Do labels help or hurt those suffering from PTSD?

2017-05-31T08:54:17-04:00

I found this great MEME about labels & thought it was a great question & discussion piece for those suffering from PTSD and those working to help those suffering from PTSD. Looking for some great feedback to share with the community here on RP about labeling!

There are several great questions on the MEME:

1. Do you let your label define who you are?
2. Do you let your label hold you back from what you can be?
3. Do you accept what someone has labeled you?
4. Do you use that label to motivate you?

What are your thoughts?

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 9:00 AM

2017-05-31T09:00:04-04:00

I think it is human nature that we label to make quick assessments of others, perhaps those that threaten us or pose some danger. I try to overcome labeling and see each person as an individual. I have never seen a "label" that benefited that person.

Response by SP5 Michael Rathbun made May 31 at 2017 9:15 AM

2017-05-31T09:15:47-04:00

It's a mixed bag.

There are ways that replacing the labels "freak" and "weirdo" with "high-functioning autistic" is an improvement, for me at least. A "veteran with PTSD" label might have helped my late Dad (El Alamein, Anzio) a bit, both in society and in understanding himself; it certainly helped me.

Otherwise they are handy buckets to throw people into so you don't have to do any further thinking, or exercise compassion or empathy.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 9:26 AM

2017-05-31T09:26:12-04:00

Labels don't help ANYONE! They throw individuals into buckets so that they are no longer individuals but become groupees.(0h no a label)

Labels don't help children, adolescents, or adults, or soldiers with PTSD.

Response by CPT Aaron Kletzing made May 31 at 2017 9:37 AM

2017-05-31T09:37:02-04:00

I think it hurts more than helps

Response by SGM Erik Marquez made May 31 at 2017 9:46 AM

2017-05-31T09:46:36-04:00

Labels are in the eye (perception) of the receiver and therein lays the problem.
The label of PTSD may be accurately assigned to Vet 1 and Vet 2, neither have issues that are debilitating, prevent normal relationships or work.
Vet 1 Wears a three piece suit to work, no one even thinks about his "PTSD" when he spills his coffee on a report and then has to reprint the 1 page report on the company printer using company paper with only 3 hours remaining before the meeting and mutters FUCK to him self.
Vet 2 wears company uniforms at this mechanic Tech job, has long hair and a 4 day growth of facial hair, when he drops his new Snap on $700 torque wrench on the ground after tripping over an air line some careless person left out surely damaging the tool and causing a loss of needed tool for weeks while out for repair ..and mutters FUCK to him self, folks stare, back away, talk amongst them selfs about Bobs "PTSD", shop manager requires him to leave the property immediately, and not return without a Docs note that says he is not a threat to himself or other employees. Same label, same mental position and condition for the vet different perception of that label and Vet.

Response by LTC Sonya Friday made May 31 at 2017 9:57 AM

2017-05-31T09:57:28-04:00

It depends on the context of how those 4 letters are used

Response by SSgt Robert Marx made May 31 at 2017 10:16 AM

2017-05-31T10:16:18-04:00

Labels make for quick identification but are never accurate nor of any help to the one labeled. A person can be motivated to overcome a label while other just as capable people sink into depression and rely on suicide as an out. We who do the labeling share responsibility for hurting another person and we must learn to do better. A label is good for cars but never for people.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 10:37 AM

2017-05-31T10:37:58-04:00

Vets can't have it both ways. If we want the condition to be properly diagnosed and treated, then it has to have a name. And that name comes with a description of a range of symptoms. Otherwise you go back to the days when it was kept in the shadows, or worse the vet was blamed for being weak minded or a coward rather than having a medical condition, and received no medical support or disability compensation.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made May 31 at 2017 10:41 AM

2017-05-31T10:41:34-04:00

Labels that are negative will definetly harm , positive labels will build up the persons self image.

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made May 31 at 2017 11:04 AM

2017-05-31T11:04:07-04:00

Most of time I'm just labeled as a TARGET just like in combat and now at home because I have PTSD. Always Labeled as a TARGET!

