https://meetsebastian.com/public
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Why do you think this is an effective way to draw attention to American soldiers and their struggles with PTSD?
In Israel, the issue of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in the military is taken quite seriously. With a national draft that requires every 18 year-old person to serve in the army, the number of veterans is high. Additionally, because Israel is often in conflict or war, the number of veterans who have served in military operations is also high.
Israel has developed and continues to develop ways of helping combat PTSD in soldiers. Several summers ago, three soldiers committed suicide after military action in Gaza. This article explores the country’s involvement in this issue: http://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-treats-hundreds-of-soldiers-for-ptsd-like-symptoms-post-gaza/
- Why is it important that Israel focus its time and money on treating PTSD?
- What else can Israel be doing to help its soldiers?
Interested in exploring more? CBS did a segment on treating PTSD.
http://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-war-within-treating-ptsd-2/