Report on PTSD Awareness and Support by Army Chaplains

Introduction

On PTSD Awareness Day, Army chaplains emphasize the critical importance of mental and spiritual health for Soldiers, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of Good Health and Well-being (SDG 3) and Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions (SDG 16). Maintaining mental readiness is integral to combat readiness, ensuring Soldiers are supported holistically.

Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD is recognized as a serious and enduring injury that can result from combat, training accidents, assault, loss of comrades, or other traumatic events. Its effects extend beyond the immediate incident, impacting focus, sleep, relationships, trust, and a Soldier’s sense of purpose, identity, and faith. Addressing PTSD contributes to SDG 3 by promoting mental health and well-being.

Role of Army Chaplains in Supporting Soldiers

Chaplains are embedded within every formation, field problem, and duty station, providing face-to-face, confidential support without judgment or career risk. Their services align with SDG 3 and SDG 16 by fostering inclusive, supportive environments and strengthening institutional trust.

Key Functions of Chaplains Include:

1. Providing confidential one-on-one counseling in various settings such as offices, motor pools, fields, deployments, and barracks.
2. Listening and assisting Soldiers in managing stress, guilt, anger, grief, and doubt.
3. Helping process trauma and moral injury through spiritual tools and guidance.

Additional Support Services

• Teaching spiritual and mental resilience to prevent overwhelming stress.
• Conducting Building Strong & Ready Teams (BSRT) retreats to rebuild marriages and families affected by deployment or PTSD.
• Leading grief services and offering guidance on relationship struggles, family pressures, anger, and leadership challenges.
• Connecting Soldiers with behavioral health experts, medical care, and other resources without stigma.

Promoting Resilience and Well-being

Encouraging Soldiers to seek help is a demonstration of strength, reinforcing squad cohesion and mission readiness. This approach supports SDG 3 by enhancing mental health resilience and SDG 16 by fostering peaceful and inclusive communities within the military.

Availability of Support

Army chaplains are available around the clock to provide support through conversation, prayer, education, or simply listening. Their presence ensures that no Soldier faces mental health challenges alone, contributing to the achievement of SDG 3 and SDG 16.

Resources for Soldiers Needing Support

• Contact your unit or installation chaplain (available 24/7).
• Military OneSource: 1-800-342-9647.
• Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 988, Press 1.

Conclusion

On PTSD Awareness Day and every day, Army chaplains play a vital role in supporting the mental and spiritual health of Soldiers. Their work aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals by promoting health, well-being, and strong institutional support systems, ensuring Soldiers are never alone in their fight against PTSD.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • The article focuses on mental and spiritual health of Soldiers, emphasizing the importance of mental readiness and support for PTSD, which directly relates to ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being.
2. SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
   • The article highlights confidential support systems within the military, promoting peaceful and supportive environments, and addressing trauma and moral injury, which contributes to building peaceful and inclusive societies.
3. SDG 5: Gender Equality (implied)
   • While not explicitly mentioned, the support for mental health and family resilience may implicitly support gender equality by addressing family and relationship challenges.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 3 Targets
   • Target 3.4: By 2030, reduce by one third premature mortality from non-communicable diseases through prevention and treatment and promote mental health and well-being.
   • Target 3.5: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol, which is linked to mental health support systems.
2. SDG 16 Targets
   • Target 16.1: Significantly reduce all forms of violence and related death rates everywhere, which includes addressing trauma and moral injury in Soldiers.
   • Target 16.7: Ensure responsive, inclusive, participatory and representative decision-making at all levels, reflected in confidential and stigma-free support systems.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Indicators for SDG 3
   • Prevalence of mental health disorders such as PTSD among Soldiers.
   • Access to mental health services and counseling (e.g., availability of chaplains 24/7, Military OneSource, Veterans Crisis Line).
   • Number of Soldiers participating in resilience-building programs like Building Strong & Ready Teams (BSRT) retreats.
2. Indicators for SDG 16
   • Number of confidential counseling sessions conducted without negative career consequences.
   • Measures of stigma reduction in seeking mental health support within military units.
   • Incidence of violence or trauma-related cases reported and addressed through chaplaincy and support services.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: army.mil