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It is not a disorder, it is an experience, that we experience every day.. So loose the disorder label..
Edited >1 y ago
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 8
SSG (Join to see), that's a very good suggestion. I'm hearing more and more about "PTS" (post traumatic stress) - minus the "D" - and that may be the way it will be addressed in the future. The word "disorder" does have a negative connotation, and it probably adds to the stigma associated with PTS.
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SSG (Join to see)
That is great news SFC Merino.. now we just need to get the word out to the media the rest of the public. I was looking at the DSM-V... it hasn't changed the name or dropped the "disorder" stigma but has changed the steps in diagnosis... but it is a step in the right direction.
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MSgt (Join to see)
Right on the money SFC Mark Merino! How the heck did you get so smart and on top of things buddy!
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Regardless of the 'label' that is used, the misconceptions about what it is and what is isn't are the real issue. These misconceptions will continue to exist unless we continue to educate those around us (military and civilian). Just my two cents.
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I'm sick of the labels myself. I am not a Bombay vet but served a total of about 7 years and was given the choice of a desk job or an out in 2002. I regret leaving more than anything. I was once diagnosed with guilt depression, because I felt guilty that I couldn't be by my brothers side who had either died in combat or commited suicide at some time. I feel I could have some how changed the outcome of those events had I not seperated from service. I guess it's a could of should of would of. But it hurts my heart reguardless.
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SSG (Join to see)
SPC Hunt.. you have heard at least a dozen time.. when it's your time... Only God can make that change.. I understand the surveyors guilt.. I just try an keep going with my life knowing that this is what my buddies would have wanted.. they would not have wanted you there to go through those tuff times.. I would not wish the experience of war and what it causes on anyone.. you hang tuff brother and know that you are never alone.. if you need us we are here for each other, that fact that you were willing to go says a lot about the type of person you are.
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SPC Jack Hunt, JR
Who I am is a result of how I was raised. My grand parents raised me, my grand father was a WWII tanker and I appreciate the values he passed on to me. I appreciate your advice I just have to find something to fill this hole in me. Something to get me out of bed in the morning. I'm sick and tired of being sick and tired! When I found RP I had hopes it would help me find that brotherhood I had before. Thanks Jack
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MSgt (Join to see)
RP has a way of being therapeutic. SPC Jack Hunt, JR It is a step in the right direction with the courage to come on here and admit you are in pain and hurting. There are many here on RP that you can turn to for an ear that will listen. Please reach out when you need to. PV2 (Join to see) SGT (Join to see) SFC Mark Merino SSgt (Join to see) CW5 (Join to see) SGT Richard H.
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PV2 (Join to see)
SPC Jack Hunt, JR We're here if you need to talk. Please feel free to reach out to me or any of the others MSgt (Join to see) mentioned.
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Concur with CW5 (Join to see) I prefer PTS. I think common use is heading that way, with "PTSD" being applied when the symptoms of PTS become debilitating- ergo a true disorder.
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SSG (Join to see)
We can function with PTS... with the proper help from each other.. But when people hear PTS- Disorder they start thinking of some crazy guy with a gun chasing them through the office trying to kill them.. get rid of the stigma
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Capt Richard I P.
SSG (Join to see) You're right, it is often mis-characterized and misunderstood by the population at large, that's I why I think its important to use the phrase PTS until the point where a behavioral or mental health provider diagnoses a true disorder.
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Capt Richard I P.
SSG (Join to see) PTS is one of the reasons people become wary of the idea of SMs and veterans being armed, I think it can be controlled with care and policy. A related gun-rights discussion is available here, come support the right of the armed forces to be armed!: http://www.rallypoint.com/answers/arm-the-armed-forces
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Could we also drop the "E," and refer to it as Post Traumatic Stress? Stress is defined as, "...a state of mental or emotional strain or tension."
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Just because people don't like to be labeled as having a "disorder" doesn't mean it isn't one. Political correctness should never dictate how medicine is practiced.
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PO3 Brendan "Smitty" Smith
In this case SGT (Join to see) I think this is less about PC and more about removing and incorrect stigma from the minds of potential employers. I've heard people in Dallas talking about being afraid of hiring returning vets because of PTSD. "I wouldn't hire a vet" one person said, "They might go nuts and kill everyone in my office." I had to resist the urge to punch him in the throat. It would only reinforce his misguided opinion.
Instead, I calmly explained that PTS is the brains way of dealing with a terrible traumatic experience. The brain is trying to heal. You can help people with PTS by first hiring them. Giving them a source of steady income will reduce the financial stress in their life, removing one trigger. You can then discuss with the vet what his triggers are and instruct your employees how to avoid them. Not only would you be doing a wonderful thing for someone who sacrificed so much on your behalf, but you would be gaining a very productive worker for your company. Vets are punctual, no how to take orders, but think for themselves too. They are trained problem solvers and can think quickly on the fly and you'll never have to tell them to do something twice. It's a win win.
I shamed a lot of people at the bar that night. You could see it on their faces. The awkward silence was so palpable. It was delicious.
Instead, I calmly explained that PTS is the brains way of dealing with a terrible traumatic experience. The brain is trying to heal. You can help people with PTS by first hiring them. Giving them a source of steady income will reduce the financial stress in their life, removing one trigger. You can then discuss with the vet what his triggers are and instruct your employees how to avoid them. Not only would you be doing a wonderful thing for someone who sacrificed so much on your behalf, but you would be gaining a very productive worker for your company. Vets are punctual, no how to take orders, but think for themselves too. They are trained problem solvers and can think quickly on the fly and you'll never have to tell them to do something twice. It's a win win.
I shamed a lot of people at the bar that night. You could see it on their faces. The awkward silence was so palpable. It was delicious.
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SSG (Join to see)
Police departments are starting to train police in the correct way to deal with veterans,. in Texas it is encouraged that Veterans have their Dr.Lic endorsed with "veteran" status so that the officer may have different approach.. you don't walk up to a trained dog and kick it.. you talk to it first and find out why it is angry.. he may just be tired..
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SSG (Join to see)
SSG (Join to see) good point, I definitely can see how that would change the dynamic of a law enforcement interaction.
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