What I Learned About Post Traumatic Stress

2017-03-01T10:05:12-05:00

Post Traumatic Stress is the body’s natural response to critical life incidents, affecting each of us to varying degrees and in different ways physically, emotionally, cognitively, and spiritually. Within the VA, PTS is generally ranked by severity somewhere between one and ten. Anyone who has survived a fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, shipwreck, rape, or any sort of life-threatening incident never forgets what happened. PTS is our reaction to traumatic or unpleasant incidents or chapters of our lives. Symptoms include nightmares, flashbacks, loss of sleep, irritability, short temperedness, loss of concentration, hostility, weight gain, loss of self-worth, anxiety, and survivor's guilt.

During the post-Vietnam War period when the term Post Traumatic Stress Disorder replaced the old school WWI term “shell-shock” and the WWII term “battle-fatigue.” The VA tends to take a clinical approach to Post Traumatic Stress and continues to call it a disorder (PTSD). PTS is not a disorder in my opinion, but a natural response to trauma we experience. Most veterans agree that there is a negative connotation to calling this reaction a disorder - it suggests there is something wrong with them. Truthfully, what we are responding to is natural. Post Trauma Stress should be universally considered an injury (PTSI) rather than a disorder. Sometimes people never fully recover, but that doesn’t mean there is anything wrong with them. Just like any other injury, even if it’s not possible to get back to 100%, there are many methods to get people back to living a mostly normal life.

Although I’m a non-combat Vietnam era vet, I have many friends who saw combat in that war or are combat veterans of the conflicts in the Middle East. They all returned home wanting to put the experience behind them and, with only a few exceptions, most are not comfortable talking about their experiences. Many returned home with a newfound addiction to drugs and/or alcohol. Generally they received little help from anyone, including the VA.

Over the course of time, and many cups of coffee, a good friend of mine provided me some insight and understanding of PTSI, based on his own experience and what he has learned about himself as a Vietnam Army Combat Veteran. His wife encouraged him to write down his experiences while in Vietnam, and the result was a piece called, “Through My Eyes” chronicling his tour of duty in Vietnam 1968 - 1969. It was the beginning of his recovery process from PTSI. He has attended a number of Veterans’ Camp gatherings as both a participant and advisor. Though he still suffers from PTSI, Bob has learned coping mechanisms to deal with it, and over the past 45 years he has come a long way.

Through our discussions, I learned that many veterans didn’t realize what effect combat had on them until they returned home. It was at home that my friend began to realize that simply getting a good night’s sleep would be a blessing. His attitude and conversations had changed considerably after the war, along with his level of impatience. Most combat vets are hesitant to talk about what happened to them, or read war stories, or watch certain movies because they do not want to reignite memories.

I could never fully comprehend the anguish and fear my friend experienced as a combat Vietnam vet, but I can understand the flashbacks. My own experience with PTS is based on my 32-year marriage to a woman with PTS. Even after 50 years, she still struggles with memories of rape, a car accident, and the loss of our 8-year-old daughter. My friend told me that while he could not comprehend what we went through losing a child, he appreciated knowing how I dealt with it. Many of us agreed that we share a common healer in Jesus, even though most people at a Vet Camp would not appreciate a dialogue that included a lot of Jesus talk.

My friend also discovered that spouses of combat veterans can play an important role in successfully addressing PTS. At one family Vet Camp, he shared his experience speaking with just the spouses. He talked about the emotions, concerns, and fears that their partners would not share with them. They were very appreciative of his willingness to open up and give them a better understanding of the issues their loved ones may be dealing with.

Today we have many combat Iraq and Afghanistan veterans who struggle with similar flashbacks and stress-related issues when they return home and strive to melt back into civilian life. However, PTS also affects our men and women within our community support systems, such as police officers and firefighters, and is recognized as being a key factor in the health and stability of these organizations.

At home, and on any given day, at least 22 veterans take their own lives, typically due to PTS. However this past summer, the Department of Veterans Affairs indicated this number is now closer to 20 veterans committing suicide every day. I personally believe that the most recent statistics on these suicides likely do not consider vets suffering from PTS, who in the past overdosed on drugs or and/or alcohol. Though the exact figures are unknown, any number of military personnel taking their own lives is unacceptable, it is too many.

The universal goal among veterans advocacy groups is to dramatically reduce that number by working with our vets by giving them the knowledge, tools, and resources to understand what PTS is and how to cope with it. Veterans’ Camp, or veteran gatherings, have proven to be a successful means to begin a dialogue.

Nearly all vets with PTS have trust issues to varying degrees. Even amongst themselves, vets may not open up or even realize that their suffering can be helped. The purpose of Vet Camps is to provide a safe place where vets can meet other vets with PTS while learning how best to cope with it. At these camps, we talk about issues that cause them concern, such as a lack of support from the VA. Many others open up about the ugliness of war and the loss of their comrades and friends. Occasionally, discussions revolve around similar topics to what is discussed here on RallyPoint: what our government expects of our military, such as rules of engagement and intelligence failures, and the overall effectiveness of our armed forces.

If you or anyone you know may be suffering from PTS, just remember that it is not a disorder, but an injury, and there are thousands of vets like you who would love to help out.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 10:25 AM

2017-03-01T10:25:11-05:00

Thank you for this information.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 11:20 AM

2017-03-01T11:20:21-05:00

Glad you recognized that it is not only combat that causes post traumatic stress. Nor is it just a military thing.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 3:09 PM

2017-03-01T15:09:30-05:00

I've been coping for ten years now. When I returned from the desert in January 2008, I had no knowledge of PTSD. No one informed me at my debriefing of what I was going to expect when returning. It wasn't until about two years after I returned that my wife threatened to leave me if I didn't get help. So I went to the VA and got some help, some tools, and more knowledge of what to expect. I still have triggers, memories, a nightmare from time to time, but I live with them. I have somewhat adapted. When I first returned, I met an old Vietnam Vet and talked to him about the memories, and if they ever stop. He told me that they don't, that you have to learn to accept what you did, and get on with your life. This, I have tried to do, and I try every day. I cope, and I avoid my triggers as much as possible. I believe I can help others with the same issues, and will do so if asked.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 1 at 2017 5:51 PM

2017-03-01T17:51:38-05:00

great post I have heard many other people say that PTSD is not a disease but in fact an injury, to the mind and psyche, I'm 50% through proper meds and counselling I can lead a some what normal life, but the fact is, its an injury just like my blown out knee, the injury still exists, the treatment is palliative at best

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Mar 2 at 2017 1:05 AM

2017-03-02T01:05:05-05:00

Capt Private RallyPoint Member (Council Bluffs, IA) Correct in the non-military PTSD. But it definitely can play a major roll in the severity of combat PTSD.

There are many evidence-based studies on combat-related PTSD. One of the main pre-military factors is childhood trauma & the PTSD related to the trauma. (Side note: studies are also showing there may be a correlation between ADD/ADHD & PTSD).

Fast forward to your combat experience the past (excuse the wording) "explodes" along with the "undetonated" (possibly buried &/or unrecognized) childhood trauma. Which then ads "insult to injury" to the combat experience.

Childhood trauma has a wide definition and, as with all things each of us experiences - separately or together - is subjective.