Response by Maj Marty Hogan made May 31 at 2017 11:25 AM

2017-05-31T11:25:11-04:00

I have broached this subject before- we live in a world where we have to label/classify everything. I think it puts a stigma to the condition or person- race, religion, sexual preference. Stereo types follow as to how the person perceives the diagnosis. Look at cancer patients and those with a negative experience or negative attitude last less time. Placebo drugs to people with Fibromyalgia seem to get better because they are being treated. The mind is a strong toy. I could go on, but it is something that should be taken into account. Great question COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SFC Jim Mergott made May 31 at 2017 12:24 PM

2017-05-31T12:24:23-04:00

Unfortunately I feel there are a lot of combat vets out there that answer "yes" to these questions.

Response by MAJ Alan Reiter made May 31 at 2017 1:05 PM

2017-05-31T13:05:07-04:00

It depends on the purpose and context of labeling someone. If it's for diagnostic purposes it most likely is helpful. If done for pejorative reasons than it is not helpful at all.

Response by SPC Douglas Bolton made May 31 at 2017 1:08 PM

2017-05-31T13:08:42-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Labels come from other people. They label us from what they think they see. They do not even have a guess of what the true person is really like. That is why, when I was teaching I didn't let the previous teacher label a student coming from them. I wanted to see them myself, and do my own judgements.

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made May 31 at 2017 1:14 PM

2017-05-31T13:14:14-04:00

I liked what was said here about positive and negative labels. I do my best to keep it positive. I have experienced negative labeling and stereotypes associated with people of color...I particularly don't like labels such as mullato, mut, n#gger, fudgepacker. How do we make it better? Building lasting and invested relationships in others, regardless of our differences. Finding common ground is a good start. Great question for discussion COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SSG Eduardo Ybarra Jr. MS Psyc made May 31 at 2017 1:34 PM

2017-05-31T13:34:01-04:00

Unfortunately society has demonized combat PTSD. And as such with the constant bombardment of negative publicity by those who claim to be "combat veterans", we have been given a title that is not what any of us wish. While the label may define a condition, it does not necessarily define the person. The real problem is how do we overcome a label when society constantly throws it in the face of those suffering with PTSD? The label does have limitations not for lack on our part but because the lack of education society possesses regarding PTSD. I personally don't accept the label because PTSD falls under a myriad of situations. Using the label to motivate oneself can be a double edged sword. The reason for this is due to two things while those suffering with PTSD may be inclined to pursue a particular career. they may meet with resistance if it is discovered they have it. And secondly if a person is constantly reinforced that they are damaged they will eventually develop a belief of this condition. Here is to give you an idea, while conducting a research I posited three vignettes about the same person but each vignette was different in describing how an individual developed PTSD. I used a person having PTSD from combat, natural disaster and an unknown cause. What I found was society viewed the combat PTSD more harshly than any of the others. I was also able to see that society was my sympathetic to a person who suffered with PTSD from a natural disaster. I also discovered, asking questions regarding media influence, that the media outlets have influenced society's perspective regarding their views on people with PTSD. What this basically means is those who suffer with combat PTSD, have "the deck stacked against them".

Unfortunately we live in a society that at times can label, limit, reinforce and potentially unmotivate the person suffering with PTSD. In my humble opinion, I have traversed all four; however, I have taken the negative aspect of our societies view and applied it as a personal challenge. The reason for this is there are a great many researchers, Dr's, psychologists' and psychiatrists' who write about this condition not understanding the full measure of its meaning. I think it's time to bring a military perspective into the equation. I use this adage to provide my motivation, "How can someone who has never experienced PTSD write about it?" It's much like me writing a book about what it is like to be a woman. I don't have the slightest idea.

For those suffering with PTSD, there are two ways to deal with it: either you control it or it controls you. Embrace it, it's not who you are but a part of who you are. Use it to be a better father, son, wife, daughter, brother, sister, cousin, etc. Take societies negative look at PTSD as a personal challenge to be that better person.

