Chrysalis^® News

Soldiers heading out to Afghanistan are to be offered counselling, in light of the recent deaths of six soldiers aged under 21 in the war-torn area.

According to Metro.co.uk, the soldiers (and their families) will be offered counselling to help them deal with the fatal incident. It could also help them deal with any fears that have arisen in light of the incident - which saw all six soldiers killed in the same attack.

"Incidents like this are going to worry and upset people," Michael Ivatt, from the Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen and Families Association revealed. "Especially as the chances are those people going out next will know some of those involved.

"The soldiers themselves are obviously well-trained professionals who will still want to go out and do their best - in fact, this could only make them more determined. But we know tragedies like this can only heighten the tension for families."

By offering those due to head out in coming months time with someone holding a diploma in counselling, these soldiers could also be better-placed to deal with any incidents that take place whilst fighting on the front line.

In fact counselling may prove very beneficial overall for them, as it certainly has done for one soldier, Jason Nickol, who spoke to Thestarphoenix.com recently about his own experience.

After being hit in his right femur by a Taliban bullet, he was left unable to walk properly, run or play sports. He was also unable to rejoin the military. As a result, he has developed insomnia - something which his counselling sessions have helped. "They actually sat down with you and listened," he concluded.