May you all find some peace and rest with the inner battles.

Jenn

Response by PO2 Gerry Tandberg made Mar 2 at 2017 3:24 AM

2017-03-02T03:24:17-05:00

For those struggling with PTSI. When I submitted my article to RallyPoint six months ago they suggested I NOT include reference material I provided because I did not have the permission of those authors. If you consider those authors provided information for the sole purpose of helping those who struggle with PTSI, it would seem that permission was already granted and a mute point. Therefore, here are those resources. Please note that "On Killing" by LtCol David Grossman was a one of the last books I read at the suggestion of Bob Whitworth who wrote "Through My Eyes".

Jim Hyde at Peer Support Central http://www.peersupportcentral.com is a certified Conflict Mediation Trainer, and conducts seminars on how to deal with critical incidents in our life. Mr. Hyde is also a member of National Guard and served in law enforcement for 31 years. I’ve attended three of his seminar, and found them to be excellent. He also approached this important and serious subject with a measure of humor which we all appreciated. Some of what I’ve leaned is expressed in my article "What I learned about Post Traumatic Stress".

Good reads:
Through My Eyes by Bob Whitworth, Vietnam Veteran.
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss/ [login to see] -0053808?url=search-alias%3Dstripbooks&field-keywords=Through+my+eyes%2C+bob+whitworth

The Wounds of the Soul, by Jim Money, Patriot Guard Rider and Vietnam Veteran.
http://www.amazon.com/The-Wounds-Soul-Veterans-Families/dp/ [login to see]

Unbroken, Louis Zamperini (Laura Hillenbrand) WWII Veteran and Japanese POW. Hollywood made a movie of Louis Zamperini's experience, but left out important information Louis provided about his struggle with PTSI and how he overcame in the last several chapters of the book. Leave it to Hollywood's failures!
http://www.amazon.com/Unbroken-World-Survival-Resilience-Redemption/dp/ [login to see]

On Killing, Lt Col David Grossman. This book is required reading in certain branches of our military, and I highly recommend it be read.
http://www.amazon.com/Killing-Psychological-Cost-Learning-Society/dp/ [login to see] /ref=sr_1_1/ [login to see] -2057721?ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=8-1&keywords=dave+grossman+killing

I pray that the above reference material will be of benefit to those Combat Veterans and others who suffer from PTSI, or want to understand it better.

Peer Support Central

Peer Support Central offers leadership training to those in the first responder and military communities. Contact us today to see a schedule of programs.

Response by Jenn Moynihan made Mar 2 at 2017 3:16 PM

2017-03-02T15:16:01-05:00

PO2 Gerry Tandberg Thank you for this great post & sharing your wife's story. That is just about more than anyone should go through. Losing a child just seems to go against all that is natural.

MSG Private RallyPoint Member May you continue to plow through the difficult days and may the good outweigh the tough ones. Looks like that furry friend helps!

SFC Private RallyPoint Member "debriefing", or the lack of, is exactly what my group (Social Work Master's) and I are working on for our Research Topic.

One woman's husband is a 1SG and currently active duty, with an upcoming 6th deployment. The other group members - a "military kid" now an adult and whose sister is having difficulty transitioning; the other woman's brother-in-law has PTSD and is having difficulties putting the bottle down.

COL Mikel J. Burroughs et. al.,

PTSD, traumatic brain injury - with substance abuse (or even unchecked prescription interactions) is a hell of a combination to fight.

The Yellow Ribbon Reintegration Program was initially started to help National Guard & Reservists reintegrate... it started in 2005 and into thousand 13 I believe it was it was taken over by the DoD. I I don't know what they're doing now. I do know that there still are yellow ribbon events conferences 30, 60, and 90 days post-mob. In the Boston area I have seen multiple support organizations such as acupuncture and yoga, financial, mental health, the Home Base Program etc.

Sounds like these events don't happen as often as they should.

A few years ago a documentary came out called "the welcome" - it Took place at a PTSD retreat in Oregon. They were veterans from Vietnam on up maybe even been a few Korean vets (I don't remember). It was a creative retreat and at the end they all did something; wrote a song, performed a skit, wrote a letter, etc. There is a trailer on their web page, & may be a link to the full movie.
http://www.thewelcomethemovie.com

I encourage you all to reach out to each other, or to those of us who get it.

I will leave you with this story: sergeant Joe G. had been hit by an IED. He came into the USO lounge at Logan on his way to the Hanscom WTU. He was using a cane, had hearing aids, and dark glasses. He may have been early 30's, if that. He and I were talking and he, with a lot of faith in his God who he calls Jesus, he said this "those of us who came back, need to find our reason why we came back..." this young man obviously had a lot of faith.

A few months later I had a 6 foot 5" strapping 50 something-year-old Master Sergeant (Ret) come in on his way back to Arizona. It was slow so he and I were having a very nice quiet conversation. He was showing me pictures of him in Afghanistan in full battle-rattle and he became quiet and had to stop talking...he let a few tears flow "why did I come back? Those younger guys didn't have to die...." and apologized. I said "no apologies needed..." and then I told him what Sergeant Joe G. has said to me a few months prior. I then suggested "perhaps your reason for coming back it's to help the younger guys who did come back ... you've been there and back again. They need you to be here, stateside, to help them move through the nightmares and memories"

I know you are all out there for each other and there are a number of us out amongst the civilian "drones" who get it and are here to listen.

Jenn
I have to get back to studying so I can't go through spellcheck so please excuse any typos or verbal typos.

The Welcome - Film

The Welcome offers a fiercely intimate view of life after war: the fear, anger and isolation of post-traumatic stress that affects vets and family members alike. As we join them in a small room for an unusual five day healing retreat, we witness how the ruins of war can be transformed into the beauty of poetry. Here our perceptions are changed, our psyches strained, and our hearts broken. And at the end, when this poetry is shared with a large...

Response by COL Mikel J. Burroughs made Mar 3 at 2017 9:50 AM

2017-03-03T09:50:12-05:00

RP Members and Connections - Great discussion and post on PTSD by PO2 Gerry Tandberg - Please pass this onto many of your connections here on RallyPoint.

https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-i-learned-about-post-traumatic-stress

What I Learned About Post Traumatic Stress | RallyPoint

Response by SGM Mikel Dawson made Mar 3 at 2017 9:57 AM

2017-03-03T09:57:26-05:00

Took me 13yrs to admit I had a problem and then it wasn't me who did. The VA "ordered" me to go to a shrink. Glad they did. Worst thing, my brother's daughter is a shrink. After I had gone, I was telling her and she said she knew a long time ago.
We just have to get over the big boy syndrome and get some help. The worst thing is those who want to ride the wagon and make it seem taboo for the rest of us. Also when the public thinks just because we are vets we are all going to go "postal" and loose our marbles. Doc said I was ok, maybe just short one marble or so, but normal.

Response by Kathlean Keesler made Mar 3 at 2017 10:03 AM

2017-03-03T10:03:18-05:00

Thank you all so very much. PTSD is a modern world poltical word for SHELL SHOCK . I appreciate all your stories and the information. If I may - my 18 yrs old sweet middle class, full time waitress-hostess @ a locally owned restaurant, in the community where she was born & raised has been violently, brutally stabbed. The gang member (? Perp) is a Latino. He was wth 2 others. She was stabbed sharp wide knife more than once. She was attacked in front of her father's multi million dollar home 95062 Live Oak California. She was rushed via ambulance for treatment. She believes the stabber called 911. She is an emotional, psychological, physical wreck. Is this PTSD? I posted her stab wound with stitches on my Facebook page. Thanks for this place I feel comfortable being me.

