The mental war of combat veterans
- June 5, 2015
- / Reggie Dogan
- / government
"War is an ugly thing," British philosopher John Stuart Mill declared.
An example of war's ugliness is the growing number of veterans who return to civilian life with post-traumatic stress disorders and traumatic brain injuries.
Left untreated, mental health problems common among veterans can lead to substance abuse, domestic violence and other criminal activity.
Sadly, some turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with their experiences on the battlefield and too often end up in the criminal justice system as a result.
For veterans in Escambia County, help is on the way.
Starting Monday, June 9, Escambia County Veterans Court offer struggling veterans the opportunity to avoid jail time and live a stable life in spite of mental, physical or psychological injuries they may have suffered as a result of combat.
Andrew Marr read about Escambia’s Veteran Court at PensacolaToday.com.
Marr knows the detrimental effects of combat. The former Green Beret suffered several head traumas during combat and was told he could no longer serve as a Special Forces Operator.
In a blog, “How to Conquer a TBI: A Former Green Beret’s Quest and His Challenge to You,” Marr tells of the downward spiral of alcohol abuse and depression attributed to traumatic brain injuries and his long-term struggle to come to grips with his problems and ultimately get the support and help he needed to overcome and survive.
Read Marr’s story here.
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