Need Advice on Theory of PTSD Towards Soldiers

[Simpleman33]

Well it would make sense... I spent 2 years in a horrible place mentally dealing with my issues before finally moving to Dallas to live with 2 friends of mine from the military. I believe being around them has helped me more than anything else, feel more safe thats for sure. A 5-star hotel sure does sound nice though :rolleyes:.

 

[anthony]

I believe people need to ensure they respect others opinions before responding. Remember, you're not right, neither are you wrong, as your opinion is valid as your opinion. The only time right or wrong comes into things is if actual hard factual data is presented, quoted or referenced, though a study is not factual data typically unless proven outright.

Many soldiers do not actually get PTSD like some may think. What Jim talks about above is the more accurate, in that near all soldiers have stress from combat on return. This stress, anxiety, whatever you call it, dissipates over the next six to twelve months typically. This is what is called, Post-Traumatic Stress. Notice it doesn't have the "disorder" attached! The problem here is that the PTSD diagnosis, and especially now so prevalent and known, is being handed out when the person only has the symptoms for a month or more, being the diagnostic criteria. Just about every soldier who returns from operations will meet the criteria for PTSD, however; only about 10% + / - actually have PTSD or develop it in their life. This is a current problem in diagnosis and the inconsistencies of the illness. Media has made this worse, no doubt at all... PTSD should never be diagnosed on any soldier IMHO prior to a solid year after return from an operation, thus allowing a soldier to decompress from a hostile environment to a civilian environment. It takes that long... I know, I have done many operations and seen it first hand with my own soldiers, peers and then even lived it myself. The lesser "Acute Anxiety Disorder" (PTS) should be given to allow further analysis of the patient.

PTSD is misdiagnosed now at a greater rate than ever because of the media implications from the world deploying at a greater constant.

Respect opinions though and it has always been recommended that you address the person you are responding in order to lessen confusion, either by name or quote.

 

[Seeking_Nirvana]

Thanks Jim

Not this soldier! ;-) I am the man in discussion here, Tardis (Dean) is dating my daughter. Don't have PTSD, quite certain of that fact.

However. Did suffer combat stress after being in the Golan Heights in the 70s. Suffered many anxiety symptoms and became a heavy drinker. Lasted perhaps half a year. Then - stopped drinking, received treatment, and am well since.

Huge difference between my brother and myself. Eric was not a talker. Kept everything to himself, including his emotions. Let it fester. Whereas - I am an open person. I talk, express emotions, even crying and so forth. Always have been so. Our family participated in a study on PTSD this past year. Physician conducting the study theorized my openness was a possible preventative measure. Akin to early intervention after trauma. That along with, perhaps my genetic factors are not as strong.

Jim.

Thank you Jim for clarifying this.

It's good to know the facts first hand, then to hear it from a second hand source.

When I stated in the post that the person could not know if you had PTSD it's because I know a lot of illnesses can go undetected. But since you told them you didn't have PTSD I see that they stated the facts. A lot of people go around making assumptions about other people all of the time. (myself included)

I know now that you did state the facts, and it came from you, and not through someone elses perception of you.

I hope what I said makes sense.

Take care
Tammy

 

[2quilt]

One thing that irritates the hell out of me (but not you personally, Original Poster of This Thread) is that your post mentions the number of MALE veterans who are homeless. I, and maybe millions of other females have served in the US military since the Revolutionary War, (not me personally...) but people only count the MEN.
I have disabled vet plates on my vehicle, and I get the same question from male as well as female strangers when they notice my plates: "Was your husband the disabled vet?"
"No, honey. They let women go to war nowadays too."

 

[Mina]

Joey, if you haven't read Lt. Col. Dave Grossman's books, "On Killing," and, "On Combat," I would highly suggest doing so. AMAZING works. I believe they'd be excellent resources for writing your paper.

 

[Joey Padula]

Y thank you Mina