Soldier Suicides Soaring in Iraq

This is a blog on the human cost of empire.

We all understand the ubiquitous phrase of supporting the troops. It has become synonymous with American politics and American culture. In fact, if the old adage - put your money where your heart is - means anything, then our federal budget places the military near and dear our heart.

And, yet, with the hundreds of billions of dollars pumping into our military industrial complex to support missions abroad and the current war in Iraq, Americans need to think about the human cost of empire.

And, keep in mind that this is not a polemic against the military or nation building.

When we send young men and women from various backgrounds to violent and perilous environments to defend, fight, and kill all in the name of national defense, what goes on in their psyche, their emotions, and their mind as they fight? Surely, we don't think these men and women are simply cut off - vacuous - from the emotional toll of death, destruction and despair?

Actually, research tells us that returning soldiers have greater risks for suicide, depression, anxiety, intimate partner violence, and so forth. Soldiers engaging in and returning from war - physically wounded or not - suffer mental wounds as well. I think our society tends to only concern itself with the physically wounded and simply expect soldiers to take it - man up if you will.

That attitude of ignoring the psychological is costing us an increasing suicide rate in Iraq by soldiers. In fact, suicide is the leading cause of non-combat death in Iraq and steadily rising. The military is also suggesting that next year could be the highest since it starting keeping records in 1980.

We all can do a little. First, talk to your military friends about how they are doing. Second, encourage them to seek help if they are feeling stressed. After all, its normal. Third, screen all military in Iraq and those coming home for increased mental health problems. Fourth, expand coverage by Insurance companies so the VAs aren't as overwhelmed. Fifth, let down traditional barriers to counseling and wellness.

Again, we must be vigilant about the human emotional cost of war. Unlike physical wounds, it remains unseen and suffered in silence.