Writing of War in Afghanistan: A Review of Dr. Esmeralda Kleinreesink’s On Military Memoirs

Abstract

Veterans experience higher rates of mental health concerns than non-veterans, and poor mental health is an oft-discussed health problem in the mental health community (Wilcox, Finnery, & Cedarbaum, 2013). Estimated rates of stress injury and depression vary widely from 15-50% (Acosta, Adamson, Farmer, Farris, & Feeney, 2014; Coughlin, 2012). Though many veterans do get diagnoses and treatment, many more struggle with moral injuries, stress injuries, depression, and anxiety without diagnosis (Thomas et al., 2015). Closely correlated with suicide, mental health issues place a service member at risk; suicide risk is almost four times higher in the veteran population than in non-veterans (Bossarte, 2013; Department of Veterans Affairs, 2014; DSM V, 2013; Hoge & Castro, 2012). Military deployment to a war zone elevates the risk of long-term physical, psychological, and social problems and reduces overall health status (Spelman, Hunt, Seal, & Burgo-Black, 2012). The question of how to help veterans reintegrate by connecting with civilian community members is a uniquely salient one. Reintegration into new roles and loss of community felt when leaving the military contribute to depression among recently discharged veterans (Brenner & Barnes, 2012). Analyses of veteran demographics indicate that two million veterans return to civilian life each year, with the liminal space of transition creating a major issue impacting mental health outcomes (Friedman, 2015; Romero, Riggs, & Ruggero, 2015; Thomas & Plummer Taylor, 2015). Yet, the programs in place to help veterans reintegrate has historically low adherence rates. Thus, the need for creative options well beyond the simple answers offered by traditional therapy programs (Malmin,