the danish veterans' policy

The psychically injuredIt is normal to react to unpleasant incidents. For mostpeople, the reactions fade away again after a brief periodof time. For a minor group, the reactions may developinto an actual psychical illness, which needs treatment.Upon their homecoming, some veterans experiencepassing emotional problems, for instance characterizedby restlessness, sadness, social withdrawal, short temperand aggressive behaviour, or abuse of either alcohol oreuphoriants. If the symptoms prevail, they may becomepermanent. These problems are a severe strain – also tothe relatives of the veteran. It is important that the veterangets help and support as soon as possible.The situation for veterans with emotional problems canbe complicated by social circumstances, such as brokenrelationships, frequent sick-days, or more ordinary problemswith finding their way back to normal everyday life.Especially the emotionally traumatized veterans feel thatthe authorities display a general lack of understandingof the problems that may arise due to a deployment.Psychically injured veterans often expect to receive specialconsideration. On the other hand, public authoritiesmay have a problem defining the exact problems andmay have a hard time getting the necessary informationfrom the veteran.The situation is such today that only the National Hospitalof Denmark (Rigshospitalet) is able to offer psychiatricassistance with a basis in military vocational knowledge.For veterans living far away from the capital, who forinstance suffer from a severe psychic strain reaction,the geographic distance may be a barrier in itself.Psychically injured veterans sometimes have a feelingthat their local authorities do not possess the necessaryexperience, and that there is a general lack of knowledgeof the special conditions of the veterans.Psychically injured veterans may harbour considerableresistance and scepticism towards addressing thetherapeutic system, and may react strongly, if theyfeel rejected.In some cases, emotional problems emerge a long timeafter homecoming. Veterans and relatives are informedin detail, which symptoms they should be aware of,and which options there are for treatment by the psychologistsof the Defence – also after homecoming.The psychologists of the Defence are not aware of allveterans with psychic problems. This is either becausethe problem has not been recognized by the individualveteran, or because the person in question does notwant help from the Defence.This is what we do today:QuestionnaireFocus onthe psychically injuredThe Danish Defence sends out questionnaires tothe veterans six months after their homecoming.In the questionnaires, they may recount theirexperiences and reactions after deployment.The psychologists of the Defence contact anyveteran who is showing indications of need forsupport, unless the veteran specifically declinesthis (since 1997).In 2009, the Ministry of Defence and the Ministryof Health informed the regions and the localauthorities that veterans with psychical problemsmay face specific challenges. At the same time,they were informed of the existing offers ofsupport in the Defence and in the health system.The veterans’ policy of the Danish government 13