Response by PO3 Steven Sherrill made May 31 at 2017 1:41 PM

2017-05-31T13:41:14-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs It is a bi-product of society. Everything needs to be neatly packaged so that it can be placed in the proper cubby hole. We are constantly asked to label ourselves for sorting purposes. Gender, Race, Age, Religious Preference, even weight can be a question used to sort people into groups. It can be as benign as not marketing women's clothing to men, but it can be used to segregate "desirable" from "undesirable." When it crosses over into mental health, I think labels are mostly harmful. The one exception is with triage. As with any medical concern, those with the most serious injuries must jump to the top of the list. I think that we as a society should be treating mental health concerns as injuries. They are not injuries to the body, but injuries to the soul. Without the soul, the body is useless. Without the body the soul is useless. Both need to be healed equally when an injury occurs, or the whole package that is a person suffers.
I am a large person. I refer to myself as the fat man, or fat guy. Why? Because I do not allow that to define who I am. Get it out of the way, and it can't be used as a negative label. Acknowledging a negative takes away its power. The problem with this philosophy when it comes to Mental Health is that our society still treats mental health as something to be joked about as opposed to a serious medical concern. If one comes forward, they are pitied, labeled as broken, or treated like a bomb that could explode at any moment. Broken record, but until we can stop that from happening, there is good reason for people to keep these concerns hidden.
The other questions are related. If you accept what someone else has labeled you, then that is what you will be. If it is a positive label, then it can raise a person up. More often though, labels are used to bring a person down. Those labels show a person what others think of them, and if that person allows those labels to define them, then the person will limit themselves purely based on that label. For example if a person is labeled by their supervisor as lazy, and they accept that, that person will have a tendency to become that label. No motivation to improve, no motivation to go above and beyond, no motivation to prove the label that they have accepted wrong. On the flip side, if that same person chooses not to accept that label, then they will go out to prove that the label doesn't define them by seeking out the source of the label and correcting their deficiencies. Again this is difficult when it is something intangible like Mental Health. If a person is labeled as "the broken veteran," "Nuts," "crazy," or "out there" that person is lost. If one chooses to believe that label, then they are likely to turn that into a feeling of hopelessness, and go to a really dark place in their soul. If one chooses not to believe it, they are left with the struggle of rising above a label that is intangible. It is a lose lose situation.
The best way, in this layman's opinion, to overcome this is by fighting the culture. It is difficult. It means making an effort to change the way people think. Instead of the broken veteran, how about the person who is hurting. Instead of slapping a label on someone, maybe offer an ear to let that person express themselves. At the very least, don't exacerbate the problem by minimizing the pain. It involves bringing a level of humanity back to our me centric society.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made May 31 at 2017 1:55 PM

2017-05-31T13:55:22-04:00

A Label cannot dictate who you are. The experiences you go through can and will dictate who you are and who you will become, as we are all a product of our environments. NOW you can either allow it to be positive or negative. It was 37 years before I knew I had PTSD, I knew there was something wrong, but no one could put a finger on it or tell me why it was happening. Funny, Ihad been trained in how to recognize PTSD in my Firefighters, but I cold not see it in myself. My problems manifested themselves as hyper emotional sensitivity. I would start laughing at the simplest thing or crying at anything that reminded me of long ago memories. Once I finally found out, I told everyone. If it happens, bear with me, it will pass. It does not take away from my ability to do any of my jobs, and it actually may help me be better at them. Am I normal? Probably not but I have unlimited strength for I always have the strength of my LORD whenever I may need it. HE has not let me down yet... Labels don't bother me.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 1:55 PM

2017-05-31T13:55:32-04:00

Eh. Label me what you want, whether it be good or bad I don't let it ruin my life but I will take it into consideration and reevaluate some of the things I am doing. Might not change me much, but it's like constructive criticism. Take it with a grain of salt. Maybe you're ate up, maybe you're superhooah and the best at what you do. All I'm saying is, be the best for you and yours, fix yourself if you need fixing otherwise ruck on. Just my 2¢.

Response by CSM Tony Blair made May 31 at 2017 2:07 PM

2017-05-31T14:07:27-04:00

After 3 deployments, went in for help in active duty, they say they will not hold it against you, 1 month later I'm MEB , one year later out the army. So do it hurt??? Yes, it's a death blow to you.

Response by 1SG James Matthews made May 31 at 2017 2:11 PM

2017-05-31T14:11:39-04:00

Labels are usually created by the ones who don't understand what they are dealing with---Vn and todays conflicts created PTSD---it has been here since the firs war was ever between two countries or even the same country ie: the civil war. It was just not defined in the way it is today. The label PTSD hurts some but it also makes some stronger by reaching within theirselves and pulling forth the ability to deal with it theirselves. All we, as fellow vets can do is be there for our brothers and help the ones who accept help and offer it to all - just letting them know we have walked on the same road and they can come to the end of it successfully.

