Latest news with #NatalieMoore
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Reverse SAD' Is A Real Thing. Here Are The Signs.
When you hear the term 'seasonal affective disorder,' odds are you think of wintertime blues. 'We tend to associate shorter days, less sunlight and cold weather with higher chances of depressed mood,' therapist Natalie Moore told HuffPost. 'Conversely, when we think of summertime, we imagine longer days, sunshine and picture people being more joyful and optimistic.' For some people, however, the sunnier seasons bring an emotional struggle. This lesser-known ― and often overlooked ― condition is called 'reverse SAD' or summer-pattern SAD. 'Reverse seasonal affective disorder, or summer-pattern SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during the spring and summer months, as opposed to the more common winter-pattern SAD,' said board-certified psychiatrist and 'Practical Optimism' author Dr. Sue Varma. 'While most people associate SAD with the colder, darker months, some individuals experience a worsening of mood when the days get longer and brighter.' A number of different factors can cause reverse SAD. 'Reverse SAD is thought to affect individuals who are particularly sensitive to circadian rhythm changes,' Moore said. 'Physiological factors include discomfort from increased heat and humidity and sleep disruption caused by early sunrise.' Changes in light exposure can throw off mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin in the summer, just as in the winter. 'Psychological factors include internal pressure to be happy during this time of year,' Moore said. Summer comes with expectations to be outdoors, attend barbecues, take vacations, and generally be 'on.'Erin Pash, licensed marriage and family therapist The summer can be particularly tough for introverts, since social conventions call for increased participation in potentially energy-depleting activities in the summer. 'Other triggers may include summer stressors like vacation costs, childcare pressures, or problems with body image that are enhanced by our summer wardrobes,' said Dr. Samar McCutcheon, a psychiatrist with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Summer tends to disrupt routines, which is especially challenging for parents. 'Everything feels a little less structured with kids out of school, parents shuttling children around summer camps, more workload because coworkers are on vacation and pushing off work later at night to accommodate summer day time schedules,' said Mabel Yiu, a marriage and family therapist and founding director of Women's Therapy Institute. 'For people who rely on routine to feel stable, that lack of consistency can be destabilizing.' 'The symptoms of reverse SAD can differ slightly from winter-pattern SAD,' Varma said. 'People should look out for insomnia or trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, irritability or mood swings.' It's common for those with this condition to feel extra pressure, which leads to a challenging disconnect. 'When you're not feeling great but feel like you should be, it can lead to guilt, shame, and isolation, which only worsens mental health,' Yiu said. Although the warm weather months are typically associated with more occasions to socialize, people struggling with reverse SAD may engage in social withdrawal. 'Summer comes with expectations to be outdoors, attend barbecues, take vacations, and generally be 'on,'' said Erin Pash, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Pash Co. 'For someone already struggling, these expectations can feel like a heavy weight.' She recalled a past client who expressed feeling guilty for wanting to stay inside in the air conditioning while it seemed like everyone else was at the beach. They felt as though something was wrong with them for not loving the summertime. 'You might notice you're snappier with family members, avoiding social gatherings you'd normally enjoy or feeling physically uncomfortable even in mildly warm weather,' Pash added. In addition to social withdrawal, restlessness and overwhelm are typical signs of the condition. 'The intense sunlight that energizes others can feel overwhelming, like sensory overload that leaves you agitated rather than refreshed,' Pash said. Many people with reverse SAD report feeling overstimulated and anxious. But ultimately, the biggest sign is timing. Pay attention to patterns in your depression symptoms year over year. 'If you notice that around spring or summer time you experience these signs of reverse SAD, you should speak to your doctor or therapist about your symptoms,' Moore noted. 'Because it's not a well-documented condition, you may need to advocate for yourself in medical environments and seek a mood disorder specialist who has experience treating patients with this issue.' 'Because it is not a well-known mood disorder, the first step in treating and managing reverse SAD is recognizing that you struggle with it,' Moore said. 'Although reverse SAD is rare, you are not alone. Awareness around this condition is increasing.' Take steps to create an environment at home that will support your mental health in the summer. 'Use air conditioning or fans to maintain a comfortable temperature,' Varma advised. 