Mental health issues were found to be the leading reason for hospitalization of active duty U.S. military personnel in 2023.
New Defense Health Agency (DHA) report It found that of the roughly 62,800 hospital admissions in the military last year, roughly a third were for mental health treatment.
Of all the military services, the US Army had the most cases of mental illness with just over 8,000 cases, followed by the US Navy and Air Force with 5,257 and 3,554 cases, respectively.
While most of the male patients were diagnosed with adjustment disorder and alcohol abuse, the majority of the hospitalized female soldiers suffered from severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Their average stay was five days, but some took as long as 34 days to recover.
A holistic approach
Mental health care is a persistent issue for the U.S. military.
In February, the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) said the military Shortage of mental health workersThe military was forced to look elsewhere for help.
And when they do receive treatment, the DHA reportedly fails to monitor the progress of their treatment, including how long soldiers must wait to receive it.
Another analysis found that hundreds of soldiers and their families living in barracks Access to adequate mental health care It’s very rewarding.
In light of this, the Department of Defense has called on the military to take a “holistic and integrated approach” when treating mental health issues.
It also proposed considering the unique health challenges faced by active duty military personnel to “better meet their health needs.”
