How Prevalent Is PTSD Among OEF/OIF Veterans?
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) estimates that 11% to 20% of OEF/OIF veterans have PTSD in any given year and may be at risk for other mental health problems. PTSD was more likely to be diagnosed in service members several months after they returned from these two conflicts, rather than right away.
Operation Iraqi Freedom and PTSD
OIF started with the invasion of Iraq on March 20, 2003, and officially ended in 2011 when the U.S. and its allies withdrew its forces. 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 that can contribute to the condition. According to the VA, some 95% of OIF combat veterans reported seeing dead bodies. Meanwhile, 93% said they had been shot at, 89% said they had been attacked or ambushed, 86% received mortar or rocket fire, and 86% said they knew someone who had been seriously injured or killed.
Operation Enduring Freedom and PTSD
OEF was launched by the U.S. and its allies as a response to the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001, that brought down the World Trade Center and damaged the Pentagon. The attacks were linked to al Qaeda, a terrorist group operating in Afghanistan under the protection of the Taliban. In October 2001, the U.S. invaded Afghanistan in an effort to oust the Taliban and destroy al Qaeda. Operation Enduring Freedom lasted for 13 years until December 2014, when the U.S. and its allies ended their combat mission in Afghanistan. Although OEF combat veterans generally don’t suffer from PTSD at the same rates as OIF veterans, significant numbers who participated in this conflict also experienced combat stressors, according to the VA.
Mental Illness in OEF/OIF Veterans
Up to 18% of OEF/OIF veterans suffer from PTSD; these veterans also are at high risk for other mental health problems.
84% said they had received mortar or rocket fire 66% said they had been shot at58% said they had been attacked or ambushed43% said they knew someone who had been seriously injured or killed39% said they had seen dead bodies.
Specifically, depression has affected between 3% and 25% of these veterans Veterans also have had difficulties with drinking and excessive tobacco use, the VA says.
Ways You Can Help
Unfortunately, even though we know PTSD is very common among veterans and treatments are available, too many veterans aren’t seeking help. The Department of Defense realizes the 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. Many vets are sharing their stories to help fight the stigma and allow others to speak up about their struggles. Families and support systems are crucial for the person who has PTSD. 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.
Resources for Veterans With PTSD
If you are living with PTSD but don’t know where to start, there are resources available. The U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for PTSD is dedicated to research and education surrounding PTSD. Other military resources are available which can help with the spectrum of mental health concerns and more that concern veterans. 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.
