Data, the human face.
We all have a cause, something that goes beyond our professional lives, something that gets us moving or even worked up. For me, it’s always about data and the evidence, as the quote goes ‘data doesn’t care about your emotions'. In reality, data (evidence) often stirs deep emotions.
Leading up to Remembrance Day, 11th November, I often get a little emotive about a few data-sets - the mental and physical health of serving and returned military personnel. Being born in the United Kingdom, Remembrance Day is symbolic to me. There are many other important days of remembrance equally as important- ANZAC Day in Australia, Memorial and Veterans Day in the United States and many others globally.
The data tells us, from a range of endless global sources[1] [2] [3] that military personnel exposed to ‘high-intensity conflict’ (this being a warlike activity that is sustained, organized, large-scale, with casualties and the consumption of significant resources) are more likely to have substance abuse problems, physical and mental health issues, and family problems. The data shows a disturbing trend and yet, in an unstable world, our need to defend sovereignty and freedom through the military is unlikely to subside.
When the data is so compelling and the evidence is proven, we must all ask "can we do more"? Thankfully, because of the data, there is now open acknowledgment of these issues. Governments are trying hard to change their practices to better support those in the military returning from high intensity conflict - research is ongoing[4], support and services are now available. Military support charities are now mainstream however it is more than money that is required - can you give time?
Time to look more carefully at the CV of someone who has served in the military
Time to reflect on the human cost involved
Remembrance Day is a painful time for many, myself included. It’s easy to forget that the freedoms we all take for granted came at a human cost. Sons, daughters, wives, husbands, brothers, and sisters of all walks of life, of all nations, have lost their lives or have ongoing injuries.
Whatever you believe in respect to the morality of warfare, these events have occurred. There is plenty of data to support that. Many did not have a choice or another option under conscription/national service. Even today, for some, joining the military is the only option to improve their social and economic outcomes.
Whatever your belief, your background, and your woes, take some time to reflect on November the 11th.
‘For your tomorrow, they gave their today.' (edited Edmonds).
[1] https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/data-sheets/Suicide-Data-Sheets-VA-States.pdf
[2] https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/veterans/incidence-of-suicide-among-serving-ex-serving-2015/contents/table-of-contents
[3]https://www.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/295710/foi_veterans_ptsd_1392723878.pdf