Thinking about a book on PTSD - wondering if RP members would like to contribute.

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Sun, 28 Dec 2014 11:26:39 -0500

Like all of you, I've watched a lot of movies and read books about war. But I don't think any really capture PTSD during modern combat - the feeling like a ghost, sitting up all night, unexplainable outbursts to your significant other, etc. We have a journalist now working with us who has offered his time outside of work to chronicle stories of true PTSD. Would love to collect some from you all - PM me if interested.

Response by CPO Ed Ball made Dec 29 at 2014 12:03 PM

CPO Ed Ball — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 12:03:31 -0500

Just a friendly reminder here, PTSD is just as real in peacetime as it is during horrors of war. The key dominating factor is "a fear for their lives and or those of a dear friend or loved one".

I personally had two episodes, neither of which were during time of war.
1. Living 14 miles from Mt Pinatubo, in the Philippines, during the eruption June 15, 1991. (If you recall Mt St Helens blew horizontal in Washington State and killed everything in a 50 mile radius.)
2. Watching as an oak tree fell and instantly killed my father when I returned home after 20 years of military service.

So peacetime or combat I can get you service connected through the VA with the appropriate stressor. Only requires proof the military is responsible for your current chronic disability that requires ongoing medical attention. Item 2. above would not have been caused by the military.

Response by SrA Troy Barber made Dec 29 at 2014 1:49 PM

SrA Troy Barber — Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:49:07 -0500

This is something I am very interested in, as a cold war vet I was not affected PTSD but have several family members and friends that are affected and have been there for them through out their ordeal. Seeing PTSD from the other end and trying to get people to understand it is a struggles that is causes are never easy. I even had to convince a WWII vet that it was around in their time just under a different name, then it was called War Fatigue and a lot of vets hid it or committed suicide because of PTSD and never new where or how to get treatment or the were to proud.