UK Military Program Addresses Invisible Wounds

Since at least the First World War, militaries have recognized that their members are exposed to pyschological as well as to physical risk. This profile of a British program called Trauma Risk Management has much in common with approaches such as peer to peer counselling and support used in Canadian programs such as OSISS (Occupational Stress Injury and Support), and there are other similarities to American programs such as Battlemind. All good stuff, and their widespread adoption by militaries is heartening. MP+

A People In Defence news article
18 Jan 10

The Royal Navy's Operational Stress Management Team at Portsmouth helped pioneer the now widely used Trauma Risk Management (TRiM) for troops who may have encountered traumatic episodes whilst deployed on operations. They are now looking at other techniques to assist in identifying potential stress-related issues and the best way to deal with them. Report by Leigh Morrison.

With the unseen mental effects of taking part in combat missions becoming more recognised and understood, pre- and post-operational psychological support is now available in all three Services, along with assistance and advice for personnel whilst they are deployed on operations.

Although it is thought that post-traumatic illnesses cannot be prevented, they can be successfully treated. The key to a successful outcome is early identification. It is this premise which has led to the research, development and usage of Trauma Risk Management (TRiM).

Read the whole piece here.