Response by SFC George Smith made Mar 3 at 2017 10:11 AM

2017-03-03T10:11:53-05:00

It can Be Dangerous If Not Dealt with and handled Fast and professionally

Response by CPL Crystal Pettway, MBA made Mar 3 at 2017 10:32 AM

2017-03-03T10:32:44-05:00

This is interesting, as I am going through some studies about this as we speak. Thanks for sharing. I will take with me what I learn from others on RP and keep it close to me.

Response by SGM Bill Frazer made Mar 3 at 2017 11:19 AM

2017-03-03T11:19:00-05:00

Thank you Gerry for this and those who responded already. I served in 4 conflicts from 1983-1995, and we never discussed PTS, because to ask for help would cost your security clearance revocation, loss of duty position, and it was considered unmanly. We/I thought the nightmares, flashbacks, cold sweats, lack of good sleep were normal. It took me 10 yrs after retiring to seek help, it wasn't till the crying jags hit home. Diagnosis was PTSD, major depression- 50% rating. Some few years ago I let them put me on mild medication, when therapy had plateaued. I found it was just another wound, had several anyway, and like them it bugs you every day. Every day is a fight, win, lose or draw. My area has a Vet 2 Vet program where we have peer counseling which helps a lot- because we trust each other, regardless of age/conflict. After researching found it was common for 1st responders and some victims to have PTS- after all their events are often similar to ours. You have to get up every morning and say this is going to be a good day, and at each night, you have to say win, lose or draw, tomorrow is a chance to do better. I found it was a lot better for my girlfriend of 8 yrs to get guidance from one of my friends with PTS, because he could explain it calmly, and show it was not directed at her. Since the VA reported suicide problems in 1999- we have lost over 136,000 brother and sisters- that's more than all the KIA total from the Korean War to present. What is not included is that it appears at least 1 active duty member kills themselves every day as well. And these are just those reported as suicides, Lord knows how many there are actually. Need to push folks to seek help, and to remind the civilians world that's it something why have to fix

Response by SFC Don Vance made Mar 3 at 2017 11:22 AM

2017-03-03T11:22:43-05:00

Excellent article! I self medicated for 15 years. Not until I admitted that I had PTSD and had become an alcoholic was I able to get the help that I needed. There are many things that I've never told my wife about and never will, she doesn't need to know the details. Both of our children are combat veterans and we've discussed some things that happened and have been able to help each other on occasion. I have found that the greatest help in dealing with it has come from a relationship with God and mentoring and assisting other veterans that are having issues.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Mar 3 at 2017 4:08 PM

2017-03-03T16:08:44-05:00

Thanks for sharing what you learned about Post Traumatic Stress PO2 Gerry Tandberg. Hopefully what you shared will benefit many others.
Thanks for alerting me COL Mikel J. Burroughs

Response by SP5 Robert Ruck made Mar 3 at 2017 5:18 PM

2017-03-03T17:18:34-05:00

This is a tremendously insightful analysis of PTS. As a Veteran in his late sixties I have many friends I grew up and whom I worked with who spent time in combat in Vietnam. Most were wounded, some seriously. All have coped with the horrific effects of Agent Orange. Two were in so much pain from A.O. they could no longer endure it and committed suicide. I think the government through the VA has let these Veterans down for the most part. Failing to confront this illness when the Veterans returned home left many of them and their families trying to cope with this debilitating injury without understanding what was happening to the Veteran. Shining the spotlight on PTSI or D, however it is named is heartening and hopefully the people coming back from middle east conflicts will at long last get the help they need and deserve.

Response by LTC Jesse Edwards made Mar 3 at 2017 5:32 PM

2017-03-03T17:32:04-05:00

This coming week, I'm going to introduce an expansion of NH's medical cannabis bill to add PTSD as a medically qualifying disease.
Truly, I want some feedback from fellow veterans on why you would support that or oppose that. Be specific please.

Response by SGT Steve Hines-Saich B.S. M.S. Cybersecurity made Mar 3 at 2017 6:43 PM

2017-03-03T18:43:41-05:00

I left service in 2013 and just had my first comprehensive PTSD screen a couple of weeks ago. Now I can face some of the issues that pop up.

Response by CW4 Angel C. made Mar 3 at 2017 8:51 PM

2017-03-03T20:51:23-05:00

Good read. Injury seems fitting! I like the saying "not all wounds are visible".

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Mar 9 at 2017 12:16 PM

2017-03-09T12:16:30-05:00

The Biggest problem I am finding is that the VA is totally useless, if you do not meet their classification of what they feel PTSD is. They have 5 conditions and if you do not meet 4 of the 5, they will not identify you as having PTSD. Mt PTDS started while in the Navy during Vietnam and after, the crash of Aircraft on the flight deck, pulling a body out of the water that floated out from under a camel in Hong Kong harbor and then having it explode when its buoyancy is lost when we lifted it up in a stokes stretcher. Then after discharge going into the Fire Service and pulling burned bodies out of houses, retrieving bodies, body parts and pieces from crashed aircraft. for 30+ years. The funny thing is I took classes on how to spot Post Traumatic Stress in my Fire Fighters, but I never was able to see it in myself. As a Firefighter you learned how to burn stress by using "black humor" at the station. That plus a close brotherhood of Firefighters helped. A close personal relationship with GOD helped me to keep my sanity. I taught myself how to manifest pain into laughter until one day when our Junior Senator hosted a Welcome Home Vietnam Veterans get together. I went and as part of the many exhibits I came face to face with my land mine. The one thing that triggered my release. The next thing I knew I was against the wall curled into a ball crying my eyes out. It all came to the surface. Well before I left I conquered that land mine. I
I went to my Dr. at the VA and had her refer me to the PTSD Clinic. I spoke to a Social Worker, she asked me a bunch of questions and I found out that I only had 2 maybe 3 of the 5 conditions that the VA looks for to Classify PTSD. Because I do not beat my wife and children, because I am not severely Depressed, because I can get up every day and go to work, because I have learned how to handle the pain in a non-destructive way, because nI have never even contemplated chewing on the business end of a M1911 The VA says I do not have PTDS. The shrinks at my Work says they are Nuts. PTSD is not a game show, you do not have to get a perfect score to win. I am about to start my 3rd appeal.

WHAT IT ALL BOILS DOWN TO IS THIS: PO2 Gerry Tandberg is dead on. No one is immune from Post Traumatic Stress. It can happen to ANYONE! be ready to ask for help. There is no shame in it. Now if we can just get it from the VA

Response by 2LT Private RallyPoint Member made Mar 9 at 2017 4:11 PM

2017-03-09T16:11:04-05:00

As a future mental health therapist, my biggest pet peeve is how people don't think the brain can get injured like a bone or muscle. They think since they can't see a physical manifestation then it doesn't exist.

