When the Enemy is Internal: Anxiety and Depression Disorders in Military Personnel During Peace and Crisis Periods
摘要
Mental health has become a strategic area of concern, particularly in light of the high levels of continuous exposure to contexts of operational demands, physical risk, and psychological pressure. This study is part of an ongoing research project aimed at determining the prevalence of anxiety and depression among Ecuadorian military personnel. Using a non–probabilistic sample of 98 active military personnel, the Beck Depression Inventory–II (BDI–II) and the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) were administrated. The results evidenced a statistically significant positive correlation between anxiety and depression (r = 0.400; p < 0.01), indicating a high rate of comorbidity that directly impacts operational performance, decision–making, and the psychoemotional balance of military personnel. The findings support the integration of digital health tools, such as digital monitoring, mobile self–tracking, and interoperable clinical platforms for ongoing diagnosis and follow–up. Moreover, they underline the urgent need for public policies prioritizing mental health from a preventive, interdisciplinary and technological perspective, recognizing that military personnel require sustained support for emotional stability and psychological resilience.