Latest news with #AmericanPsychiatricAssociation
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
What is conversion therapy? A breakdown of the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruling on banning the practice
MADISON - In a ruling that gave the governor more power over how state laws are enacted, the Wisconsin Supreme Court cleared the way for the state to institute a ban on conversion therapy. In a 4-3 ruling July 8, the liberal-controlled court ruled that the Republican-controlled legislative committee's rejection of a state agency rule that would ban the practice of conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ people was unconstitutional. Here's what you need to know about conversion therapy and how this ruling impacts Wisconsinites. Conversion therapy is a discredited practice in which counselors instruct gay patients to change their sexual orientation, using therapy to "convert" LGBTQ+ people to heterosexuality or into traditional gender expectations and roles. In 1973, the American Psychiatric Association removed the diagnosis of homosexuality as a mental illness from its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. Before the removal of the classification, LGBTQ+ individuals could be institutionalized against their will, fired from their jobs and denied a mortgage, among other things. Many proponents of conversion therapy contend that sexual orientation is a mental health condition that can be healed through intervention from mental health professionals. While this idea has since been discredited through scientific research, some religious communities and families still seek out the practice of conversion therapy. Conversion therapy has been banned in 23 states and the District of Columbia, according to LGBTQ+ rights think tank Movement Advancement Project. A 2023 report by The Trevor Project, a nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth, found more than 1,300 active conversion therapists operating in all U.S. states except Vermont and Hawaii. A national poll conducted in 2019 by Ipsos/Reuters found that 56% of U.S. adults support making conversion therapy on youth by mental health practitioners illegal, compared to 18% who think it should be legal. A 2025 Data for Progress survey found that 60% of likely voters oppose the practice. The survey found that the stance on conversion therapy varies between political parties, with 72% of Democrats opposing the practice while only 46% of Republicans oppose it. The Wisconsin profession licensing board for therapists, counselors and social workers labeled conversion therapy as unprofessional conduct since April 2024. This provision was blocked twice by the Legislature's Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules — a powerful Republican-controlled panel in charge of approving state agency regulations, which prompted the lawsuit brought by Democratic Gov. Tony Evers In the July 8 decision, the Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that the committee overstepped its authority in blocking the ban on conversion therapy, among other state regulations put forth during Evers' administration, from being enacted. The ruling could have sweeping implications for the interaction between the Legislature and the governor's office, as it determines whether the legislative committee can continue to block rules created by the governor's office, rather than going through the full Legislature to create policy. In the majority opinion, Chief Justice Jill Karofsky disputed the notion that the ruling strips power from the Legislature, noting that the ruling does not prevent the Legislature from creating rules and laws through the legislative process. '…the Legislature retains power over the administrative rulemaking process regardless of our determination here,' she said. 'The Legislature created the current process. It alone maintains the ability to amend, expand, or limit the breadth of administrative rulemaking in the other branches — as long as it adheres to the constitution.' Evers, a staunch supporter of LGBTQ+ rights, has worked on trying to enact the conversion therapy ban since 2020, but the Legislature prevented it from going into effect. Evers applauded the ruling and said Republicans have been allowed to overstep their power and cause gridlock by holding up administrative rules for years. "It's pretty simple — a handful of Republican lawmakers should not be able to single-handedly and indefinitely obstruct state agencies from doing the people's work," he said in a news release. 'Wisconsinites want to protect our constitutional checks and balances. Today's Wisconsin Supreme Court decision ensures that no small group of lawmakers has the sole power to stymie the work of state government and go unchecked." Republican lawmakers, however, saw the ruling as a way to give the executive branch more power while stripping the Legislature of its checks-and-balances role. Assembly Speaker Robin Vos, R-Rochester, criticized the court for removing oversight. 