Response by CPT Scott Sharon made Mar 23 at 2017 4:18 PM

2017-03-23T16:18:08-04:00

I don't know how to respond to this other than by telling my story. I experienced a lot of horrible things while in Vietnam. I lost a lot of good friends and comrades there. As an example, of the 14 members of my OCS class that graduated 12 of us went to Vietnam. Only 3 came home alive. When I returned home all I wanted to do was to forget as much as I could.

My friends and family told me I was a different person when I returned home but I could not see that. I heard a lot about PDS but I did not believe it was real. I thought I could lock all the bad memories up in the back of my mind and forget them so that's what I tried to do. Members of the 19th Combat Engineer Battallion have a reunion every summer and many of them have tried to talk me into attending but I could never bring myself to doing that. Why would I want to bring back all those memories? I still have not attended any of the events.

Someone mentioned in one of the posts about this subject that certain movies would stir up bad memories and that's what happened to me when I saw the movie Apocalypse Now. That was so realistic I had nightmares for months after watching it.

I have talked very little about Vietnam since I returned but I recently wrote a book for my children about the first 30 years of my life. I included stories from my military career in the book and several stories about some of my Vietnam experiences. As you can understand I could not put much of the really bad stuff about Vietnam in the book. However, after writing and sharing the experiences in the book, after all these years it does not bother me anymore to talk about my Vietnam experiences.

I'm sure some of you medical members will understand how maybe just letting it out instead of holding it in really helps. It certainly made me feel a lot better.

Response by SPC Greg Stokes made Mar 23 at 2017 5:44 PM

2017-03-23T17:44:21-04:00

Great article, very well put, thank you!

Response by Kathlean Keesler made Mar 27 at 2017 2:00 PM

2017-03-27T14:00:37-04:00

Drafted or volunteered - Vietnam era. Recently I have befriended (Facebook) a volunteer Vietnam Vet. He said he volunteered to avoid the draft as once drafted your chances of going to war & dying were much higher. Today he states he has no respect for the volunteers who went to Bush's war on terror. He said he wonders why so many loathed Obama. 8 yrs of war under democratic administration Obama/Biden, I suggested. I thought are you one perfect example of PRIDE in America; divide and rule and you get Vets benefits and low income disabled housing subsidies? I'm simply trying to remain neutral and respectful - YET my blood boils. My Facebook friend told me - When he wears his Vietnam vet hat (he served) and people come up and say "Let me shake your hand and thank you." He thinks "what have you done for this country?" He said often it turns his stomach when these citizens find they need to off load their guilt with a superficial thank you. PTSD - I saw the finest volunteers leave, I saw the drafted leave. Many never returned. Many who did return late 60's, into the civil rights 70's they just were NOT THE SAME. Many returned drinking like fish, many decided to take heroin, opium, downers, speed, LSD, some smoked weed. Families did not know how to FIX these new clinical diseases. Detachment, alcoholism, drug addiction, anger issues and the LAZY son of bitches just don;t want to "plow the fields" anymore. Then in came this flood of PHARMACEUTICALS, happy pills. The quick fix, filled with anticipation and expectations (at a cost). Resently one RallyPoint member sent me a personal correction to my post 20 plus veterans take their own lives a day. No Kate the correct number is approximate to "34 veterans, in all 50 states, as we get the reports 24/7 COMMIT suicide a day Kate." OMG.

Response by SSG Joshua Reyna made Apr 26 at 2017 7:50 AM

2017-04-26T07:50:25-04:00

I whole really think he is on to something here, when people hear disorder they do believe (in my opinion) it is a negative thing. and dealing with people they tend to view and treat people with PTSD as if the had a cold and was punished for coughing(everytime you coughed)

Response by SSG Dr. John Bell, PhD. made May 19 at 2017 11:09 PM

2017-05-19T23:09:11-04:00

I am a Vietnam Combat Veteran; USMC. In Vietnam 3 separate times from 1967 till 1971. VA said I had no problems. Even though I can't sleep more than an hour or so at a time. Blood diseases Agent Orange a given. Numerous lesions on legs and arms. Only 60 % disabled. A neighbor kid came back from Iraq, no visible wounds, but saw someone of his buddies killed is getting 100% and can hold down a truck driving job. Don't make sense.

Response by CW3 Private RallyPoint Member made May 22 at 2017 7:36 AM

2017-05-22T07:36:31-04:00

Good article. I've studied PTSD extensively. While I realize it carries a stigma, I'm loathe to play the politically correct game of re-naming things that don't fit in with one's world view. It really doesn't matter if you call it PTSI, PTSD, or just PTS. Injury? Ok. Disorder makes more sense to me as a social scientist. Whatever it is called, people will fear those that have it because it is a mental illness (disorder), however slight in some cases. This is why, (and I'm not being glib here), it is said that War is Hell. Literally. We may be better off distinguishing the average case of PTSD vs. the extreme cases. (scale of 1-10 as you said). Most cases are not debilitating.

Response by SFC Ralph E Kelley made Jun 8 at 2017 9:48 AM

2017-06-08T09:48:51-04:00

I went the other way - not depressed, but I took to looking at things in a lighter mood. My reaction was the move of my personality from a quiet, somewhat serious person to a 'kidder'. Instead of watching peopel have fun and just going along, I began to become to one who reached out by joking with those that were upset or down in the dumps.
You know:
"It's raining again guys. Anyone got soap?"
"LT, If you keep that tank going back and forth we won't need to have the engineers dig a fighting position."
"Well Captain, they didn't send any rations but the contractors bought 200 Porta-Potties. That must mean the rest of the Brigade is coming" .
It took years for me to realize I was suppressing the bad and looking for the good. It's still PTSD but it allowed me to continue to function.

Response by SGT Michael W Lindley made Jun 14 at 2017 11:12 PM

2017-06-14T23:12:03-04:00

I FIND THE MAN'S POST INSULTING TO COMBAT VETERAN'S.
PTSD IS REAL AND MANY HAVE COMMITTED SUICIDE. IN FACT OVER 60,000
OF OUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS FROM THE VIETNAM WAR HAVE COMMITTED SUICIDE
THAT IS MORE DEATHS THAT WE HAD DUE TO COMBAT!!!!!
THIS PERSON IS NOT A LICENSED PSYCHOLOGIST OR PSYCHIATRISTS.
PLEASE IF YOU KNOW ANY VETERAN IN CRISIS GET THEM TO THE VA EMERGENCY ROOM
AT THE VA HOSPITAL OR ANY MENTAL HEALTH CLINIC AT THE VA HOSPITAL. THEY WILL BE HELPED. ALSO THE 1-800- NUMBER IS [login to see] PRESS 1. OR EMAIL CONFIDENTIAL CHAT
@VETERANSCRISISLINE.NET. OR TEXT 838255.
SGT MIKE LINDLEY, GRUNT, VIETNAM 70-71
101ST ABN DIV, TEAM LEADER S&D TEAM.
YES I SUFFER FROM PTSD AND SERIOUS PSYCHOLOGICAL DEPRESSION
FROM SURVIVORS GUILT!!!
THEY HELPED ME THEY WILL HELP YOU.
GO SEE THEM---YOU GOT NOTHING TO LOSE!!!
YOU EARNED IT!!!!
ALL THE BEST,
MIKE

