War's Hidden Cost

CNN reports on combat stress among US soldiers:

Almost two out of every 10 U.S. troops who have faced combat in Iraq may return with serious symptoms of depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder, according to an unprecedented study...

The study found 17 percent of those who served in Iraq met the criteria for major depression, anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder -- or PTSD. Eleven percent who served in Afghanistan met the criteria.

But even worse, the study found, was that less than 40 percent of those afflicted by PTSD sought help...

Steve Robinson, executive director of the National Gulf War Resource Center, [notes] "This study indicates that the sickest veterans who need the most help won't go."

Ninety percent of those posted to Iraq reported being shot at. A high percentage also reported killing an enemy combatant, or knowing someone who was injured or killed. About half said they had handled a body.

That's the US side--does anyone think Iraqis aren't similarly affected?

Off topic: yesterday was unbelievably busy over here--hell, I thought state workers were supposed to take naps. But I was out and about for most of the day. We'll see how things shape up now that the weekend approaches...anyway, I hope to be posting a little more regularly now that most stuff has been taken care of--for now. Remember, I deal with Microsoft products, which means nothing is ever really fixed.