'Heat intolerance is a big trigger. And while bright light can be helpful in the winter, those with reverse SAD may benefit from limiting light during certain times of day, especially in the evening.' Avoid excessive light exposure to promote good sleep as well. 'Use blackout curtains or eye masks if there's still light,' Yiu suggested. 'Minimize blue light screen time and have deliberate dim hours before bed.' Think about lifestyle factors that can affect your mood, and take care of yourself with good nutrition, regular exercise and breaks to rest and recharge. 'Prioritize being proactive about your wellbeing ― nourish your body with healthy food and remember to hydrate and replenish your body,' suggested Rachel Thomasian, a licensed therapist and owner of Playa Vista Counseling. 'Start or maintain a yoga or meditation routine to help manage feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.' Be mindful about your schedule and how you divide your time as well. 'Find indoor activities during the day to avoid being outside at the peak of heat or humidity,' McCutcheon said. 'It can be especially helpful if these activities involve your friends or family, to further prevent depressive symptoms.' She also recommended taking vacations to cooler climates during the summer. 'Give yourself permission to have a different kind of summer,' Pash said. 'Maybe your ideal July evening is a movie night with the AC cranked up, not a rooftop party. That's completely valid. And if you know summer is tough, plan easier months around it. Maybe you schedule your big work projects for fall and keep summer commitments lighter.' The same goes for social commitments. If you find endless summer barbecues too draining, you don't have to say yes to every invitation. 'Let friends and family know that you experience summer differently,' Pash said. 'A simple 'I'm more of a fall person, but I'd love to hang out somewhere air-conditioned' can go a long way.' In addition to leaning on loved ones for support, consider seeking professional help. 'For treatment interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy can be a helpful place to start to treat mild or moderate symptoms, and antidepressants should be considered when someone is experiencing moderate to severe symptoms,' McCutcheon noted. Whatever approach you try, just remember to be kind to yourself. 'Your experience is real and valid, even if it goes against the cultural narrative that summer equals happiness,' Pash said. 'Remember there's no 'right' way to experience any season. Your mental health matters year-round, including during those long, bright summer days.' 13 Vacation Habits That Are Secretly Stressing You Out Is This ADHD Symptom Messing With Your Sex Life? Why Does Talking About Bugs Make You Itchy?
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Your high school reunion doesn't need to be stressful. Here are 8 dos and don'ts from therapists to help you enjoy the night.
Going to my 20-year high school reunion was a mixed bag. A therapist says it's valid to have mixed emotions about seeing people from your past. She recommends not comparing yourself to anyone else. I had the chance to relive being a teenager when I attended my 20-year high school reunion. It was like traveling back in time to when I felt most awkward and insecure. The guy I used to obsess over walked up to me twice and said hello to someone behind me, almost elbowing me in the head to shake their hand. Then, all the blood drained from my face when another classmate said they remembered me because my sister was the "popular one" with all the friends. It might seem like the night was a complete disaster. But that would be my anxiety talking and drowning out the many positive interactions I had with new and familiar faces, especially the ones who set down their drinks to embrace me with both arms. If you're anxious about seeing your former classmates, you're not alone. I received advice from therapists on approaching your high school reunion, including managing your expectations and avoiding assumptions about your old friends and rivals. Here are the dos and don'ts of attending your high school reunion. Reuniting with your classmates can bring up mixed emotions, from excitement and nostalgia to fear and dread. "It's completely normal and valid to have conflicting feelings about a reunion," Natalie Moore, a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist, told Business Insider. You might associate high school with painful memories like being bullied or excluded from social gatherings. Taking time to notice your feelings can help build self-awareness, which in turn can lead to greater confidence and self-acceptance, she said. There's a lot of pressure to achieve milestones like getting married, having kids, owning a home, or having a fulfilling career. "As the reunion approaches, be mindful of the expectations and predictions that pop up in your mind," Moore said. Remember that everyone has their own path and timeline. "Even the person who appears to have it all together has their own quiet struggles that they're dealing with," she said. We tend to feel more confident when we plan ahead. Think