Response by SFC William Stephens A. Jr., 3 MSM, JSCM made Jun 16 at 2017 10:49 AM

2017-06-16T10:49:19-04:00

Here's my share on PTSD for you that I took out of my book the "THE MIRROR"

On 31 October 2008, 20 years and 21 days ago, I said my farewell to my family, my career and my love. It was the life I longed for and would never look back on because I was a broken warrior that could not serve my country anymore. After numerous combat missions and peace keeping deployments to the Middle East, my final tour was to start a new chapter in life as a retired veteran and soon to become civilian. I stood on the parade field at Fort Meade, Maryland as the Old Guard retired a few of us. My little girl watched the ceremony in which she can remember today as her father and her superhero say goodbye to the United States ARMY.
I look back today and try to remember my steps from being 19 years old when I left for Desert Shield/Desert Storm, to my final days in Iraq helping the ARMY write for the Center of ARMY Lessons Learned (CALL), and to my last ribbon placed on my uniform for my retirement ceremony. I will never know what my future could have been if I had accepted that 5th combat tour. Where would I be today? Would I be that Command Sergeant Major I always dreamed of being with my peers today? Or would I have died because of getting into a situation I could not have handled due to the PTSD getting so bad.
I believe that I took the right road because I’m here today writing my story and I have a little girl I can share my experiences with so she can pass it down through her generations. Even though there are some who want to forget the nightmares, every day I experience reminders of being in a combat situation or flashbacks of those days. The best thing to do is talk to someone or to write about it.
That brings me to the Warrior Transition Unit at Walter Reed ARMY Medical Center in Wash, DC. Something was just not right when I returned back from Iraq on my last deployment. I wasn’t really there for combat and I didn’t feel safe either because we didn’t have much protection while we were there. The leadership was more interested in getting the data or the book finished and out of the Area of Operation than having concern for our SAFETY I guess. I felt rushed in the current situation. Over all, it did turn out to be a successful operation and we got credit for the book. Some officers got more credit than others in their career and it seemed they got more credit than we did. But I guess that’s politics in the military.
I guess it was a few months that I had been back from Iraq and I was waiting for the Master Sergeant Board results to come out. My Sergeant Major called me into his office and sat me down to tell me that he didn’t think I was ever going to make it to MSG because this rating period I was going to get a 2 block on my Evaluation Report from him. I looked at him in shock because I had just redeployed from Iraq and he didn’t even send a note or visit the five of us while we were there. As a special team, I thought for sure this was my punch ticket. I guess there are always career killers in your career. I couldn’t say anything but decided to take leave for a while. While I was on leave, I came down on assignment for my 5th combat tour to deployment to Afghanistan. Knowing what my SGM told me, I had a long talk with my wife. I told her that I knew we were having problems and the PTSD was getting worse. I found that there were programs to help soldiers with PTSD, so I went to the doctors and they evaluated me. I was told to go see a doctor at Walter Reed Army medical Center. In late 2006, I was diagnosed with severe PTSD and they recommended treatment at WTU. I reported back to my unit with orders assigned to WTU in Wash DC. My CSM was so mad that he told me I would never make it anywhere in my career again and he would see to it. I knew my career was over because once I gave the ok for treatment all my rights as a soldier were gone. I was like a genie pig and I was under control of the WTU. I had to move into the barracks and stay there for 1 year for treatment or until I was ready to come home to my family.
At first, it was as if there was nothing wrong with you as all your body parts are intact. You’re walking around seeing soldiers who come off the battlefield all blown up with missing limbs or blind or just not quite normal. But me, I have PTSD which is hidden and people just look at me like I’m SFC/E7 with some problems. It is a lot different when you get to the Psychiatric Department and you meet the group you’re going to be with for the next year. No one has rank or a last name. They just have a first name and everyone is in their own little shell, kind of like shell shock at first. No one talks to anyone unless you’re infantry. The infantry guys have some special bond and they just click with each other. They like to talk about killing shit and people in Iraq. At first, we did a lot of sitting and waiting for the doctors to call us, talk to us, and ask us how our day was. There were times when we thought about killing ourselves or felt suicidal. It was the same stuff every day. But, then we started therapy as a group, and this is how we bonded. Some days, people in our group talked about things that were on their minds or something they saw while they were there. Sometimes, it took them a whole year to come out of their shell. I won’t disclose a lot of information because most of this I want to keep private out of respect for the group I served with in the WTU. I guess you could say they took me back in combat with their stories and pictures they drew and shared with us. I wish I could say I kept in touch with them, but I haven’t. We all went our separate ways because we wanted it that way. Someday, I hope some or one of them will pick up my book and read it because you or the group will always be on my mind. If it was just cutting out pictures from magazines or listening to music to describe how you felt about yourself or light therapy or just talking to one another in the waiting room.
While I was there I learned that PTSD was not just a battlefield disease. PTSD comes in different forms as I learned from the many stories in my group. That’s one reason why I am trying to send the message out to everyone to let them know PTSD is a real thing and a slow killer. It is a hidden killer. It’s sad that a lot of us have it and will not speak up about it. We are too proud of ourselves, think we are better than others, the VA is too far or we just don’t want the support. Kids, soldiers, NOCs, officers, family members, grandparents and combat veterans all could have this. We never know who could have this hidden killer living inside us.
I don’t know where I would be today without treatment. I do know that when I was at the WTU it was difficult to talk to people because when the injury is not noticeable people don’t look at you like a fallen warrior. I noticed the guys and gals in wheel chairs got a lot of special treatment and I saw this doing job fairs and special events. We were outsiders and because we have PTSD, we are left out of the crowd. I experienced this while I was in the WTU when I went to the gym. People looked at me like, “Why are in this gym and what’s wrong with you?” When you talk to someone, they have a better understanding where you’re coming from and what your purpose is in life. If we don’t tell our story the people are not going to understand our treatment and the VA is not going to help us. I have to admit that the best assignment I ever had was where people take care of people at the WTU. The soldiers, NCOs, and officers who volunteered for the assignments or worked at the WTU, put their heart and soul into helping our wounded warriors put their lives back together and get on track. For some it was just a stepping stone, but others I could tell they did every day in their lives and they were there for a purpose. I didn’t always agree with all the programs they had, but I have to agree with the command and control they had because it helped me to do so much more after therapy. The nice thing about WTU was all the big job companies were right there. I mean major companies like the Department of Defense and etc. were they to support the wounded warrior if needed. A lot of these soldiers got their break here after the service. At night I could not go home to my family I work on my resume. My resume skills were not the best so I looked at other resumes on line or buddies resumes I served with and they helped me because they knew my career was over.
The situation I found myself in made me fight for my security clearance. I didn’t do anything wrong and saw no reason to lose my security clearance because I served my country well. I just had PTSD! I fought and won because that’s the only thing I had left to help get where I am today in life. I tell I did not sit on my butt; I started to get to the job fairs, and met a few people. I started NETWORKING and found that NETWORKING was the key to my success in life. I met a few gentlemen from a Department of Defense Agency and they asked me to do an internship with them while I was assigned to active duty and the WTU. Let me tell you, these guys took me under their arms and trained me to know what I know today and I will never forget the mentors in my life. I wish them the very best in their successful careers. PTSD can be a doormat in your life. For me, I’ve worked in an office environment and have been going to counseling every month. I have been talking to people about my problems to help cope with my demons. I don’t have bullets flying at me or people removing me from my combat positions. I don’t think my PTSD got any better when I got home to my family because I just could not get along with my wife. PTSD has taken me away from my family and I live alone dealing with my demons myself at night.
It’s good that I have a nice place to come home to at night to relax. I don’t have to worry about extra work, college work, or all kinds of bills and paperwork piling up. I sometimes write to express my feelings, but most of time I’m watching TV or I am on social media seeing what’s new. It’s great that I can wake up, go over and have breakfast with my father ever day in the morning, and relax. I drive to work, do my job, and protect the people that have to protect in case something happens in the real world. People believe in me and know that I will take care of the situation before it becomes a problem. While they are working, they never have to worry because I have it under control. The world has many different problems but PTSD is just one of them. I’m happy I have the friends that I can sit down with and talk to them about my problems. If you have a problem, I hope what you read beyond these pages will help you cope with your demons. As I stood on that parade field for the last time on Halloween, I wondered, what is my next step and where is this all going to take me? At least, I can look back and say it’s been one HELL of ride! I won’t miss any of it and I never go back again because my life was spared for some reason.

