Posted on Oct 23, 2014
Do you believe that your PTS (PTSD) symptoms can be found in your family members? It is called secondary PTS.
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Not contagious in the literal sense, but rather secondary PTS. They have been doing a much better job teaching us to identify the signs and symptoms of PTS in the military, but in my opinion they do not explain the effect that PTS has on our loved ones.
Symptom example: Startle response.
You are doing everything in your power to keep noise to a minimum so you don't find yourself clinging to the ceiling. Suddenly, the kids accidentally drop something and BOOM! That demon rises up and takes control. Even though you calm down and apologize, you plant that seed in those around you. Before long, even if you manage not to react, the kids may. They flinch and panic because they expect your reaction. We have now conditioned others to feel what we feel.
So many arguments happen in the family because of the lack of understanding that our symptoms can effect our loved ones. Don't waste your time pointing fingers. YOU might be Rambo and think you can deal with it on your own. Your family may not have that same iron constitution. If you don't want to get help for yourself, get help for their sake. One Team One Fight applies to family even more than the branch you faithfully serve.
This is an example from my life before I got help from the VA. Please share your opinions for the benefit of the community. God bless. Uncle Mark
Symptom example: Startle response.
You are doing everything in your power to keep noise to a minimum so you don't find yourself clinging to the ceiling. Suddenly, the kids accidentally drop something and BOOM! That demon rises up and takes control. Even though you calm down and apologize, you plant that seed in those around you. Before long, even if you manage not to react, the kids may. They flinch and panic because they expect your reaction. We have now conditioned others to feel what we feel.
So many arguments happen in the family because of the lack of understanding that our symptoms can effect our loved ones. Don't waste your time pointing fingers. YOU might be Rambo and think you can deal with it on your own. Your family may not have that same iron constitution. If you don't want to get help for yourself, get help for their sake. One Team One Fight applies to family even more than the branch you faithfully serve.
This is an example from my life before I got help from the VA. Please share your opinions for the benefit of the community. God bless. Uncle Mark
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Responses: 65
MSgt (Join to see)
I meant no disrespect to anyone but stand my my original statement. There are other avenues then the VA to seek help. CMSgt James Nolan I did understand where you where going but understand how it could have been misconstrued. Sgt Ray Britt I am sorry for your pain and if I offended you I apologize. I wish you nothing but the best.
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CMSgt James Nolan
MSgt (Join to see) Thanks.
And I do not think that anyone should have been offended by what you said, which was simply to find help-a perfect example of why we are all here. In one way or another, all of us that have migrated here are of the same ilk, that does not mean that there is agreement on all topics, but there is a common thread that pulled each here. Some of us have suffered immeasurably, some of us have lost some/many close to us, some are old/young, some fresh out of basic/boot/ocs. All of us have one thing in common, Service.
And I do not think that anyone should have been offended by what you said, which was simply to find help-a perfect example of why we are all here. In one way or another, all of us that have migrated here are of the same ilk, that does not mean that there is agreement on all topics, but there is a common thread that pulled each here. Some of us have suffered immeasurably, some of us have lost some/many close to us, some are old/young, some fresh out of basic/boot/ocs. All of us have one thing in common, Service.
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SFC Mark Merino
Sgt Ray Britt Where are you brother? I got locked out from using RallyPoint last night and I apologize for our conversation getting cut short.
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Individuals can get what is known as secondary PTSD. This is sometimes found in healthcare workers and care givers who often listen to primary PTSD patients talking about their trauma.
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SFC Mark Merino
Amen! I don't see how other first responders do it! Cops do a 20 year combat tour. Nurses get to know their patient and often watch them deteriorate. Paramedics are like being Corpsman/ combat medics for as long as they can keep their wits. Let's not discuss how they get paid and treated. That is another thread.
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PO3 (Join to see)
I personally don't think that PTS/PTSD is contagious, but with that being said, you don't have to be deployed to get PTS/PTSD. Happens to civilians and service members who have not deployed more often then one thinks would happen. All it takes is that one traumatic situation or moment that can leave someone scarred for life. The more important questions are: Can you identify the signs of PTS/PTSD? Do you know how to help or who to recommend/call to get help for a friend/family member? Do you know how to be supportive of your fellow shipmates/ service member?
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SFC Mark Merino
SFC Peter Kirk(ines) THANKS FOR SHARING!!!!!! It really helps to talk talk talk it out until the pain subsides. PTS/D is an indiscriminant demon that enjoys a great number of victims. My wife (we get married in the next 25.5 hours) won't admit it, but losing everything in the tsunami really did a number on her. No combat involved, but her stories put me right in check. I could never work in a burn unit. I admire the strength it takes to pull that off. I can work with troops pouring out their horror stories and combat experiences and as long as I get to vent with my bosses (when I was working) I could manage it. I can't work with kids. We all have varying strengths and limitations. There is so much shame and embarrassment that gets brought up again and again and again. The fact is that these "MAJOR" barriers to treatment are made that way in our own mind. WE are our own worst enemy. No one that loves us wants us t suffer, be sad or to fail. That is the opposite of love. We mourn for our friends that we lost but no amount of suffering will honor their loss. You can't drink them back to life or make yourself happy. Believe me! That's been tried since alcohol was invented. The same goes for non-combat related PTS. We don't have the power to make things go the way we want. We do what we can and we help each other get on with our lives. Everyone has a point where they have to consider "Am I doing more harm than good (to oneself and to thers) by staying in this position?" It isn't quitting on yourself, it is investing in your well-being.
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PV2 Violet Case
there however are some family members who do not know what is going on and think it to be crazy. Or they just cant deal with our panic attacks I too have problems with noise and children. I do ok one on one with a child if they are quiet and well mannered, but more then that and I'm a wreck. But some family members would rather not deal with it at all, they don't invite you to family events and it is sad. Like I told the ones in my family who are that way. ONe day I will not be here because the toxins the doctors say are killing me. My very own father said oh well we all have to die sometime. wow. I said ok but once life is over there is no bringing it back I wish you well dad and I have not seen him in over 4 yrs. He has been this way since I was discharged from the military in 1979 like I was his worst failure. It was not my fault I was sick. And when I put it in my head that it was not my fault and anything he decides in his life he must deal with. I can look at myself in the mirror and no I tried and thats what is important to me. Thats all any of us can do is try our best at life and if others can not handle life it is their doing. We each must answer for our own reactions. Yes noise makes me go in anxiety or panic attacks if they are unexpected noises especially. Last 4th of July, my grandchildren were very good. Helping grandma to walk and found seating not so close to the crowd of people but yet where we could see. the kids went and sat closer then us adults but my grandkids range from 7-19 and are old enough to sit in their own group. On the way back a couple with a golf cart had been watching how I had a grandchild on each side helping me to walk back and offered me a ride in their golf cart. Some people still have a heart even if they may not even no you. So there is still some good in life to wake up too.
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I think depression is contagious in general. If you are down, it will effect others around you in most cases. I don't think PTSD is contagious, but it will still affect how others react when around someone with PTSD. It could be a cause of someone else becoming stressed, but not necessarily PTS.
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LT (Join to see)
Dirty to hear that, I can only imagine how hard it must be dealing with such a trumatic experience.
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