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39.1% of Active-Duty Service Members Face Mental Distress

6/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

A staggering 39.1% of active-duty service members reported experiencing serious psychological distress, according to a study of 4,428 individuals. The research revealed that smoking, binge drinking, and lack of sleep were major contributors, while lower education and military paygrade heightened the risk. Surprisingly, factors like sex, race, and sexual identity had little impact on their mental health.

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Story summary

A staggering 39.1% of active-duty service members reported experiencing serious psychological distress, according to a study of 4,428 individuals. The research revealed that smoking, binge drinking, and lack of sleep were major contributors, while lower education and military paygrade heightened the risk. Surprisingly, factors like sex, race, and sexual identity had little impact on their mental health.