As Geo knows, my ex-hubby used to be in the army before we met and served in the gulf war and bosnia. Some of the stories he told me were just horrifying, and the mental images alone when I think about them are so haunting and enough sometimes to bring tears to my eyes. I remember after he told me a particularly harrowing story involving a young child that i'd have preferred to remain in blissful ignorance, but that also feels wrong to say. I don't know how widespread ptsd/mental health issues are among the forces, but I know I couldn't deal with the atrocities of war - massive respect to those that can and do.
Claire
Greta to see things picking up for you, pass on my hello to Gatters.
I've never spoken much to Mrs Geo regards some of what I seen and we've been married 33 years next week. It's a strange one and we each react differently. Many tend to keep these things to themselves, however I have seen many take great pleasure in describing things in graphic detail.
the 2 main things that stick in my mind is the full heli tele footage of the Corporal Killings I mentioned earlier and being part of a clearing up operation on The Road To Basra and other areas at the end of the Gulf war. Not easy prising melted human from metal vehicles I can tell you.
Measuring mental health/ptsd is very difficult, mostly due to too many using it as an excuse for early release or to claim additional benefits. There are too many cases not receiving the care they require and deserve.
xx
Geo
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