Response by SPC Anthony Ingersoll made May 31 at 2017 2:12 PM

2017-05-31T14:12:40-04:00

Labels end up hurting the ones they are supposed to be helping.

Response by PFC Donnie Harold Harris made May 31 at 2017 2:45 PM

2017-05-31T14:45:47-04:00

Labels are for control not help.

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 2:45 PM

2017-05-31T14:45:56-04:00

Great question COL Mikel J. Burroughs. I don't have any experience with PTSD personally, but I agree with any label that it is how an individual personally identifies themself. For the longest time after a divorce, I sunk into the Army lifestyle and put everything I had into it. I wore my ID tags every waking hour whether on duty or off, I used a military rank on my personal voicemail, I identified as a Soldier first and foremost! Once I began regularly attending a church where I felt I became part of that community, I decided to be baptised and now I identify as a Christian first.

Response by PO1 Robert Johnson made May 31 at 2017 2:46 PM

2017-05-31T14:46:03-04:00

We all get and assign labels. "Little old lady", "Grumpy old man", "Lazy S.O.B." just to name a few. It is a way to categorize the people in our world. The label is only a perception of one person toward another and as long as it stays that way, there usually is no harm. The problem comes when the person holding that perception begins to share it with others and they accept it and they can share it, etc., etc.. If it is a kind or gentle perception, no harm; but if it is hurtful or derogatory, big problem. PTSD is still an unknown or misunderstood condition to those who have never experienced it. It manifests in so many different ways and for so many reasons that it is almost impossible to predict how or when it will show itself. People watch the action movies and see the soldier go home and wakes up screaming, or he dives for cover when he hears a pop, but those things rarely happen in real life. Much more often it shows in a personality shift, depression or withdrawal. It doesn't have to manifest itself immediately. It could be a year or more or even longer. My own case didn't come on until just two years ago. The trigger was something I saw on the internet. Fortunately, I recognized it and got help right away. Unfortunately, too many of our guys either don't realize what is going on or let machismo thinking delay seeking help, sometimes becoming a statistic.
For whatever reason, many civilians remember the old tags, "Battle fatigue" and one other that has just gone out of my brain. They somehow assign a demeaning stigma to them and anyone suffering PTSD gets tagged. It is fear of what they don't know. Mental Health Professionals need to get the information out into the public eye in BOLD graphics and LOUD sound bites.

Response by MSG James Hughs made May 31 at 2017 2:54 PM

2017-05-31T14:54:25-04:00

The problem is not the label.....or my perception of myself.....the problem is the MEDIA rendition of the label.....and other peoples perception of the label.....I have PTSD.... my emotions are RAW.....I am quick to anger and quick to cry.....I have nightmares and rarely sleep past 3 AM.....
I deal with these each when they manifest themselves..... My wife asked me why when we fight....why do I lock myself in the bathroom..... I told her "so I wont hurt you"..... I avoid losing my temper....do not take drugs or drink alcohol.....so I can control myself....avoid losing my temper....try to see the absurdity and laugh..... I cry....if you can not handle seeing a grown man cry.....that is your problem not mine...... nothing I can do about the nightmares....they come with the territory....when I wake up at 3 AM..... I sneek into the den and work......THEN take a nap in the afternoon.....NO PROBLEM

The problem is that the media has portrayed us PTSD victims ( note: civilians can get PTSD also).....as TICKING TIME BOMBS just waiting to explode and go on a killing spree...... FALSE...... when I told my sister I had PTSD.....she quietly told me to please not visit anymore.....

THE PROBLEM is not so much with US.....as with how everyone else perceives us..... and there is little we can do about that.....

Not all veterans with PTSD are impacted the same way or to the same extent..... but most of us deal with it..... the only thing I would tell my brothers is.....at least for me.....it is being in control OF YOU that counts..... avoid drugs and alcohol and losing control of YOU.....and do not worry about the others and their labels..... there is no educating STUPID

Response by LCpl Scott Greenwood made May 31 at 2017 4:01 PM

2017-05-31T16:01:21-04:00

PTSD is not simply a military condition but a human one, it doesn't know age, borders, skin color, or religion it is completely unbiased.

