Let's get real about Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury

2015-01-15T05:35:13-05:00

Let's get real about PTS and TBI. Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury are something a lot of Warriors (Veterans/Servicemembers), Law Enforcement Officers, First Responders (Firefighters/EMT's or Paramedics), Care Givers (Nurses/Doctors), and others who survive traumatic incidents deal with every day.

IT IS NOT something to be ashamed of or feared! A good friend - Rick Collins, Executive Director of Veterans 360 (http://vets360.org/) has two sayings I believe in. "PTS is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation", and "Asking for help is a sign of strength, NOT an inability to cope."

How can we ask our young Warriors and others to reach out for help, and then hold ourselves "above" that same standard? If those of us who were blessed enough to have risen to the very senior ranks, and who are still affected by these issues don't lead the way into this battle, we are perpetuating the stigma and saying that this is only for those who "can't cope"...certainly not us!

As a former Sergeant Major of Marine Forces Pacific, a highly decorated combat wounded Marine, a former Director and Senior Executive Service member from the Department of Homeland Security, a former corporate "C Suite Executive", etc., etc...and as the Vice Chairman of the Board for Veterans 360 (http://vets360.org/our-team-board/#jimkuiken), I face these issues, and I'm asking for help.

I am so grateful to have been accepted as a member of the first class of 2015 by K9s for Warriors (http://www.k9sforwarriors.org/). I am looking forward to meeting my new partner after lunch today, and spending the next 3 weeks getting to know him/her...and to letting this rescue dog come into my life to rescue me - and to help me face the issues of PTS and TBI that are a constant in my life.

Let's de-stigmatize PTS in 2015. It is a normal reaction to an abnormal situation - and those facing these issues deserve our understanding, respect and support.

http://www.jameskuiken.com/sergeant-major-musings/getting-real-about-pts-and-tbi

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 6:53 AM

2015-01-15T06:53:14-05:00

Amen, SgtMaj James Kuiken. Thanks for this post and for sharing your story. I agree with you 100%: If more senior leaders admitted having problems of this nature after serving in combat, it could work wonders toward destigmatizing the problems of PTS and TBI. I hope you're part of the beginning of a wave of senior personnel who will do just that.

Response by Capt Richard I P. made Jan 15 at 2015 8:42 AM

2015-01-15T08:42:58-05:00

SgtMaj James Kuiken Outstanding post. Thanks for your leadership on this issue, one of the most significant Troop Welfare issues of our time or any time. As leaders it is on us to reduce the stigma associated with seeking treatment for our 'normal reactions to abnormal situations.' Bravo.

Response by Capt Gregory Hudgins made Jan 15 at 2015 9:56 AM

2015-01-15T09:56:18-05:00

Well said SgtMaj. I wish you the best going forward into your future with your new K9 partner.

Response by MSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 15 at 2015 2:55 PM

2015-01-15T14:55:27-05:00

SgtMaj James Kuiken Thank you for sharing your story and I wish you all the best.

Response by LtCol Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 15 at 2015 4:12 PM

2015-09-15T16:12:00-04:00

Semper Fi! Sergeant Major.

Interestingly, though there are only some 85,000 veterans of WWII left, many are finally coming forward for help and treatment.

j

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 15 at 2015 5:18 PM

2015-09-15T17:18:33-04:00

After my 80% solution to PTS, it was an honor to befriend those who needed help. I was like the quartering party for them and guided them towards recovery. It helped that I knew the excruciating pain that I once experienced. When I saw that they could laugh and smile, I knew my job was done. I asked nothing from them except to help others.

Response by SCPO Edward O'Donnoghue made Sep 17 at 2015 12:25 PM

2015-09-17T12:25:41-04:00

I concur whole heartedly. I very seldom tell people I suffer from PTSD because they think your going to de-rail or something.

Response by Cpl Tommy Loyd made Sep 24 at 2015 4:55 PM

2015-09-24T16:55:15-04:00

Semper Fi SgtMaj, I agree I belong to a group called Combat Veterans Cowboy Up. This group was started by An Army Enlisted who works with Horses. These Horses have brought Many Veterans from the Local VA into a new Life of living with PTSD. It is a Non Profit group who lives off Donations, Mostly from the Seratoma Club.

Response by COL Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 29 at 2020 1:14 PM

2020-01-29T13:14:50-05:00

The BrainScope One can be used to test brain wave biomarkers using electroencephalogram (EEG) technology. It positively detects mTBI and concussion with a handheld iPhone looking in less than five minutes. For those 13-25 years old, it can provide a Concussion Index either at a healthy baseline or anytime post injury and give an objective data set for return to work, duty, play or fight. BrainScope.com