Response by CWO3 Private RallyPoint Member made Jun 18 at 2017 8:53 PM

2017-06-18T20:53:24-04:00

The number one thing that I got from this article and many other articles, comments, and opinions is this, if you been diagnosed with Post Trauma Stress Disorder/ Trauma Brain Injury / Concussion It's pure hell living with it. Especially with your family who loves you, take care of you and try their best to help understand you. Your psychiatrist believes that you can and will get better with time. I truly believe this. I've been in counseling groups, one on one therapy. I've been given medications to help me but what I've learned is to cope with it. To understand the why me, to understand how it affects my family the way I behave. It's the behavior and attitude that you as an individual has to understand. Yes, I've been diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress, cognitive impairments, serious low back problem, but I am a survivor and I understand that. It's my way of coping and dealing with this everyday, every minute, every hour. But you know what, at the end of the day I'm still here. If you've been diagnosed with these disabilities, diseases, and disorders, then you should know what I'm talking about. You understand that You can get better by trying to get better. It's You that your family look to and it's You that your family Love. So from me to You. Don't give up, no matter what, no matter why. Just Don't give in be aware of your behavior and attitudes because it will only destroy You if you Don't Survive this.

Response by SGT Ronald Audas made Jun 19 at 2017 1:23 PM

2017-06-19T13:23:50-04:00

Thousands of Vietnam-Korea veterans are walking around with PTSD, and don't even know if.They know something is not right,but can't figure it out.If a veteran waits several years after mustering out,to file a claim,it can take years to get the VA's attention.We have veterans applying 40-50 years after the war or conflict. The best they can hope for is a 10-20% rating.I understand the government can't go back and compensate,but be a little more sensitive to the many years of issues this person,family and friends may have suffered with him/ her.

Response by PV2 Glen Lewis made Jun 21 at 2017 1:11 PM

2017-06-21T13:11:32-04:00

I don't think it was taken seriously enough until until post desert storm and desert shield and the period of its being brought out to the public has led to what I believe to be a recognized valid psychological condition by the civilian population is slowing its treatment among us. I also know that its failure to be recognized and the the stigma attached to it played a significant part in my first stepfather's suicide. He was a Marine who served in Korea.

Response by Jayden Manning made Jul 5 at 2017 9:45 PM

2017-07-05T21:45:59-04:00

Love talking with strong bad ass suriviors if you ever need anyone to talk to feel free to msg me I know I've never had combat experience but I've had my trials and times that made me question if I've had civilian ptsd though fully healed I get how annoying to be twenty and feel your dying from a panick attack from a small trigger that bring all the shit back stay strong vets please talk if you need help it's disturbing how many vets America looses to this it's hard but it's harder to do it alone

Response by LCpl James Robertson made Jul 7 at 2017 8:27 PM

2017-07-07T20:27:25-04:00

I had PTSD in the USMC and didn't know what it were. All I knew is that I didn't know how to explain what I were feeling. I joined the Police Department and were riding with a partner one day and heard a car backfire, I slammed on brakes in the middle of the intersection, ashamed of what just happen, I play it off as I thought I saw a car coming. Back in the 1970's, a fellow Marine encourage me to go to a Marine Corp Reserve meeting with him. While in formation the Platoon Gunnery Sergeant, back then had a curse word for everything they said, the curse words triggered the PTSD, after formation I ran down the streets, to try to dismiss the things that had happen to me in Infantry. Later I went to a civilian doctor, and then VAMC.

Response by SP5 Pat Hughes made Jul 14 at 2017 10:20 AM

2017-07-14T10:20:50-04:00

I don't care what they call it.
It is what it is
Times, places, sounds.
Some fun eh boys

Response by 1SG Inez Hollmann made Jul 20 at 2017 1:09 AM

2017-07-20T01:09:51-04:00

Here is a working link to Dr. A men's Pacific NW clinic in Bellevue. I true incurred him give a presentation at Madigan several years ago and his protocols were amazing. He showed actual brain scans people who suffer from alcoholism, drug abuse and PTS. He has identified different ways that the brain becomes inflamed and traumatized.

https://plus.google.com/+AmenClinicBellevue

Amen Clinics - Northwest - Google+

Response by Sgt Gary Keith made Jul 24 at 2017 4:07 AM

2017-07-24T04:07:25-04:00

Disorder or injury who the fuck cares. I'm 71 years old, a grouind combat marine, and haven't had a nights sleep of over 3 hours in 47 years. I'm 300# sleep alone because I thrash the bed at night, there's always someone after me in my dreams. I have a little resentment that Airmen get the same awards we do, when the difference of throwing Hand Grenades underhand iws so much different than dropping explosives from 5-10 thousand feet. I have a son that is making his 3rd tour of Afghanistan starting last Tuesday. Prior to this tour he had 2 others and was on 15 missions into Country where he would stay a few days up to a week, then come out. He's been to Iraq, Yemen, Palastine, Israel, Bogota Colombia, about every dangerous place in the world. I have flashbacks sometimes even driving down the road. I'm a very friendly guy that hides his Rage, until pushed too far. My wife has Alzheimer's and tries my patience daily. I'd give anything for a night's sleep. I'm living in the rural Ozark Mountains and find tranquility until neighbors start getting ready for hunting season. It's three o'clock ikn the morning and I'm very tired.I have a few worries on my mind. 4 years ago my oldest son, a firefighter and paramedic for the Prescott fire dept. lost 19 friends in that Yarnall fire on june 30th. Kevin had been on 6 wildfires in June and had that day off. Therefore he was in Flagstaff climbing cliff faces with friends. Both my son's inherited my addiction to adrenaline. I often pick up and milk the poison out of big Copperheads and Rattlesnakes just for a little RUSH. My duty to my spouse keeps me here, otherwise I'm pretty ready to go. I often think Vets are the only ones that can save this nation but we would have to take over the government which is composed of a bunch of do nothings that are letting us freefall into a police state. Semper Fi, G. Keith

Response by SPC Thomas Frank made Jul 25 at 2017 4:04 PM

2017-07-25T16:04:05-04:00

Like the author I am a Nam era non-combat vet, I didn't having any understanding of PTS until I had a head-on collision in '04, my brother-in-law who was a Nam vet tried to tell me it would change me but I didn't believe him until I returned to college that fall. Since then I have talked more and more with fellow vets who were in combat and am just starting to understand how debilitating this injury is in their lives. I pray for all of you who suffer this injury, may Jesus keep you in His loving arms.