It is a breach on the perceived thresholds of pain and fear that hurts not only its victims but also their loved ones.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 31 at 2017 4:18 PM

2017-05-31T16:18:29-04:00

Labels may help or be a hindrance COL Mikel J. Burroughs. After all, nobody in their right mind believes that PTSD is uniform in its manifestation or duration.
Anybody who been alive for 20 years or more has been labeled more times than we can remember. Certainly every service member has been labeled multiple times from recruit and newbie to whatever our rank, duty position, specialty etc. has been. We are labeled by gender, age group, physical fitness group, promotion and potential status and health condition group.
If labels upset us, we are in bad shape starting out of the gate.
Veteran is more of a defining label than PTSD ever has or will be. PTSD is not limited to military service but military service is unique to military service veterans.
One day soon, I hope that will move away from defining ourselves by our problems.

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made May 31 at 2017 4:24 PM

2017-05-31T16:24:24-04:00

I have never agreed with labeling people, especially kids. People tend to live down to the way they have been labeled.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made May 31 at 2017 4:37 PM

2017-05-31T16:37:02-04:00

It hurts until they understand the nature of the beast.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made May 31 at 2017 4:52 PM

2017-05-31T16:52:21-04:00

1. Yes, it's probably better that what I would have unlabeled
2. According to my aptitude tests I could be a Policeman or a Soldier, My label disqualifies from both
3. At one point it was to my advantage so I accepted it
4. sometimes

Response by SFC James Shanks made May 31 at 2017 4:56 PM

2017-05-31T16:56:19-04:00

This is a great topic. I use to let the label define who I was. I have learned much from my sessions with my Mental Health counselor at the VA. I have been given a new attitude about my life and the fact that any of the numerous labels I have are just that, labels. They do not define who I am, my actions and the way I handle these labels are a part of who I am, along with the way I treat other people in my daily life are a great definition of who I am. Thank you for posting this meme.

James

Response by Private RallyPoint Member made May 31 at 2017 5:33 PM

2017-05-31T17:33:07-04:00

Labeling is Harmful, to the parties being labeled, because they may use the 'label' to define themselves in their injured state, which may lead to more serious problems; to the labeler, because 'labeling' is a lazy way to classify people & it short-circuits our befriending of the 'labeled' by lumping them into a pre-defined group with pre-defined problems ! When we should be discovering who they 'really' are & assisting in their re-connection to civilian life !!!

Response by SGT Tony Clifford made May 31 at 2017 5:51 PM

2017-05-31T17:51:46-04:00

PTSD is a serious problem that needs to be addressed, however it is also used by employers as an excuse to not hire a person. Often civilian employers think that all soldiers have PTSD when that isn't the truth even among combat troops whom have been engaged in combat multiple times. My advice is to seek help if you need it and only tell people close to you about it. If you broadcast to the world your problems, particularly PTSD, it will be used to discriminate against you. Additionally, think very carefully about whether or not to include military service on resumes. Don't hid it, but tailor your resume to match the culture of the company you apply to. If they are pro military or the omission of it would leave a huge employment gap in your resume include it.

Response by SPC Margaret Higgins made May 31 at 2017 7:33 PM

2017-05-31T19:33:43-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs:
I do not let any labels define me, Mikel. Nor do I let any label hold me back from: "Being all that I can be."
My psychiatrist, Mikel, doesn't like labels-I am pretty sure-and he decidedly does not like diagnoses.
I advise mentally ill people, Mikel, Not to let their mental illness define them; and I also advise the mentally ill to: "Go straight through their mental illness".
Thank you ever so kindly, Mikel, for bringing up this subject.
-Most Sincerely, Margaret

Response by LCpl Donald Faucett made May 31 at 2017 7:51 PM

2017-05-31T19:51:16-04:00

Colonel Burroughs I am certified disabled because diagnosed PSTD. No Sir, you cannot put a lable on the disorder, as everyone is different. If I remember they have identified 13 symptoms of it, and I have every on of them. The Dr. Showed me this from the official book used for diagnosis. It is truly dehabilitating to suffer. Yes seriously heavily medicated, and it just dull the tip, but each day is challanging one way or another in so many different ways, that I could write a book on it. Over time you become alone in a world that's unexplainable, and few understands. No Sir, no labels unless you have an assortment of labels on a colossal spool, Sir.

