New study suggests military members don’t get help for mental problems
Reported February 13, 2008
MONTREAL – A new survey of active and reserve members of the Canadian Forces suggests many soldiers don’t seek help for mental disorders and such problems as alcoholism.
The study of 8,441 soldiers was carried out during the last year by McGill University, the University of Montreal, Dalhousie University in Halifax and the University of Prince Edward Island.
It was released in Montreal today and will be published in the February edition of the research journal “Medical Care.”
Lead study author Deniz Fikretoglu says more than half of military members with a mental disorder don’t seek treatment.
The main reasons include a belief that the condition is temporary as well as a distrust of military health services and
social services.
Researchers say treatment is vital for soldiers returning from such wartorn countries as Afghanistan and they are urging the military to continue efforts to destigmatize mental health problems.
Source : The Canadian Press