My sufferer was flagged for PTSD upon his return from his most recent deployment. At first, he seemed to agree with, or at least understand, this flag/diagnosis. He was also open to seeking help. However, later he said he disagrees with it, in part because they included a flag for chemical and alcohol dependency, which he staunchly believes he doesn't have (and quite frankly, I don't think he does either). It's unfortunate that because they missed the mark with one flag, he's also denying the other.
As an outside observer, it seems pretty clear that he's experiencing symptoms of PTSD and in fact suffers from it. Most recently, they include:
I have taken the PCL-M PTSD Checklist, answering the questions based only on what he's told me (and knowing that what he's told me is likely just the tip of the iceberg), and it's clear to a layperson that he has PTSD.
BUT, who knows? Maybe he's just...adjusting? How do any of us really know that it's PTSD and not something else?
As an FYI: He was betrayed in a horrific manner in the last month of his deployment, leaving him doubting and being untrusting of people and life, and wondering whether his mission in Afgh was all for not.
Also, he is in the Reserves, and returned from deployment without a civilian job/career, and still doesn't have one. This is also understandably making him even more depressed and nervous and wondering what he's doing with his life.
I recently suggested that we work together to find someone for him to talk to, to work through and process his feelings - particularly the depression. He said absolutely not, that he would not want that on his record, that it would prevent him from promotions, SF, etc. I am a civilian, so I have no idea if that's true or not, regardless of whether it's for depression or PTSD.
I'm not sure I have a specific question. Any input is greatly appreciated.
As an outside observer, it seems pretty clear that he's experiencing symptoms of PTSD and in fact suffers from it. Most recently, they include:
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks
- Trouble, fear, anxiety in crowds
- Explosive anger that quiets just as quickly as it exploded
- Depression, crying himself to sleep (this is rare, but it happens, and when it does, he isolates)
I have taken the PCL-M PTSD Checklist, answering the questions based only on what he's told me (and knowing that what he's told me is likely just the tip of the iceberg), and it's clear to a layperson that he has PTSD.
BUT, who knows? Maybe he's just...adjusting? How do any of us really know that it's PTSD and not something else?
As an FYI: He was betrayed in a horrific manner in the last month of his deployment, leaving him doubting and being untrusting of people and life, and wondering whether his mission in Afgh was all for not.
Also, he is in the Reserves, and returned from deployment without a civilian job/career, and still doesn't have one. This is also understandably making him even more depressed and nervous and wondering what he's doing with his life.
I recently suggested that we work together to find someone for him to talk to, to work through and process his feelings - particularly the depression. He said absolutely not, that he would not want that on his record, that it would prevent him from promotions, SF, etc. I am a civilian, so I have no idea if that's true or not, regardless of whether it's for depression or PTSD.
I'm not sure I have a specific question. Any input is greatly appreciated.