'For decades, case law has upheld the constitutionality of the legislative rules committee to serve as a legitimate check on the powers of the Governor and the overreach of the bureaucracy. Today's decision overrules those cases," Vos said in a statement. "As Justice Rebecca Bradley said in her dissent, 'Progressives like to protest against 'kings' – unless it is one of their own making.'' Co-chair of the Joint Committee for the Review of Administrative Rules Sen. Steve Nass, R-Whitewater, echoed this. "The liberal judicial junta on the state Supreme Court has in essence given Evers the powers of a king," Nass said in a statement. "Today's ruling is another devasting attack on the Wisconsin Constitution and on the authority of the Legislature, the only branch of government now controlled by Republicans." While Fair Wisconsin Executive Director Abigail Swetz celebrated the ruling as a "powerful step in the right direction," she said there is "still have more work to do" to remove the harmful practice. "A bill banning conversion therapy by all licensed professions passed through the legislature and signed by the governor would be an even more powerful step. Wisconsin State Senate Bill 324 would do exactly that, and I look forward to seeing it become Wisconsin law," Swetz said in a press release. The bill, introduced in June by Sen. Tim Carpenter, D-Milwaukee, and Rep. Lee Snodgrass, D-Appleton, would prohibit conversion therapy in Wisconsin. It has yet to receive a public hearing. The U.S. Supreme Court is expected to take up a case next term that challenges Colorado's ban on conversion therapy. The case would determine whether state and local governments can enforce laws banning conversion therapy for LGBTQ+ youth. The conservative-led court will take up the case during a time in which transgender people are facing increasing attacks by President Donald Trump and his administration. After taking office in January, Trump signed an executive order stating the United States would not "fund, sponsor, promote, assist, or support" gender-affirming care. In June, the U.S. Supreme Court upheld Tennessee's ban on gender-affirming care for minors. In 2023, the court had turned away a similar challenge related to conversion therapy bans, despite federal appeals courts coming to differing decisions when weighing state bans on the issue. Anna Kleiber can be reached at akleiber@ This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin high court rules conversion therapy ban can be enacted
Sinar Daily
06-07-2025
- Health
- Sinar Daily
Behind the mask: Narcissism in social circles
KUALA LUMPUR - Beneath a charming smile and confident demeanour, some individuals hide a toxic trait that silently disrupts social harmony. Often appearing charismatic, intelligent and admirable, those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can deeply impact the mental and emotional well-being of those around them-turning supportive relationships into sources of stress and manipulation. Many people may not realise that such traits are signs of narcissism or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)-a condition in which individuals present a flawless image to the public while hiding deep psychological issues that can seriously affect those around them. Experts warn that the presence of a narcissist in any relationship can transform what should be a loving, supportive environment into one marked by emotional strain and psychological distress. GRANDIOSITY Registered counsellor Faizah Mohamed Othman said that in psychology, narcissism refers to a personality pattern centred on a sense of grandiosity or self-admiration in thoughts and behaviours. As a personality disorder, she said narcissists tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. "According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association), individuals diagnosed with NPD tend to have a grandiose sense of self, an obsession with success, power, intelligence, beauty, and romance. "They also believe they are special and deserve special treatment, exhibit excessive admiration, exploit others for personal gain, are envious, and display arrogant and haughty behaviour,' she told Bernama. Faizah added that those with NPD often appear stylish and charismatic, are eloquent to the point of influencing others, have multiple personas, hold grudges, are aggressive, lie, and frequently portray themselves as victims. She said narcissists can easily charm new acquaintances, but only those who have known them for a long time will uncover their true nature. However, not all individuals displaying these traits can be diagnosed with NPD-only a psychiatrist can make that determination, she stressed. HIDING BEHIND A MASK Faizah said narcissistic individuals are highly protective of their image and often