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How does a psychiatrist lose control and go on a shooting rampage against his fellow workers and soldiers? The recent shootings at Fort Hood, TX has many people wondering how this could happen, and waiting for more details as to what exactly went wrong, and how we can prevent it from ever happening again.
The Role of Psychiatrists in the Army
Psychiatrists are the trusted doctors that many people turn to when they have problems with their mental health. They are trained to see the warning signs of someone who is suffering mentally and give them the help they need. They are there to listen to other patients’ problems and anxieties, and provide the therapy needed to make these people well again.
Soldiers that have been in combat often have lingering effects of the trauma and violence that they were a part of. Mental illness, post traumatic stress disorder, and substance abuse often follow our soldiers even long after their service is complete. For this reason, the government has appointed many psychiatrists to help our soldiers recover mentally from their tour of duty.
Psychiatrists Face Problems Too
Maybe there are not enough psychiatrists and therapists to watch out for each other. Mental health professionals put in long hours themselves, they are used to putting each other first, they hear the horror stories and suffering of others, and sometimes they fail to get the help they need. If they are so taxed from working with their patients that really need the therapy, maybe they are not able to see their own mental illness creeping up.
Reports indicate that this was the reason behind the Fort Hood shootings. Nidal Malik Hasan caused havoc and devastation on the very people he was trying to help. Some professionals suspect he suffered from “compassion fatigue”, which occurs when the counselor becomes traumatized by all the events that their patients have gone through. People with this type of disorder often become withdrawn and isolated, they become depressed, and have trouble sleeping. So often the signs of mental illness are present, they just aren’t recognized. Sometimes friends and family think they should simply back off and give the person some space. What they really need, however, is help.
With all the soldiers coming back from war with post traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse problems, the job of therapists is most likely going to get more and more difficult. It is important to increase the numbers of psychiatrists when necessary in order to work with each individual that needs help. It is also vital that there are ways in place to monitor these therapists and make sure their mental health is being cared for as well.
Sources
Fort Hood suspect may have sufferend from “compassion fatigue”
Shortage of military therapists creates strain
Fort Hood tragedy: Psychiatrists not immune from inner demons
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Mike — November 12, 2009 @ 7:20 am
Thanks for the post.
Such an awful situation when a therapist turns like that. I don’t know if it is common and the answers are clear. A therapist needs therapy..period. It should be mandated.
My heart goes out to our women and men soldiers who were seeing him for therapy. They will need to deal with even more ptsd!