Educational Media Reviews Online

Shell shock; battle fatigue; gross stress disorder—all terms for what we now call PTSD—Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. War in the Mind delves into the world of soldiers affected by this insidious injury—the effect it has on their psychological, physical, and social health, and serves as a call to action for greater recognition among governments and society in general.

A Canadian production, War in the Mind opens with young soldiers, most who served in Afghanistan, relating the specific incidents that caused their PTSD. Some describe their shock at watching close buddies die from IEDs or sniper attacks; some talk about the guilt and horror of killing another human being, even if that person is an enemy. While most people in our Western culture can understand the mental anguish of someone labeled as having PTSD, not many people realize the continual and lasting impact the injury has on social interactions, relationships with family and friends, and the physical symptoms that result from being unable to sleep or to eat. Another common trend is high addiction rates among soldiers with PTSD as a way to help deal with the continual stress. The film focuses on Mr. Dalliere, a Canadian senator at the time of filming, a PTSD sufferer himself, who is working tirelessly to educate the government and the public about the needs of veterans who come home from war not with visible injuries like broken bones, but with those much harder to see, and even harder to accept and move on.

Numerous documentaries and clinical DVDs on PTSD have been released in recent years, but War in the Mind highlights some different aspects that other programs tend not to include. One example is the issue of veteran suicide. A good portion of this film is devoted to the topic, and features the incredibly poignant story of one family’s struggle to get the Canadian government to recognize the military accomplishments of their son who had PTSD, did not get the proper treatment, and ultimately took his own life. Filmmaker Judy Jackson also looks at the governments of Britain, Canada, and the U.S. and the lack of good statistical information on soldiers with PTSD and suicide rates. The film makes an outstanding case for improved data gathering and the need to redefine some standard record keeping procedures to include the lasting injuries suffered from PTSD.

While most films on PTSD mention that help is available, kudos to Ms. Jackson for showing a couple of group therapy sessions from programs specifically tailored to help veterans. It is as inspiring to see young soldiers from the Afghanistan War and Bosnian peacekeeping forces as it is heartbreaking to see older veterans of World War II, Korean and Vietnam Wars, and NATO forces still battling and unleashing long-kept secrets, both groups working hard to heal deep emotional wounds. Another aspect of PTSD that most other films do not highlight is our military and societal views of the disorder as a weakness instead of a battle injury. The inspirational Mr. Dalliere has devoted his life to overcoming those hurdles a little at a time.

The DVD is a bit long for classroom viewing in one showing, but includes a scene selection menu for sectional viewing. A brief follow-up interview with some of the soldiers featured in the film is included as a DVD extra. Recommended for library collections in military studies, health sciences, public health, psychology, war and peace.