deflect their weaknesses onto those closest to them, thus presenting themselves as flawless. She noted that many victims of narcissists suffer mental and emotional pressure due to the narcissist's tendency to create conflict, manipulate, control, and threaten others. This leads to victims feeling exploited, guilty, or as if they deserve punishment. "Grandiosity is their mask and defence mechanism to cover up their insecurities. They are deeply afraid of being exposed and having their true nature revealed. "Close family members or colleagues are usually the ones who bear the brunt of this behaviour. Narcissists often create problems in their relationships-whether with friends, family, or partners,' she explained. Faizah said when victims begin to feel guilt or low self-esteem, narcissists feel powerful and able to control the situation, even dictating how the victim should act. As a result, victims experience devaluation, depression, loss of identity, anxiety, emotional neglect, and isolation. "I often encounter marital cases where a husband or wife complains about their partner's narcissistic behaviour. Usually, only the victim seeks counselling. In relationships, narcissists tend to be dishonest, neglect their responsibilities, cheat, or disappear for days, weeks, or even months without a valid reason. "Some narcissists spend lavishly to show off, but are stingy at home. They may also be irrationally jealous, controlling, and accuse their partners of unfounded things,' she added. What's more heartbreaking, she said, is that narcissistic partners can be punitive, aggressive, and verbally abusive-sometimes deliberately hurting their partners. Faizah said narcissists also isolate their partners from family and friends and use them only for personal gain. "There are even cases where narcissists involve a third party in the relationship to create desperation, jealousy, and fear of abandonment (triangulation). They subject their victims to cycles of abuse-first demeaning and isolating them, then using 'love bombing' tactics to woo them back with declarations of love and affection. "In the workplace, narcissists may come off as helpful but actually manipulate situations for personal benefit without their colleagues realising. They give orders, criticise, and shame coworkers to achieve career goals and may spend or give extravagantly to expand their social circle or gain influence,' she said. A POSITIVE SIDE Nevertheless, Faizah said that narcissistic traits can be beneficial in certain contexts. Individuals with such traits may make effective leaders due to their confidence and pursuit of perfection, which can drive both themselves and their teams toward exceptional achievements. "We can see the benefits when narcissistic individuals are in managerial positions. Their image-consciousness and performance-driven nature can elevate the organisation's status. "They also maintain high professional standards, consistently striving to be appreciated and admired in the workplace,' she said. UNAWARE THEY ARE NARCISSISTIC Meanwhile, Dr Nurazah Ismail, a medical lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), said various factors contribute to the development of NPD or its traits. "Studies show that genetics play a role. Neuroimaging (which visualises brain structure and function) reveals differences in the prefrontal cortex (front part of the brain) of individuals with NPD. This area is crucial in regulating emotions and empathy. "Some people also develop narcissistic traits due to life experiences-such as being victims of bullying. They construct a self-image of greatness to mask their hidden shame and low self-esteem,' she said. Dr Nurazah explained that, generally, individuals are unaware that they are narcissistic and often believe their behaviour is normal. This is because many are raised in environments that reinforce such traits, resulting in low levels of self-awareness. She noted that narcissists often refuse to accept blame and instead project it onto others as a self-defence mechanism. "For instance, in divorce cases, Malaysia recorded 57,835 divorces in 2023-a significant number. Although common factors such as incompatibility, poor communication, infidelity, and interference from in-laws are often cited, we seldom examine whether narcissistic traits in one partner could be the root cause of these issues. "Could narcissism be the underlying reason for relationship breakdowns that lead to marital disharmony?' she questioned. HOPE FOR RECOVERY Dr Nurazah said one of the main challenges in treating NPD is the individual's unwillingness to acknowledge their flaws, making voluntary treatment difficult. Usually, NPD sufferers are only referred to specialists when they face unavoidable social stress that disrupts their daily lives. "If they are open to receiving help, the primary treatment is psychotherapy. The focus is on building empathy, enhancing self-awareness, and learning emotional regulation strategies. "Although NPD is a long-term personality disorder, positive change is still possible with consistent commitment and support. Those with NPD or narcissistic traits can learn to improve their behaviour, build healthier relationships, and ultimately reduce the negative impact on those around them,' she said. - BERNAMA