about what makes you feel good so you can relax and be in the moment when you're at your reunion, Patrice Le Goy, a psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist, told BI. "For some people, it will be important to have accomplishments to share, and for others, it will be having that perfect outfit picked out," she said. You don't want to sound rehearsed, but it might help to have a script or a few life updates in mind, especially if you tend to overshare or get nervous in social settings. When a conversation stalls, it can be tempting to engage in gossip. "You may regret it if you use this time to speak badly about people you haven't seen in a long time, especially if it gets back to them," Le Goy said. As visual creatures, we tend to notice people's appearance, especially if they look different from how we remember them. "However, making comments about someone's body, even if you believe you're giving a compliment, can trigger people and make them feel self-conscious," Moore said. A crowded reunion may not be the best venue for deep conversations, but that shouldn't stop you from getting reacquainted. "It's much more fun to allow yourself to be surprised by how much your classmates have grown and changed over the years," Moore said. Consider your own evolution since high school. Your classmates have likely experienced similar transformations, and when you don't ask questions, you're more likely to judge people. If you haven't spoken to your classmates in a while, it's easy to make assumptions and create unfounded narratives about their lives. Perhaps you're speculating about why your prom date moved to another country or you're picturing yourself standing up to your high school bully at the reunion. "Social media only gives us a fraction of the full story," Le Goy said. "Try not to assume someone's marriage is on the rocks because of one cryptic post or, alternately, that someone's life is perfect because they seem so happy online or from stories that you hear from other people." Moore emphasized the importance of practicing curiosity rather than jumping to conclusions or reacting to past experiences. Try practicing the thought: I wonder if this individual will be there and how their personality has changed over the years. Another way to boost your confidence is to think about your purpose in going to the reunion. "If you are measuring your level of enjoyment based on whether you are the most successful or the most attractive, you will probably be disappointed," Le Goy said. Her advice is to think about how you want to feel at the end of the night whether it's being happy that you reconnected with friends or feeling relieved that you've gotten over your high school crush. "These are more helpful expectations than just wanting to be better than everyone else," she said. If you're enjoying reconnecting with someone, consider asking for their contact information and how they prefer to stay in touch, Moore said. "Some people love in-person hangouts while others find it more convenient to text or FaceTime," she added. Similar to asking someone on a date, the saying "no risk, no reward" applies here. "People's lives are so busy and even though the intention may be there to stay connected, often the follow-through is more difficult," Le Goy said. She suggests staying away from big declarations, like planning a trip together. "Stick with more accessible options like connecting on social media or starting a text chain which can build up to in person meet ups," she said. Whatever happens at your reunion, remember how far you've come since high school. Because of the way our brains are wired, our former classmates may loom large in our memories, but they don't define who we are today. Nandini Maharaj is a freelance writer covering health, wellness, identity, and relationships. She holds a master's degree in counseling and a doctorate in public health. Read the original article on Business Insider
Business Insider
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Business Insider
Your high school reunion doesn't need to be stressful. Here are 8 dos and don'ts from therapists to help you enjoy the night.
I had the chance to relive being a teenager when I attended my 20-year high school reunion. It was like traveling back in time to when I felt most awkward and insecure. The guy I used to obsess over walked up to me twice and said hello to someone behind me, almost elbowing me in the head to shake their hand. Then, all the blood drained from my face when another classmate said they remembered me because my sister was the "popular one" with all the friends. It might seem like the night was a complete disaster. But that would be my anxiety talking and drowning out the many positive interactions I had with new and familiar faces, especially the ones who set down their drinks to embrace me with both arms. If you're anxious about seeing your former classmates, you're not alone. I received advice from therapists on approaching your high school reunion, including managing your expectations and avoiding assumptions about your old friends and rivals. Here are the dos and don'ts of attending your high school reunion. Do: Acknowledge how you're feeling