Response by LTC Joe Likar made May 31 at 2017 7:58 PM

2017-05-31T19:58:38-04:00

It took the military a long while not to look at the labels and realize one can still carry on without the stigma of the label.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made May 31 at 2017 8:05 PM

2017-05-31T20:05:26-04:00

When I first retired from the Army 1 1/2 year ago I allowed medical labels and terms somewhat define and even dictate who I was and how I was supposed to behave or feel. Well I realized after several months that responsibility titles (father, husband, etc) are way bigger than labels and statuses (retired, disabled, depression, etc...). So while labels may explain certain behaviors and symptoms they should never define or dictate who you are and what you do.

Response by Sgt Albert Castro made May 31 at 2017 8:19 PM

2017-05-31T20:19:29-04:00

If someone labeled me before I never knew it. Then again, I'm not the kind to worry about what others think of me. I live by my own standards not others standards. In military life we sometimes use labels as endearments. You know the kind. "Beast", "Smiley", "Big Dawg" y'all get it. But I will say this. Some times it's hard not to label others because of how they act, or what they do. I think labels belong on objects or things not on people. Labeling someone can hurt the way others look at the person with the label. It's just bad social manners to label people. PTSD is a medical condition not a label. If you know someone with PTSD help them, be kind and treat them with respect. Don't be an asshole and use it as a label to describe them. Really. Don't use labels y'all without others permission.

Response by SSG John Mitchell made May 31 at 2017 11:05 PM

2017-05-31T23:05:58-04:00

The only Label that defines me is Vet. I don't fit into any other box. Never have, never will.

Response by COL Charles Williams made May 31 at 2017 11:31 PM

2017-05-31T23:31:54-04:00

COL Mikel J. Burroughs Yes. PTSD, which is not just a military issue... (It effects 1st responders, accident and assault victims, and many others).... seems to still be looked at as an bad thing, a weakness... This a especially true with regards to veterans with PTSD. Or, even worse, someone with PTSD from military service is considered unstable, based on the diagnosis of PTSD.... Where I work, you can't be certified by U.S. Army Cadet Command if you have a documented diagnosis of PTSD, or state you do... (HIPAA). That is sad, and not right, as they unilaterally disqualify many great instructors for a condition that the military had a hand in... and based solely on the label... PTSD = No-Go... SGM Erik Marquez

Response by SSG David Fetty made Jun 1 at 2017 3:49 AM

2017-06-01T03:49:17-04:00

Response by PFC Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 1 at 2017 3:26 PM

2017-06-01T15:26:16-04:00

Labels are subjective to how a Groupon individual sees a person, thing or group. I don't know in marketing it helps but personally I try not put much stock in what others think.

Response by MSgt Mark Bucher made Jun 1 at 2017 7:32 PM

2017-06-01T19:32:56-04:00

Mike, I really don't care what others think about it. I don't wear it on my sleeve, but when asked why I can't do some things, go to certain places, or start to spin up whenever people start getting a bit wild, well, fuck em. I don't need to make apologies or excuses.

