Mental health disorders attributed to more service member hospital stays than any other ailment: DoD

Mental health disorders are becoming a growing concern within the military, with a new Pentagon health report revealing that they now account for more hospitalizations than any other ailment. The report, conducted by the Defense Health Agency, showed a 40% increase in diagnoses of mental health disorders among active-duty service members from 2019 to 2023. Anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were found to have doubled over the five-year period.

In 2023, over half of all hospital bed stays for active-duty service members were due to mental health disorders, surpassing every other affliction combined. The report also indicated that 541,672 service members were diagnosed with at least one mental health disorder during the five-year timeframe, with nearly half of them being diagnosed with multiple disorders.

Notably, female service members, younger individuals, and those in the Army were more likely to be diagnosed with mental health disorders. The Navy led in depressive disorders, bipolar disorders, and personality disorders among the branches. Female service members were also diagnosed with PTSD twice as often as male service members.

The report highlighted the importance of prioritizing help-seeking behaviors to address psychological and emotional well-being, especially as service members continue to grapple with increased rates of mental health disorders following the COVID-19 pandemic. It emphasized the need to maintain force readiness by ensuring that troops are mentally prepared for combat if needed.

However, the uptick in mental health diagnoses raises questions about the underlying causes and whether the military is adequately equipped to address the mental health needs of its personnel. The Pentagon has yet to comment on these issues.

In addition to the rise in mental health disorders, military suicides have also increased, with 523 reported suicides in 2023, up from 493 in the previous year. Suicide remains the leading cause of death among service members, surpassing training accidents, illnesses, homicides, and combat casualties. The data also revealed that a significant number of suicide victims had sought help in the months leading up to their deaths, underscoring the importance of early intervention and support.

Overall, the findings of the Pentagon health report shed light on the urgent need for comprehensive mental health support and resources within the military to address the growing challenges faced by service members. As the military continues to grapple with these issues, it is crucial to prioritize mental health care and ensure that service members receive the support they need to maintain their well-being and readiness for duty.