Reuniting with your classmates can bring up mixed emotions, from excitement and nostalgia to fear and dread. "It's completely normal and valid to have conflicting feelings about a reunion," Natalie Moore, a Los Angeles-based licensed marriage and family therapist, told Business Insider. You might associate high school with painful memories like being bullied or excluded from social gatherings. Taking time to notice your feelings can help build self-awareness, which in turn can lead to greater confidence and self-acceptance, she said. There's a lot of pressure to achieve milestones like getting married, having kids, owning a home, or having a fulfilling career. "As the reunion approaches, be mindful of the expectations and predictions that pop up in your mind," Moore said. Remember that everyone has their own path and timeline. "Even the person who appears to have it all together has their own quiet struggles that they're dealing with," she said. Do: Consider what makes you feel your best We tend to feel more confident when we plan ahead. Think about what makes you feel good so you can relax and be in the moment when you're at your reunion, Patrice Le Goy, a psychologist and licensed marriage and family therapist, told BI. "For some people, it will be important to have accomplishments to share, and for others, it will be having that perfect outfit picked out," she said. You don't want to sound rehearsed, but it might help to have a script or a few life updates in mind, especially if you tend to overshare or get nervous in social settings. Don't: Gossip about people or their appearance When a conversation stalls, it can be tempting to engage in gossip. "You may regret it if you use this time to speak badly about people you haven't seen in a long time, especially if it gets back to them," Le Goy said. As visual creatures, we tend to notice people's appearance, especially if they look different from how we remember them. "However, making comments about someone's body, even if you believe you're giving a compliment, can trigger people and make them feel self-conscious," Moore said. Do: Ask questions A crowded reunion may not be the best venue for deep conversations, but that shouldn't stop you from getting reacquainted. "It's much more fun to allow yourself to be surprised by how much your classmates have grown and changed over the years," Moore said. Consider your own evolution since high school. Your classmates have likely experienced similar transformations, and when you don't ask questions, you're more likely to judge people. Don't: Jump to conclusions If you haven't spoken to your classmates in a while, it's easy to make assumptions and create unfounded narratives about their lives. Perhaps you're speculating about why your prom date moved to another country or you're picturing yourself standing up to your high school bully at the reunion. "Social media only gives us a fraction of the full story," Le Goy said. "Try not to assume someone's marriage is on the rocks because of one cryptic post or, alternately, that someone's life is perfect because they seem so happy online or from stories that you hear from other people." Moore emphasized the importance of practicing curiosity rather than jumping to conclusions or reacting to past experiences. Try practicing the thought: I wonder if this individual will be there and how their personality has changed over the years. Do: Set an intention for the reunion Another way to boost your confidence is to think about your purpose in going to the reunion. "If you are measuring your level of enjoyment based on whether you are the most successful or the most attractive, you will probably be disappointed," Le Goy said. Her advice is to think about how you want to feel at the end of the night whether it's being happy that you reconnected with friends or feeling relieved that you've gotten over your high school crush. "These are more helpful expectations than just wanting to be better than everyone else," she said. Don't: Panic if you lose touch If you're enjoying reconnecting with someone, consider asking for their contact information and how they prefer to stay in touch, Moore said. "Some people love in-person hangouts while others find it more convenient to text or FaceTime," she added. Similar to asking someone on a date, the saying "no risk, no reward" applies here. "People's lives are so busy and even though the intention may be there to stay connected, often the follow-through is more difficult," Le Goy said. She suggests staying away from big declarations, like planning a trip together. "Stick with more accessible options like connecting on social media or starting a text chain which can build up to in person meet ups," she said. Whatever happens at your reunion, remember how far you've come since high school. Because of the way our brains are wired, our former classmates may loom large in our memories, but they don't define who we are today. Nandini Maharaj is a freelance writer covering health, wellness, identity, and relationships. She holds a master's degree in counseling and a doctorate in public health.
Yahoo
01-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Reverse SAD' Is A Real Thing. Here Are The Signs.
