Supporting Soldier Mental Health

How can the design of mobile applications and wearable technology function as a system to support the mental health care needs of U.S. Army soldiers while on deployment to combat zones?

Alysa Buchanan MGXD 2019

Of the 1.8 million U.S. soldiers deployed to Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan, an estimated 10-18% are likely to have returned home with Post Traumatic Stress Related Disorder (PTSD). Veterans account for 14–16% of suicides in the U.S., yet constitute only 8% of the population. Professionals advise that PTSD treatment should begin as soon as symptoms are observed, which can occur immediately after the event. Delays in treatment can worsen the individual’s symptoms. A decrease in marital satisfaction and an increase in depression, anxiety, anger, and addiction following deployments are not uncommon. Yet when soldiers are deployed, often for six to twelve months at a time, access to mental health care options are limited and under-utilized. This research explores how a system of designed interventions may address the unique mental health care needs of soldiers on deployment. The results of the research show that there is a desire, need, and potential for a variety of new mental health care options for soldiers during deployment.