Mental health of military servicemen
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.29038/2227-1376-2023-41-kosKeywords:
mental disorders, addiction, suicide, aggression, anxiety, depressionAbstract
Purpose. The article contains a theoretical overview of research on the mental health of military personnel, the main risks related to the loss of mental well-being.
Methods. The review was carried out using theoretical methods of scientific research, namely analysis, synthesis, structuring and systematization of information.
Results. Military mental health research often focuses on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, the literature highlights a consistent relationship between PTSD and increased risks of physical health problems, substance use/abuse, suicide, homelessness, and aggression/violence for veterans. The military profession is constantly associated with stress. Scientists have identified six main dimensions of stress in military operations: isolation, ambiguity, powerlessness, boredom and danger, and workload. Being on the "front line" is said to be the most traumatic, but modern warfare with technological advancements leaves all military personnel under constant threat of attack. Military service can expose you to experiences that undermine a basic sense of humanity and disrupt global values and beliefs. Moral injury is a new construct to more fully capture the many possible psychological, ethical, and spiritual/existential challenges among people who have served in modern wars and other occupational groups affected by trauma.
Conclusions. According to the results of a theoretical review, the greatest risks for servicemen mental health are post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, anxiety disorders, moral trauma, complex grief, feelings of guilt, and suicidal tendencies. The main stress factors in the military profession are: moral dilemmas, conditions of constant danger and threat to life, significant workload, relative isolation, uncertainty, losses and observing the suffering of other people.
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