Artur Lavrinenko from Türi, Artjom Heinsaar from Saue, and Venno Tamjärv from Saaremaa talk about their mental struggles. The men who fought in Afghanistan have experienced anxiety and suicidal thoughts. They say the military does not help them enough.
Estonian soldiers participated in NATO missions in Afghanistan. There, they fought against the Taliban. The mission began in 2003. It was dangerous there. The soldiers lived under constant stress.
Lavrinenko, Heinsaar, and Tamjärv talk about their experiences. They say the missions affected their mental health. Lavrinenko was wounded in battle and lost friends. He has struggled with depression and alcoholism.
Heinsaar talks about his struggle with the military. He is applying for disability benefits, but the military refuses. They say there is not enough evidence.
The chief medical officer of the military says psychological help has improved. But veterans need more support. Heinsaar says only his daughter helps him. He wants to live for her sake.
Veterans hope the military will start supporting them better. They want mental health to be taken seriously.