Majority of Men in Uniform Suffer from Mental Health Challenges, Reveals Study
By Denilson Deneki
A recent study conducted within South Sudan’s Ministry of Defence has found that over 78% of military personnel, including both men and women, are affected by mental health issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. The findings were presented by Dr. Michael Deng De Monychol, a clinical psychiatrist with the Chaplaincy Corps at the Ministry.
Speaking at the launch of South Sudan’s first-ever National Mental Health and Psychosocial Support Strategic Plan (2025–2029) at the Pyramid Continental Hotel in Juba, Dr. Deng emphasized the severity of the crisis.
“Our men in uniform are neglected when it comes to mental health,” he stated. “These are our brothers and sisters who have sacrificed to protect this country. After service, they return to the community carrying invisible wounds that must be addressed.”
The study, which surveyed ex-combatants and veterans, revealed that trauma, anxiety, and depression are widespread among military personnel due to prolonged exposure to conflict and limited access to psychosocial support services. Dr. Deng called for urgent action, urging the Ministry of Defence to be directly involved in the implementation of the national mental health strategy.
“The Ministry of Defence should be considered an integral part of our mental health plan,” he urged. “We need counselling departments, psychosocial support units, and trained professionals within the military system especially at facilities like Giyada Military Hospital, where many soldiers are still suffering from the effects of war.”
He also appealed to the Ministry of Health to extend both technical and financial support to the military’s health services, which currently rely heavily on humanitarian organizations such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).
Furthermore, Dr. Deng highlighted the importance of training and licensing more mental health professionals, including psychologists, counselors, and psychiatrists. He pointed out that current policies do not adequately recognize or register clinical psychologists under the national medical framework.
“We have many qualified counselors and psychologists who are not registered because the Medical Council’s policy doesn’t cover them,” he explained. “Addressing this gap is crucial if we are to build a resilient mental health system.”
Concluding his remarks, Dr. Deng called for increased collaboration among the Ministries of Health and Defence, humanitarian partners, and civil society organizations to ensure that military personnel receive the mental health care they deserve.
“The men and women who protect this country must also be protected not just physically, but mentally,” he asserted. “Mental health care for our forces is not a luxury; it is a necessity.”
The newly launched Strategic Plan (2025–2029) aims to integrate mental health into primary healthcare, reduce stigma, and expand access to psychosocial services across all 10 states and three administrative areas of South Sudan.