Response by Stephanie Jones made Jun 2 at 2017 12:59 PM

2017-06-02T12:59:47-04:00

First hand experience, In just going to lay it out there for you so you have a better understanding where I come from. Being the 'molested girl' was a very difficult time growing up. Everyone knew about it, but I was silenced by everyone else's anger over it. I had unknown complex PTSD, Depression, Borderline Personality Disorder and as an adult diagnosed with Anxiety and Panic Disorders. No one understood me.I really felt alone. I didn't know my diagnoses as a child, but underwent a ton of therapy. I had been molested and raped multiple times by my biological father during weekend visitation from the age of 4-11. I also endured physical and emotional abuse by my step father during that time frame and longer, which I never came out with, I thought it would only make the situation worse. At age 16, I was going through normal teenage things, wanting to hang out with my friends, I liked boys, I was in sports, and did mostly well in school. I was very shy though, I was always afraid of what everyone else thought of me. At 16, I was no longer coping well with life as it was, and downed a whole bottle of extra strength Tylenol. I really wanted to die. I didn't want to feel the pain I had felt so much and the lack of understanding anymore. Around an hour later, I called the local PD and told them what I had done. My plan was to fall asleep and die and it wasn't working out the way I had thought. All I could smell was Tylenol and I had very sharp pains in my head. By Gods grace, I had called at the right time. The Doc said an hour later and I would not have made it. My body absorbed all the Tylenol and my liver prolonged 3 seconds. They were able to reverse it and I made a full recovery quickly. I got into abusive relationships and endured more abuse later. Everything held me back, everything affected me, so yes it all defined me for a long time. My best friend died by suicide during my first pregnancy. I've been through alot, but what didn't kill me, did make me stronger. I decided to stop letting everything kick my ass and therapy helped me regain coping skills, people around me that were positive encouraged me to grow, while my family continued with their controlling ways. I had enough. I thought I was through it all until my family members pulled on my last nerve. I didn't realize getting out of Iowa would be the best thing for me and my family, but it was. You see, I had worked through everything, I was coping, doing much better, but the control aspect kept hanging me up. I feel so much better here. My PTSD triggers are far fewer than before and I actually feel like Im living now. I am happy here, and so are the kids.

Response by CMDCM John F. "Doc" Bradshaw made Jun 2 at 2017 10:46 PM

2017-06-02T22:46:08-04:00

Labels are a necessity in certain cases such as the Medical Field but I don't agree with the practice of labeling anyone because of a condition they may or may not have. Treat All with the due respect they deserve and as Human Beings with needs. Some of these labels didn't even exist when I first joined the Navy in 1969 and some of the medical issues Veterans face today did not have a recognized name for their conditions in Wars Precious to Vietnam Either! These labels have evolved to help our Veterans, not to rob them of their self esteem or worth. Just my humble opinion Sir!! Doc Bradshaw

Response by PO1 Jack Howell made Jun 2 at 2017 10:46 PM

2017-06-02T22:46:51-04:00

I think that it's a little of both. It depends on how you feel about your self and how the people around you feel about you.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jun 3 at 2017 12:20 AM

2017-06-03T00:20:47-04:00

Both. It's people who use them for good or bad. Many times we interpret labels and opinions without the thought of how they affect others. Acceptance of a person and approval of their actions and choices are two different things.
I have received negative labels from being a Veteran and having PTSD. More people accept the negative ideas of who and what we are than others who are more receptive to the military. Although they are a part of me, they don't define and limit my life. I'm not going to summarize my military experience to anyone. It's idiotic and immature to 'ASSume' things about someone without facts or data to back it up.
Those of us who have experienced certain things can empathize and help those who have more recently experienced PTSD or are needing help.

Response by PFC Stephen Eric Serati made Jun 3 at 2017 1:05 PM

2017-06-03T13:05:16-04:00

Yes labels stigmatize,humiliate,and create a environment of fear of exposure.

Response by SP5 Jeannie Carle made Jun 5 at 2017 6:31 AM

2017-06-05T06:31:18-04:00

Labels are destructive. At one point, many many years ago, I was going through a rough time - I was given an "open" (!!!) prescription for Valium. Every time I dared to disagree with my SO, or be unhappy about ANYthing whatsoever - he said "go take one of your happy pills!!!". I wasn't allowed to just be "human" - everything was blamed on the label.

Response by SGT Cynthia Barnard made Jun 5 at 2017 11:11 AM

2017-06-05T11:11:24-04:00

It's funny that you should mention that topic I just had a conversation with one of my coworkers who is married to a veteran that suffers from one form of PTSD Where that he's hyper vigilant but he has a friend that suffers from PTSD that is suicidal. I have PTSD in the form of I don't handle death well so I think having a massive label Hurts everyone because they tend to slap us with the same ideology I function very well in society and this veteran does as well because he's a police officer. So I think sloppiness all into one label is bad but if we take the time to educate people about what PTSD is that it is not one all encompassing thing that it is just an umbrella for many different aspects of that not everybody has the same aspect of it by that same token I have also discovered that certain members Will use the term and the idea that oh I have PTSD to excuse their bad behavior