When you hear the term 'seasonal affective disorder,' odds are you think of wintertime blues. 'We tend to associate shorter days, less sunlight and cold weather with higher chances of depressed mood,' therapist Natalie Moore told HuffPost. 'Conversely, when we think of summertime, we imagine longer days, sunshine and picture people being more joyful and optimistic.' For some people, however, the sunnier seasons bring an emotional struggle. This lesser-known ― and often overlooked ― condition is called 'reverse SAD' or summer-pattern SAD. 'Reverse seasonal affective disorder, or summer-pattern SAD, is a type of depression that occurs during the spring and summer months, as opposed to the more common winter-pattern SAD,' said board-certified psychiatrist and 'Practical Optimism' author Dr. Sue Varma. 'While most people associate SAD with the colder, darker months, some individuals experience a worsening of mood when the days get longer and brighter.' A number of different factors can cause reverse SAD. 'Reverse SAD is thought to affect individuals who are particularly sensitive to circadian rhythm changes,' Moore said. 'Physiological factors include discomfort from increased heat and humidity and sleep disruption caused by early sunrise.' Changes in light exposure can throw off mood-regulating hormones like serotonin and melatonin in the summer, just as in the winter. 'Psychological factors include internal pressure to be happy during this time of year,' Moore said. The summer can be particularly tough for introverts, since social conventions call for increased participation in potentially energy-depleting activities in the summer. 'Other triggers may include summer stressors like vacation costs, childcare pressures, or problems with body image that are enhanced by our summer wardrobes,' said Dr. Samar McCutcheon, a psychiatrist with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Summer tends to disrupt routines, which is especially challenging for parents. 'Everything feels a little less structured with kids out of school, parents shuttling children around summer camps, more workload because coworkers are on vacation and pushing off work later at night to accommodate summer day time schedules,' said Mabel Yiu, a marriage and family therapist and founding director of Women's Therapy Institute. 'For people who rely on routine to feel stable, that lack of consistency can be destabilizing.' 'The symptoms of reverse SAD can differ slightly from winter-pattern SAD,' Varma said. 'People should look out for insomnia or trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, difficulty concentrating, irritability or mood swings.' It's common for those with this condition to feel extra pressure, which leads to a challenging disconnect. 'When you're not feeling great but feel like you should be, it can lead to guilt, shame, and isolation, which only worsens mental health,' Yiu said. Although the warm weather months are typically associated with more occasions to socialize, people struggling with reverse SAD may engage in social withdrawal. 'Summer comes with expectations to be outdoors, attend barbecues, take vacations, and generally be 'on,'' said Erin Pash, a licensed marriage and family therapist and founder of Pash Co. 'For someone already struggling, these expectations can feel like a heavy weight.' She recalled a past client who expressed feeling guilty for wanting to stay inside in the air conditioning while it seemed like everyone else was at the beach. They felt as though something was wrong with them for not loving the summertime. 'You might notice you're snappier with family members, avoiding social gatherings you'd normally enjoy or feeling physically uncomfortable even in mildly warm weather,' Pash added. In addition to social withdrawal, restlessness and overwhelm are typical signs of the condition. 'The intense sunlight that energizes others can feel overwhelming, like sensory overload that leaves you agitated rather than refreshed,' Pash said. Many people with reverse SAD report feeling overstimulated and anxious. But ultimately, the biggest sign is timing. Pay attention to patterns in your depression symptoms year over year. 'If you notice that around spring or summer time you experience these signs of reverse SAD, you should speak to your doctor or therapist about your symptoms,' Moore noted. 'Because it's not a well-documented condition, you may need to advocate for yourself in medical environments and seek a mood disorder specialist who has experience treating patients with this issue.' 'Because it is not a well-known mood disorder, the first step in treating and managing reverse SAD is recognizing that you struggle with it,' Moore said. 'Although reverse SAD is rare, you are not alone. Awareness around this condition is increasing.' Take steps to create an environment at home that will support your mental health in the summer. 'Use air conditioning or fans to maintain a comfortable temperature,' Varma advised. 'Heat intolerance is a big trigger. And while bright light can be helpful in the winter, those with reverse SAD may benefit from limiting light during certain times of day, especially in the evening.' Avoid excessive light exposure to promote good sleep as well. 'Use blackout curtains or eye masks if there's still light,' Yiu suggested. 'Minimize blue light screen time and have deliberate dim hours before bed.' Think about lifestyle factors that can affect your mood, and take care of yourself with good nutrition, regular exercise and breaks to rest and recharge. 'Prioritize being proactive about your wellbeing ― nourish your body with healthy food and remember to hydrate and replenish your body,' suggested Rachel Thomasian, a licensed therapist and owner of Playa Vista Counseling. 'Start or maintain a yoga or meditation routine to help manage feelings of anxiety or overwhelm.' Be mindful about your schedule and how you divide your time as well. 'Find indoor activities during the day to avoid being outside at the peak of heat or humidity,' McCutcheon said. 'It can be especially helpful if these activities involve your friends or family, to further prevent depressive symptoms.' She also recommended taking vacations to cooler climates during the summer. 'Give yourself permission to have a different kind of summer,' Pash said. 'Maybe your ideal July evening is a movie night with the AC cranked up, not a rooftop party. That's completely valid. And if you know summer is tough, plan easier months around it. Maybe you schedule your big work projects for fall and keep summer commitments lighter.' The same goes for social commitments. If you find endless summer barbecues too draining, you don't have to say yes to every invitation. 'Let friends and family know that you experience summer differently,' Pash said. 'A simple 'I'm more of a fall person, but I'd love to hang out somewhere air-conditioned' can go a long way.' In addition to leaning on loved ones for support, consider seeking professional help. 'For treatment interventions, cognitive behavioral therapy can be a helpful place to start to treat mild or moderate symptoms, and antidepressants should be considered when someone is experiencing moderate to severe symptoms,' McCutcheon noted. Whatever approach you try, just remember to be kind to yourself. 'Your experience is real and valid, even if it goes against the cultural narrative that summer equals happiness,' Pash said. 'Remember there's no 'right' way to experience any season. Your mental health matters year-round, including during those long, bright summer days.' 13 Vacation Habits That Are Secretly Stressing You Out Is This ADHD Symptom Messing With Your Sex Life? Why Does Talking About Bugs Make You Itchy?
