Depression in vets needs attention, careful recognition

By themselves, the news stories I read were informative, but dull. It was the order I read them in that set me off.

The first story focused on Army Sgt. Kristofer Goldsmith’s struggles with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, an anxiety disorder that often occurs after experiencing a traumatic event. Depression almost always accompanies PTSD.

In January 2005, Goldsmith was stationed in Sadr City, assigned to document the Iraqi violence occurring at that time. It was his job to photograph the mutilated bodies of men, women and children.

He is quoted saying those images never left him.

On his return home, his life began to spiral out of control.

He began to drink heavily and turned to violence as an escape. In 2007, Goldsmith was discharged after attempting suicide by overdosing on Percocet and vodka.

Months after his discharge, he was finally officially diagnosed with PTSD and depression. He currently lives with his parents, earning $700 a month disability pay.

The focus of the article was that nearly 20 percent, or one in five returning war veterans experience symptoms of PTSD and depression. Less than half of those seek treatment.

I know people who struggle with PTSD and depression daily. It is a sad and frustrating subject.

With the picture of Goldsmith destitute and living with his parents still on my mind, I clicked on the next news article.

The lead was eerily similar; dangerous work, unable to see family for months, the food isn’t great and stepping outside for fresh air is impossible.

Only the journalist wasn’t talking about soldiers, Iraq or death.

It was about a new $1.74 million computer to help depressed astronauts.

Seriously.

For four years the government has been developing a computer to help astronauts on the international space station identify the reason for their depression.

Sponsored by the National Space Biomedical Research Institute, the program uses a recorded video therapist to guide astronauts through, “problem-solving treatment.” Then the program assists them in creating a plan to fight the depression.

I read the article slowly, all the way to the end. Surely there would be a mention of its intended use for soldiers, sailors and Marines in dealing with PTSD and depression.

There was not.

Instead it will be tested on civilians in Boston.

I don’t think anyone in Boston has been depressed since the Red Sox won the World Series.

Could the men and women serving in our armed forces be more insulted? Neglected? Overlooked?

Yes, I realize astronauts who spend a lot of time in space may experience symptoms of depression.

But there are only a couple hundred astronauts who have spent that much time in space. There are hundreds of thousands of troops that could benefit from this research.

Once again it becomes obvious we are fighting a war with a peacetime mentality.

By Melissa Greene

Associate Editor