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
The Silent Epidemic That May Be Hurting Your Health
Though we're technically more connected than ever—thanks to texting, video calls, and social media—many people report feeling alone. In a recent American Psychiatric Association poll, one-third of Americans said they felt lonely every week. And 10% said they felt lonely every day. Feeling lonely doesn't necessarily mean you're alone. 'It can happen whether there are people around or not,' says Jacqueline Olds, M.D., psychiatrist at Massachusetts General Hospital and author of The Lonely American. Instead, you may feel disconnected from other people—and sad about that lack of connection. 'Loneliness is a subjective experience or feeling,' says Sari Chait, Ph.D., clinical psychologist and founder of Behavioral Health and Wellness Center. 'It can be brief or situational, such as if you've recently moved to a new town where you don't know anybody yet. Or loneliness can be more chronic.' When chronic, the feeling comes with real consequences. Studies have found that loneliness can make you feel stressed, impact your immune system, and increase inflammation. Other research has linked loneliness to an increased risk of early death. Loneliness is associated with a slew of chronic conditions, like depression, heart disease, and cognitive decline. And some researchers have gone as far as calling it a public health epidemic. 'Loneliness can negatively impact almost all aspects of your life,' says Chait. Fortunately, there are expert-backed steps you can take to combat loneliness—boosting both your happiness and your health. 'If you can become more socially connected, it's like giving up smoking,' says Dr. you're lonely, you may not feel like getting out and seeing people. That's normal. 'Often, feelings of loneliness lead people to isolate more,' says Chait. But withdrawing can trigger a vicious cycle, causing you to feel even lonelier than you already do, she says. So push yourself to be social anyway. Set up a cooking class with a friend, schedule a workout with a coworker, or head somewhere that offers group meetings and activities, like a local library or community center. Changing your routine will get you out of the house. And doing activities you like will give you the chance to connect emotionally with people who share your interests, says Chait—something that can ultimately help you overcome feelings of in marriages, romantic relationships, and partnerships isn't uncommon. In fact, about 28% of people who aren't satisfied with their family life report feeling lonely all or most of the time, according to a Pew Research Center survey. 'People sometimes feel lonely despite connections because their needs aren't being met,' says Chait. Feel like something is missing in your relationship or you're growing apart? Schedule one-on-one time for you and your partner every week to check in and truly connect, suggests Dr. Olds. Dr. Olds also recommends a 'distance alarm'—something that helps you notice you might be drifting apart and prompts you to do something about it. This is a key aspect of lasting marriages, she says. And planning a romantic dinner or a fun outing is a great way to to be alone because you think you'll feel lonely? 'If you can find activities you enjoy doing by yourself and reframe what being alone means to you, it can be quite powerful,' says Chait. Learning how to enjoy your time alone—curling up with a new book you've been dying to read or hitting that a weekly yoga class—can give you something fulfilling to look forward to, even if you're not engaging in social interactions, she surrounded by people doesn't necessarily prevent loneliness. A 2018 Cigna study found that 27% of Americans rarely—or never—feel like they spend time around people who actually get them. And only about half said they have meaningful, daily, in-person interactions with friends or family. That's a problem. Spending your days small-talking with people you're not clicking with can cause you to miss deeper, significant relationships, says Dr. Olds. So take the opportunity to reconnect with someone you're close to. Tell a cross-county friend you miss her, and schedule time to catch up. Or grab lunch with your sister. This can strengthen your relationships with people who truly know you, making you feel less lonely, she is a great way to interact with people you have something in common with. Clean up a local park on a Saturday morning, join Big Brothers Big Sisters, or sign up for a volunteer trip. To reap the benefits, look for a group that meets at least once a month. 