southernhybrid
Contributor
Has anyone considered that since the man spent time in the military in Afghanistan that perhaps he suffered from severe PTSD, making him more vulnerable to becoming violent? War can mess with a person's brain and while only a small percentage of those with combat related PTSD become violent, it does happen.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/types/combat_exposure.asp
We don't know enough as to why this man became so violent, but it could be that his war experience had something to do with it.
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/types/combat_exposure.asp
Mental Health Effects of Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq
The wars in Afghanistan and Iraq were the longest combat operations since Vietnam. Many stressors face these Operation Enduring Freedom/Operation Iraqi Freedom (OEF/OIF) troops. One early study looked at the mental health of these Service members. The study asked Soldiers and Marines about war-zone experiences and about their symptoms of distress. Soldiers and Marines in Iraq reported more combat stressors than Soldiers in Afghanistan. This table describes the kinds of stressors faced in each combat theater in 2003:
Later research has confirmed that to date, troops who served in Iraq are more likely to report mental health problems than troops who served in Afghanistan. A body of research shows a strong link between level of combat stress and PTSD.
How does having served in OEF/OIF affect mental health?
Research on OEF/OIF Veterans suggests that 1 or 2 out of every 10 troops (or 10% to 18%) are likely to have PTSD after they return. In addition to PTSD, OEF/OIF Service members are at risk for other mental health problems. Although studies vary widely in terms of methods used, estimates of depression in returning troops range up to 1 of every 4 (or from 3% to 25%). Excessive drinking and use of tobacco among OEF/OIF Veterans may also be problematic. Service members also report concerns over conflicts with others.
We don't know enough as to why this man became so violent, but it could be that his war experience had something to do with it.