Ghost in the Ranks: Forgotten Voices & Military Mental Health

by John J. Whelan

Operational Stress Injuries and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are among the possible consequences facing members of the Canadian military. Unlike the potential physical consequences of dangerous deployments, psychological injuries are not always apparent. Military members are taught a mental skillset to help them manage their internal emotional worlds allowing them to do extraordinary things. Unfortunately, while ingrained military training prepares our men and women for action as capable soldiers, this same training may also require them to trade aspects of their humanness-sowing the seeds for lingering mental distress. As a result, those most affected are left in a limbo, disconnected from their military roles and yet unable to relate to their former civilian lives. They become ghosts of their former selves, haunting the ranks until, more often than not, they find themselves on the outside looking in, with unacknowledged scars, anger, and regret. We ask a great deal of our men and women in uniform; if a shift in culture can help members of our military with mental distress, we owe it to them to make that shift possible....

264 pages, Hardcover

Published April 22, 2016

Reviews

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

An interesting read about members of the Canadian Military who suffered from PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder). The book retells true stories from soldiers and the mental issues they suffered. The pain and abandonment they experienced is depicted in this book. Dr Whelan does not give answers or solutions but tries to give an understanding of the psychological issues the soldiers went through as a result of PTSD.