'Joining other people on a mutual project where you share a mission can be conducive to forming good friendships and helping you feel much less isolated,' says Dr. Olds. 'You don't have to know them well, but you have to share some value.'The relationship between social media and connection is complex. Some research has linked social media use to depression, anxiety, and sleep issues. But other studies have suggested that social media use can reduce loneliness and isolation, especially in older adults. The trick, Dr. Olds says, might be to use Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to truly connect with people. That means less time mindlessly scrolling and more time messaging people, reaching out to stay in touch with old friends, and joining groups you're interested a busy schedule or packed social calendar isn't enough to feel less lonely, and seeking the help of a professional is necessary. In these moments, therapy can be very effective. Chait specifically recommends cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), because it can help you identify and change the thought processes that may be behind your loneliness. 'Your therapist will also help you change your behaviors that are contributing to loneliness,' she says. '[And they can] help you initiate new behaviors [to] combat the loneliness.'At some point or another, most people feel lonely. Maybe you're moving to a different city, starting a new job, or going through a breakup. Feeling isolated from time to time is par for the course, says Dr. Olds. Simply admitting you feel lonely and talking about your loneliness can make all the difference in connecting with others and normalizing your experience. After all, you're probably not the only one going through this. And opening up could help you—and others—feel less alone. You Might Also Like Can Apple Cider Vinegar Lead to Weight Loss? Bobbi Brown Shares Her Top Face-Transforming Makeup Tips for Women Over 50
Barnama
03-07-2025
- Health
- Barnama
Behind The Mask: Narcissism In Social Circles
B eneath a charming smile and confident demeanour, some individuals hide a toxic trait that silently disrupts social harmony. Often appearing charismatic, intelligent, and admirable, those with narcissistic personality disorder (NPD) can deeply impact the mental and emotional well-being of those around them—turning supportive relationships into sources of stress and manipulation. Many people may not realise that such traits are signs of narcissism or Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)—a condition in which individuals present a flawless image to the public while hiding deep psychological issues that can seriously affect those around them. Experts warn that the presence of a narcissist in any relationship can transform what should be a loving, supportive environment into one marked by emotional strain and psychological distress. GRANDIOSITY Registered counsellor Faizah Mohamed Othman said that in psychology, narcissism refers to a personality pattern centred on a sense of grandiosity or self-admiration in thoughts and behaviours. As a personality disorder, she said narcissists tend to have an inflated sense of self-importance and a lack of empathy for others. 'According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (published by the American Psychiatric Association), individuals diagnosed with NPD tend to have a grandiose sense of self, an obsession with success, power, intelligence, beauty, and romance. Counsellor Faizah Mohamed Othman 'They also believe they are special and deserve special treatment, exhibit excessive admiration, exploit others for personal gain, are envious, and display arrogant and haughty behaviour,' she told Bernama. Faizah added that those with NPD often appear stylish and charismatic, are eloquent to the point of influencing others, have multiple personas, hold grudges, are aggressive, lie, and frequently portray themselves as victims. She said narcissists can easily charm new acquaintances, but only those who have known them for a long time will uncover their true nature. However, not all individuals displaying these traits can be diagnosed with NPD—only a psychiatrist can make that determination, she stressed. HIDING BEHIND A MASK Faizah said narcissistic individuals are highly protective of their image and often deflect their weaknesses onto those closest to them, thus presenting themselves as flawless. She noted that many victims of narcissists suffer mental and emotional pressure due to the narcissist's tendency to create conflict, manipulate, control, and threaten others. This leads to victims feeling exploited, guilty, or as if they deserve punishment. 'Grandiosity is their mask and defence mechanism to cover up their insecurities. They are deeply afraid of being exposed and having their true nature revealed. 