Response by Judy Schaffer made Jul 26 at 2017 12:02 PM

2017-07-26T12:02:26-04:00

Your story really resonates. Spirituality, forgiveness, and connection are important. Our organization, Heroes to Heroes, takes Veterans from all conflicts to Israel for spiritual healing and peer support. The teams experience their faiths (about 90% Christians) by visiting places such as Bethlehem, Stations of the Cross, The Western Wall, Nazareth, the Galilee, etc. It's a chance to reconnect with a Higher Being, Jesus, and one another. 131 Veterans have gone on the program and the results are remarkable. We are sending an additional 40 Veterans this Fall. Only costs are travel to the NYC area to meet the flight, Passport, and lunches while in Israel for the 10 days. This is an alcohol and drug-free program. Any interested Veterans can apply on our site at http://www.heroestoheroes.org

Heroes to Heroes Foundation |

These trips allow for deep emotional bonding with other American veterans suffering with many of the same issues as well as with Israeli veterans suffering in the same way.

Response by PO2 Scott Phoenix made Aug 3 at 2017 11:27 AM

2017-08-03T11:27:23-04:00

Just was wondering can PTS symptoms come years after an event?

Response by SPC Elizabeth DeCamp made Aug 23 at 2017 10:13 AM

2017-08-23T10:13:21-04:00

...

Response by SPC Elizabeth DeCamp made Aug 23 at 2017 10:24 AM

2017-08-23T10:24:43-04:00

Thank you very much for this article. I served in the army for 3 years, while my husband is a retired JAG NCO. Though thankfully I've never seen combat, I'd like to add one more life-changing event, and that is being bullied in school for 10 years--beaten up, punched in the face by boys (I am a female), spat on, hit with rocks till I bled, and called every filthy name in the book. So what, you say? I did have flashbacks and frequent crying spells. God forgive me, I acted out on my pets.
Today I am 53 and still have trust issues. Nobody walks closely behind me (God's grace I made it through the army). I have to walk behind them. I refuse to participate in team sports of any kind. For a long time I hated men. It is through becoming a Christian that I was healed of most of it.
Again, thanks. This has really helped me understand a lot.

Response by SPC Martin Meyer made Sep 3 at 2017 12:10 PM

2017-09-03T12:10:34-04:00

I like that you refer to it as PTS and not PTSD as it is not a mental disease; as you say it is the body's response to a intense traumatic experience. Unfortunately, war Veterans seem to be among the group effected the most. I just lost a friend that committed suicide due to PTS, and another traumatic experience after returning home from Afghanistan. I all him my friend as we trained at the same gym and we were both paratroopers from different eras mine being Vietnam era. However, there is a brotherhood that extends over all time for those of us who have earned our wings. I wish I had gotten to know him better; perhaps I would have realized that he needed more help than he was getting or not getting.
It is sad to think that 22 military Veterans a day commit suicide because of PTS.

Response by SN Mike Holcomb made Sep 19 at 2017 2:28 AM

2017-09-19T02:28:20-04:00

Well, I wouldn't be able to totally agree with everything you said although I thank you for saying it. I, myself, have ptsd. I got it before I ever entered the service. I would suggest there is probably pts, ptsi. And ptsd. Yes, mine is definitely a disorder. In my case. I had an experience that was so horrific that my conscious mind actually shut down and my subconscious took over during which period of time I had no knowledge of what happened or of any of my surroundings and also my body did many things of which I had absolutely no control or knowledge until I could see again. In that short amount of time, the synapses in my brain were forever rewired. After that event there were several follow up events. I struggled the rest of my life with it but never had any treatments. At that time ptsd wasn't even heard of. It has cost me jobs, promotions, and relationships my entire life. Finally, there has been recognition of and much work toward understanding and helping people with this disorder. I do agree there are many cases of pts but please don't shut this door and say there is no such thing as ptsd.

Response by SSG George Kaczmarek made Sep 25 at 2017 10:48 AM

2017-09-25T10:48:28-04:00

I am 65 years old with PTSD military related and I really liked your article.In 1971 in basic training I was knocked unconscious by a pound of C-4 explosion and it only lasted seconds my hearing has suffered since,tinnitus and hearing loss.I thought I could hide this in my sub concise but it resurfaced 2years ago when I almost got into a accident with my motorcycle.I really didn't know who to talk to but I brought this to my AA group meeting as I am a recovering alcoholic with 14 years sobriety.The first six months dealing with this was reall tough,loss of sleep,anxiety,couldn't think straight,nervousness flashbacks.Are there any recommendations that you could make to help me cope with PTSI.

Response by CPO Donald Crisp made Sep 26 at 2017 12:52 PM

2017-09-26T12:52:38-04:00

Thanks for this post Gerry. I recently got connected with the VA and am seeking help in dealing with many, many life threatening events in my past as well as many traumatic events involving having to recover many bodies. I didn't recognize the impact that these events have had on my life. I'm thankful for the VA's resources at my disposal.

Response by Cpl Landon Foster made Sep 30 at 2017 9:58 AM

2017-09-30T09:58:13-04:00

Great short article. There is a lot of stigma attached, and that's a shame. One thing an old gysgt told me that stuck with me is how similar the Korea Vets are to the WW vets, and how similar the Vietnam vet are to my gen of Iraq/afgan vets. The type of experience is just so different between those wars. I've just now really pulled into a healthier place, through some self work, professional help and also getting the physical pain under control. They feed each other. If you have PTSD/PTSI and physical wounds as well, please, get help for both. The pain physically kills your dopamine, seratonin and oxytocic responses, and the mental anguish, or even just the lack of rest makes the pain worse physically. Get the pain under control, and look into expanding yourself, and break the cycle. It's been almost a decade out for me, and I'm just now on the upswing, I think. I would suggest Dr. Jordan Peterson's Self authoring program, as well as taking time to develop a thereputic relationship with a clinical psychologist and a pain practicioner. You're worth it. Our pain scales are so massively skewed from what other people in gen pop experience, so don't be afraid to let them know when it's just unmanageable, physically or emotionally. Get well.

Semper Anticus, Fidelis.

