By Mike Urban
The Reading Eagle
Originally published November 12, 2012
Fewer of America's troops are heading into combat with the war in Iraq over and the war in Afghanistan nearing a close.
But the demand for mental health care among active duty personnel is increasing, in part because combat has left many in need of help, and because the military is doing more to treat its mentally ill troops, Department of Defense officials said.
Suicide prevention has become one of the military's most urgent concerns, and treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder within the military has come a long way in recent years, said Defense Department spokeswoman Cynthia O. Smith.
"We are committed to taking care of our people, and that includes doing everything possible to prevent suicides in the military," she said.
To reduce the long-standing military stigma surrounding mental health problems, the defense department urges commanders to support those in need of care, she said.
The entire story is here.