'Close family members or colleagues are usually the ones who bear the brunt of this behaviour. Narcissists often create problems in their relationships—whether with friends, family, or partners,' she explained. Faizah said when victims begin to feel guilt or low self-esteem, narcissists feel powerful and able to control the situation, even dictating how the victim should act. Narcissism refers to a personality pattern centred on a sense of grandiosity or self-admiration in thoughts and behaviours.--(pix shutterstock) As a result, victims experience devaluation, depression, loss of identity, anxiety, emotional neglect, and isolation. 'I often encounter marital cases where a husband or wife complains about their partner's narcissistic behaviour. Usually, only the victim seeks counselling. In relationships, narcissists tend to be dishonest, neglect their responsibilities, cheat, or disappear for days, weeks, or even months without a valid reason. 'Some narcissists spend lavishly to show off, but are stingy at home. They may also be irrationally jealous, controlling, and accuse their partners of unfounded things,' she added. What's more heartbreaking, she said, is that narcissistic partners can be punitive, aggressive, and verbally abusive—sometimes deliberately hurting their partners. Faizah said narcissists also isolate their partners from family and friends and use them only for personal gain. 'There are even cases where narcissists involve a third party in the relationship to create desperation, jealousy, and fear of abandonment (triangulation). They subject their victims to cycles of abuse—first demeaning and isolating them, then using 'love bombing' tactics to woo them back with declarations of love and affection. 'In the workplace, narcissists may come off as helpful but actually manipulate situations for personal benefit without their colleagues realising. They give orders, criticise, and shame coworkers to achieve career goals and may spend or give extravagantly to expand their social circle or gain influence,' she said. A POSITIVE SIDE Nevertheless, Faizah said that narcissistic traits can be beneficial in certain contexts. Dr Nurazah Ismail, Medical Lecturer, USIM Individuals with such traits may make effective leaders due to their confidence and pursuit of perfection, which can drive both themselves and their teams toward exceptional achievements. 'We can see the benefits when narcissistic individuals are in managerial positions. Their image-consciousness and performance-driven nature can elevate the organisation's status. 'They also maintain high professional standards, consistently striving to be appreciated and admired in the workplace,' she said. UNAWARE THEY ARE NARCISSISTIC Meanwhile, Dr Nurazah Ismail, a medical lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Sains Islam Malaysia (USIM), said various factors contribute to the development of NPD or its traits. 'Studies show that genetics play a role. Neuroimaging (which visualises brain structure and function) reveals differences in the prefrontal cortex (front part of the brain) of individuals with NPD. This area is crucial in regulating emotions and empathy. 'Some people also develop narcissistic traits due to life experiences—such as being victims of bullying. They construct a self-image of greatness to mask their hidden shame and low self-esteem,' she said. Dr Nurazah explained that, generally, individuals are unaware that they are narcissistic and often believe their behaviour is normal. This is because many are raised in environments that reinforce such traits, resulting in low levels of self-awareness. She noted that narcissists often refuse to accept blame and instead project it onto others as a self-defence mechanism. Victims of narcissists suffer mental and emotional pressure. -- (pix- adobe stock) 'For instance, in divorce cases, Malaysia recorded 57,835 divorces in 2023—a significant number. Although common factors such as incompatibility, poor communication, infidelity, and interference from in-laws are often cited, we seldom examine whether narcissistic traits in one partner could be the root cause of these issues. 'Could narcissism be the underlying reason for relationship breakdowns that lead to marital disharmony?' she questioned. HOPE FOR RECOVERY Dr Nurazah said one of the main challenges in treating NPD is the individual's unwillingness to acknowledge their flaws, making voluntary treatment difficult. Usually, NPD sufferers are only referred to specialists when they face unavoidable social stress that disrupts their daily lives. 'If they are open to receiving help, the primary treatment is psychotherapy. The focus is on building empathy, enhancing self-awareness, and learning emotional regulation strategies. 'Although NPD is a long-term personality disorder, positive change is still possible with consistent commitment and support. Those with NPD or narcissistic traits can learn to improve their behaviour, build healthier relationships, and ultimately reduce the negative impact on those around them,' she said. — BERNAMA
