Fort Hood shootings show strain of war needs renewed focus
The murderous rampage at the Fort Hood Army base in Texas is a grim reminder of the mental stress of war.
As President Obama contemplates a troop build-up in Afghanistan, a key consideration must be the strain on existing military resources. Now also would be a good time for a thorough review of the military’s efforts to reduce and treat mental health issues, which are at an all-time high.
Troops on their third or fourth deployment have significantly lower morale, and more mental-health problems and more stress-related problems.
Investigators are still determining what caused Nidal M. Hasan to open fire on dozens of his colleagues on Thursday. Hasan, a psychiatrist, treated victims of trauma at Fort Hood and previously at an army medical facility.
Although Hasan had never served in combat, he saw patients with mental health symptoms caused by the stress of war, such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress. It’s not uncommon for caregivers to then experience some symptoms vicariously. Hasan, known to be a critic of the wars, was about to be deployed to Afghanistan. Family say he wanted out of the military.
Another concern from the shootings is a potential backlash against Muslims. Hasan’s aunt told The Washington Post that her nephew had endured harassment for his faith since 9/11. Leaders of Islam were quick to denounce Hasan’s deed. Citizens must keep in check any anti-Muslim fervor, and avoid blaming all Muslims for the deed of one.