Arab News
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Arab News
Single UK Special Forces officer rejected 1,585 Afghan resettlement applications
LONDON: A court has been told a UK Special Forces officer personally rejected 1,585 applications from Afghans for resettlement in Britain. The applications were all from people with credible links to UKSF personnel, the Ministry of Defense told the court, amid an ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes by the Special Air Service in Afghanistan. The BBC revealed last week that the individual in question may have rejected applications from people with eye-witness testimony relating to the allegations. Numerous former Afghan special forces soldiers, known as Triples due to their regiment numbers, served alongside UK forces until the fall of Afghanistan to the Taliban in 2021. Thousands of them and their relatives have subsequently struggled to obtain permission to travel to the UK. The public inquiry into the conduct of UKSF soldiers in Afghanistan, meanwhile, lacks the power to compel former Triples soldiers to testify unless they are in the UK. In October 2022 Natalie Moore, the head of the Ministry of Defense's Afghan resettlement team, voiced concern that UKSF involved in applications for resettlement were giving the 'appearance of an unpublished mass rejection policy.' In January last year, former Veterans Minister Johnny Mercer told senior government officials there was a 'significant conflict of interest that should be obvious to all' in the processing of resettlement applications by UKSF personnel. 'Decision-making power,' Mercer claimed, over 'potential witnesses to the inquiry,' was 'deeply inappropriate.' Mercer also noted that a number of former Triples soldiers had been killed by the Taliban after being left to wait in Afghanistan, including one whose application was rejected having 'previously confronted UKSF leadership about EJKs (extrajudicial killings) in Afghanistan.' The MoD initially denied UKSF personnel had a veto over the applications of former Triples soldiers, who having been armed, trained and funded by the UK, were deemed at risk of reprisals if left in Afghanistan after the withdrawal of coalition forces. However, more than 2,000 applications deemed credible by caseworkers have been rejected by the UKSF. The MoD subsequently announced a review of the applications over fears the process was not 'robust.' An additional 2,500 rejected applications were placed under review this week by the government. So far, more than 600 of the 1,585 rejections attributed to the single UKSF officer have been overturned. The revelations about the UKSF member who rejected the 1,585 applications were made at a judicial review hearing brought by former Triples soldiers over the conflict of interest in resettlement decision-making, which also heard the MoD had launched two investigations into UKSF practices. One investigation, known as Operation X, said that it 'did not obtain any evidence of hidden motives on the part of the UKSF liaison officer.' It added it found 'no evidence of automatic/instant/mass rejections,' but failed to provide evidence in its conclusion, instead suggesting the decisions were made as a result of 'slack and unprofessional verification processes' by the UKSF officer and 'lax procedures followed by the officer in not following up on all lines of enquiry before issuing rejections.' Tom de la Mare KC, representing the Afghan Triple soldier who brought the case, accused the MoD of failing to disclose evidence of blanket application rejections, and of 'providing misleading responses to requests for information,' the BBC said. Cathryn McGahey KC, acting for the MoD, said 'there might have been a better way of doing (the applications process), but that doesn't make it unlawful.' Daniel Carey, partner at law firm DPG, acting for the former Triples soldier, told the BBC: 'My client spent years asking the MoD to rectify the blanket refusals of Triples personnel and has seen many killed and harmed by the Taliban in that time. 'He is pleased that the MoD have agreed to inform everyone of the decisions in their cases and to tell the persons affected whether their cases are under review or not, but it should not have required litigation to achieve basic fairness.'