Yomiuri Shimbun
30-06-2025
- Health
- Yomiuri Shimbun
Efforts to Examine War Trauma of Former Japanese Soldiers Grow; Medical Records Provide Vital Insight
A move has been growing to examine the psychological distress and emotional suffering experienced by former Japanese soldiers as a result of exposure to traumatic events during World War II. War trauma has long been considered a personal issue although there have been many cases where former soldiers' mental anguish has made it difficult for them to perform their daily activities. In recent years, however, the public's understanding of the issue has grown, and efforts have been made to share the suffering of the soldiers among their families. The government is also planning to hold its first exhibition on war trauma later this month. Charts of 8,002 people Medical records called 'bedside logs' of 8,002 soldiers who stayed at Konodai army hospital in Ichikawa, Chiba Prefecture, for mental illnesses during the war are stored at Asai Hospital in Togane, Chiba Prefecture. One such record contains graphic descriptions of how a private of the Imperial Japanese Army from Yamagata Prefecture is tormented by a sense of guilt. The soldier seems to have suffered from post-traumatic stress disorder. 'He killed six innocent civilians in Shandong Province [in China], and this haunts him in his dreams,' the record reads. Immediately after the war, the army ordered the hospital to destroy the charts. However, Toshio Asai, who served as a military doctor at the hospital, and then the hospital director put them in a drum can and buried it underground, believing that the records must be preserved for future generations. The records were unearthed several years later and photocopied — a process that took more than five years. Since then, the records have been stored at Asai Hospital – which was founded by Asai, who passed away in 2000. The records are now considered important materials by experts studying war trauma. 'We want to continue safeguarding these valuable records,' said Yoshinobu Naganuma, 71, a hospital staff member who assisted with the preservation efforts. Father's experienceAccording to Shigeyuki Mori, professor emeritus of clinical psychology at Konan University, many former Japanese soldiers who had experienced harsh battles or the deaths of comrades exhibited symptoms such as hyperarousal, a state of heightened stress for prolonged periods of time, and emotional numbness. But the issue was never considered a social problem. Instead of focusing on the war trauma itself, society tended to focus on issues of alcohol dependency and domestic violence, which were caused by the trauma, according to Mori. The Vietnam War, which ended in 1975, played a significant role in raising awareness of war trauma. Comprehensive research on the matter was conducted after similar symptoms were observed in the United States among returning soldiers. The American Psychiatric Association officially certified PTSD as a mental disorder in 1980. PTSD among returning soldiers became a visible issue in the 2000s during and after the United States' military intervention in Afghanistan and Iraq. Efforts to examine war trauma began to emerge in Japan, too, as society's understanding of PTSD grew. Akio Kuroi, 76, of Musashimurayama, Tokyo, founded an organization in 2018 where relatives of former Japanese soldiers and others discuss war trauma. Kuroi's father, Keijiro, was sent to China during the war. Keijiro did not secure steady employment after the war and led a life of apathy. After his father's death in 1990, Kuroi saw video footage of U.S. military veterans suffering from PTSD after serving in the Vietnam War. Kuroi said he realized his father might have been in the same situation. His organization holds an annual gathering and organizes monthly meetings for those with similar circumstances to himself to connect with one another. Similar activities have also taken place in Osaka and Chiba prefectures. 'I want to convey the feelings of frustration of people like my father who suffered psychological wounds from the war,' Kuroi said. Government efforts In response to these efforts, the Health, Labor, and Welfare Ministry began a study on war trauma in fiscal 2024. It has collected analysis results of medical records stored at Asai Hospital and accounts written by the family about former Japanese soldiers' lives and feelings. The government will also start a panel exhibition on war trauma later this month at Shokei-kan, a national archive that houses information about sick and wounded servicemen in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo. The exhibition is scheduled to run for about three months, but plans are underway to expand the content and make it a permanent exhibition next year.
