Posted on Jul 19, 2015
I have a question on how to be supportive of the new vets with PTSD
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I come across some of the younger vets that have been having difficulty with their lives because they have PTSD. I have a lot of respect for them because I never deployed, and never saw combat. Is there any way to interact with them without them getting any more messed up? I try to deal with them on a normal level, talk about good times and fun (or funny) things, or even how the VA is either helping them or if they have been screwed.
Does anyone know how to deal with them on a personal level without them withdrawing? I have 2 that I see at one location, semi regularly for one and occasionally for the other. I like these two because I have talked with them more than some of the others I have met. Any advice would be appreciated
Does anyone know how to deal with them on a personal level without them withdrawing? I have 2 that I see at one location, semi regularly for one and occasionally for the other. I like these two because I have talked with them more than some of the others I have met. Any advice would be appreciated
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 10
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Joe, thanks for asking this. Talking to them, and listening to them is great. Don't ask them about combat - if they want to, they'll tell you. You can always check in with them. Everyone says "hey, how are you?" but most don't mean it. IF you ask it, MEAN IT...
If they are having problems, send them for help.
The VA Crisis line is [login to see] option 1.
Most counties/municipalities have a crisis line. Find out what it is in your area.
Know about treatment options in your area - vet centers, VAMC, military clinics, etc.
If you know a good clergy person/chaplain, you can refer to them.
There are many ways for vets to access counseling. For instance in Washington state, there are licensed mental health counselors who provide free counseling services (paid for by the state) in each county. This can be accessed through the state web site.
Lastly, I am a volunteer counselor for The Soldier's Project http://www.thesoldiersproject.org - we provide free counseling to vets (Post 9/11 only) who are dealing with PTSD. Counselors are licensed counselors in their state, or in some cases, clergy counselors like me. If there isn't a TSP office where you are, don't fret. Go to the website and reach out. We offer services by SKYPE, phone, email, IM, RP Mail or whatever the vet has at hand, if we are not co-located.
The worst thing you can do is NOTHING...
If they are having problems, send them for help.
The VA Crisis line is [login to see] option 1.
Most counties/municipalities have a crisis line. Find out what it is in your area.
Know about treatment options in your area - vet centers, VAMC, military clinics, etc.
If you know a good clergy person/chaplain, you can refer to them.
There are many ways for vets to access counseling. For instance in Washington state, there are licensed mental health counselors who provide free counseling services (paid for by the state) in each county. This can be accessed through the state web site.
Lastly, I am a volunteer counselor for The Soldier's Project http://www.thesoldiersproject.org - we provide free counseling to vets (Post 9/11 only) who are dealing with PTSD. Counselors are licensed counselors in their state, or in some cases, clergy counselors like me. If there isn't a TSP office where you are, don't fret. Go to the website and reach out. We offer services by SKYPE, phone, email, IM, RP Mail or whatever the vet has at hand, if we are not co-located.
The worst thing you can do is NOTHING...
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A1C Joe Edwards Joe, you are doing the right thing. Just talk about life and how they and their families are doing in their activities, job, relationships and life. If they want to share any war experiences they will. Many issues in PTSD are involuntary and not under conscious control, so I would not worry about not being able to relate to a specific war time experience. Just be there for your friends.
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I was diagnosed with PTSD from several incidents onboard submarines.
Just treat the person you are talking to like you'd like to be treated. 99.9% of us don't want to climb a bell tower and kill everyone in sight. I hate the stigma that comes from the diagnosis.
Just treat the person you are talking to like you'd like to be treated. 99.9% of us don't want to climb a bell tower and kill everyone in sight. I hate the stigma that comes from the diagnosis.
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It took me a long time to move past that trauma, especially living in Philly, where it was all about Manhattan, all the time.
So, to answer your question - yes, vets and many others have PTSD from 9/11 itself...