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The Invisible Wounds of War

Posted: Jun 14, 2011 1:44 PM ET

Last Updated: Jun 14, 2011 4:01 PM ET

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About this Report

Canada's front line mission may be winding down, but the memory and trauma of battleground Afghanistan continues - especially for the countless Canadian soldiers who've been diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).



Diana Swain takes a closer look at the invisible, psychological wounds of war.

First, she explores why the Canadian military sends soldiers who've been diagnosed with PTSD back into rotation.

Also, she looks at a new treatment being used to treat PTSD called 'Virtual Reality Therapy'. The treatment is like a video game that replicates traumatic wartime scenarios. As Diana discovers, it is proving to be effective, so why isn't Canada jumping on board?

If you are a soldier with an Operational Stress Injury like PTSD or think you may be, or if you are a family member of one, you may contact the Force's Operational Stress Injury Social Support network (OSISS) at 1-800-883-6094 or visit their web site at www.osiss.ca .

If you are a soldier and are feeling depressed or suicidal you may contact the CF Member Assistance Program at 1-800-268-7708.

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Related Content from The National

Learn more about Diana Swain
Blog: Have you felt the effects of PTSD?
Afghanistan: What's Next?, Spring 2011
Susan Ormiston presents a series of reports as Canadian Forces prepare to leave after a 9-year mission in Afghanistan.
Afghanistan: Has It Been Worth It?, November 17, 2010
Peter Mansbridge hosts a panel debate on the question: Has the mission in Afghanistan been worth it?
Afghanistan: The Lives of Soldiers, July 12/13, 2010
The National documents life on the ground for Canadian and U.S. troops in Afghanistan.

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Canadian military redeploying soldiers with PTSD, June 14, 2011
In Depth: Post-traumatic stress disorder
Domestic violence up in Canadian military families, March 31, 2011
Drug selectively dampens bad memories, May 26, 2010
Brain scan patterns may reveal PTSD in soldiers, April 3, 2009
Brain changes from PTSD seen in soldiers, November 10, 2009

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Broken Heroes, October 30, 2009
Gillian Findlay speaks with three Canadian soldiers, recently returned from Afghanistan, who speak candidly about their struggles with PTSD.

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Learn more about 'Military Families Speak Out', the organization Larry Syverson belongs to