Response by Leckey Harrison made Oct 11 at 2017 1:16 AM

2017-10-11T01:16:19-04:00

Allow me please to submit my take on this experience that I had.
I have a different take. PTSD isn't "the body’s natural response to critical life incidents...." STRESS is the natural reaction. PTSD/PTS/PTSI is the result of the stress we respond with not being discharged from our system.
Dr. Peter Levine uses this illustration. Imagine a spring attached to the ceiling. A slinky perhaps. You pull it down (stress it), and let it go, and what happens? It zips right back into shape. It discharges the energy in the pull, and resilience in the steel causes it to spring back. That is the natural response to critical life incidents.
What happens though if we pull the spring, and don't let it go? Like attaching a small amount of weight to it. What happens to that energy? What then if I add a little more weight? The a little more, a little more, a little more.....
One might think that if we removed the weight, it would snap right back, but it doesn't. The undischarged energy eventually destroys the resiliency in the steel, and it will not spring back. That is now disordered steel. I'll complete that analogy to neurology briefly.
Another image of this is the ladder testing we did as firefighters. It was an annual requirement. A ladder would be opened, and then laid out with the ends on horses. Depending on the length, a certain amount of dead weight was placed in the middle of the ladder, to which we expected there to be sag. After a certain amount of time, the weight was removed. The resilience of the metal (aluminum) caused the ladder to return to straight almost immediately. If the ladder did not return to straight, it was red tagged taken out of service (OOS). It was no good for firefighting duties any longer.
That little weight we put on the slinky? That a stressor. In the human organism, that means for whatever reason, we interpret something as dangerous, and our brain stem activates fight/flight. We become a chem lab of hormones, and sugars among other things. Some of those things, like glucose and adrenaline, can be reprocessed by our organism rather quickly. Cortisol, one of those chem lab ingredients, cannot. Then boom, another weight is added to the slinky, and now more chem lab, and maybe even the glucose is accumulating and taxing the insulin production system. The cortisol? Increases big time. What cortisol does over time with the chronic adding of weight to our slinky, is make the amygdala of my brain bigger than normal, and the hippocampus smaller. Now neither is doing their jobs properly, and that is why PTSD is a disorder. That is the disorder that post traumatic stress, or what I sometimes refer to as traumatizing stress, causes. I drop the P rather than the D. Aside from disordering my actual brain and cognition, it disordered my relationships, my emotions, and my physical health.
It has taken a while to re-order that, but I got rid of the weights, and put the resilience back in the slinky. That probably wouldn't happen to a real slinky, but the human organism is thankfully capable of doing that.
Thanks for allowing me to express my experience.

Response by SSgt Jim Gilmore made Oct 11 at 2017 6:54 AM

2017-10-11T06:54:58-04:00

Indeed...Not all wounds are visible.

Response by SGT Shannon Ritzert made Oct 13 at 2017 12:53 AM

2017-10-13T00:53:44-04:00

Gerry I enjoyed your post. I am a combat vet, Military police, OIF 2003. I would like to add the following to your post. PTSD is defined by the American Psychiatric Association, (2013) as a trauma stressor-related disorder or anxiety disorder. According to American Psychiatric Association, (2013) PTSD is most commonly experienced by soldiers who have been subjected to combat (p. 143-149). However, it is not synonymous to armed forces. PTSD is also combatted by those whom have been exposed to “disasters, both natural and contrived. These include rape, floods, abductions, airplane crashes, as well as the threats that may be posed by a kidnapping or hostage situation” (Morrison, 2014). Traditionally there is a delayed reaction to the trauma experienced by the individual. Later, the individual re-experiences the traumatic event in their memories, whether intentional or unintentional. Most often those individuals try and avoid reliving the event. Indicator of PTSD can be physiological and psychological. Physiological responses are related to hyperarousal of the mind and can manifest as: hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, difficulty concentrating, sleep disturbances, reckless/self-destructive behavior, and irritable behavior/angry outbursts (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). From a psychological standpoint, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) (2013) pinpoints indicators such as: recurrent, involuntary, and intrusive distressing memories, distressing dreams, dissociative reactions e.g. ‘flashbacks’ in which the individual feels or acts as if the traumatic event is reoccurring (p. 143-149). The APA further states the individual may experience “distress at exposure to internal or external cues that symbolize or resemble an aspect of the traumatic event” (American Psychiatric Association, 2013). Individuals affected by PTSD make efforts to avoid distressing memories, through avoidance of external reminders of the traumatic event or events. Conversely, the individual may have dissociative amnesia creating the inability to remember the event. Often times there is persistent negative feelings towards oneself or others, and or feeling of guilt. The individual can experience anhedonia or a need to self-medicate. Unfortunately, many individuals affected by PTSD also develop comorbid diagnoses of mood, anxiety, and substance use disorders. There is a correlation of low intellect and educational achievement, as reported by Morrison, (2014). However, it is likely that these statistics are slightly bias, as the infantry in the military are often on the front lines, and have the least amount of aptitude within the armed forces. Thus, it is not a fair assessment to state that those affected are less intellectual but rather those most commonly affected tend to be from socio-economically oppressed backgrounds. In any regard, the more horrendous the event which caused the trauma for this individual, the more likely it will be for them to develop PTSD.
References
American Psychiatric Association (2013). Desk reference to the diagnostic criteria from DSM-5. (p. 143-149) Washington: American Psychological Association.
Hester, R. (2017). Lack of access to mental health services contributing to the high suicide rates among veterans. National Institute of Health, 2.
Hubbard, B., Johnson, M., & Kissel, M. (2016). Mission 22. Retrieved from http://www.mission22.com/bios-1/
Knickman, J., & Kovner, R. (2015). Health Care Delivery in the United States (11th ed.) (p. 238). Retrieved from Kindle Edition
Morrison, J. (2014). DSM-5 Made Easy: The Clinician's Guide to Diagnosis. (p. 219) Kindle Edition: Guilford Publications.
Office of Public and Intergovernmental Affairs. (2013). Retrieved September 15, 2017, from https://www.va.gov/opa/pressrel/pressrelease.cfm?id=2455
Suicide Among Veterans and Other Americans 2001 to 2014. (2016). Retrieved from https://www.mentalhealth.va.gov/docs/2016suicidedatareport.pdf
Willingham, A. (2016). The disturbing statistic behind the '22 Pushup Challenge'. Retrieved from http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/19/health/what-is-22-pushup-challenge-trnd/index.html

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Response by SPC Dave Loeffler made Nov 3 at 2017 10:50 AM

2017-11-03T10:50:44-04:00

Its an excellent article, as a Vietnam combat veteran I to suffer from PTSD. If it was not for my wife I never would have gotten treatment. Do not think you have to MAN UP and remain silent.

Response by MSG Floyd Williams made Nov 3 at 2017 10:54 AM

2017-11-03T10:54:16-04:00

What I have learned about PTSD, it will keep you in a defensive mode in all situations personally and professionally.

Response by SPC Kari Grove Wright made Dec 6 at 2017 10:49 PM

2017-12-06T22:49:29-05:00

I wish someone could explain all this to my soon to be ex husband. Or maybe the social worker at the va that told me to get over it.

Response by Cpl Robert Robertson made Dec 9 at 2017 12:55 PM

2017-12-09T12:55:21-05:00

Marines dont get stress We give it. Just to be clear...I did 13 months almost all of that in the bush as a grunt and tunnel rat...and that was nothing. The sgtmaj had spent years fighting Japan and Korea now the Nam. He told me...War stinks but it has to be done. you are right and they are wrong. Remember that. Wise words from a wise man...I have never had a "flash back" or a question since..
RIP sgtmaj.

Having said that and i think it true..We are different people of different generation services and mindsets so if you need to see a "doc" do so..but i would make sure that "doc" shared your experiences to as large a degree as possible

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 9 at 2017 11:11 PM

2017-12-09T23:11:29-05:00

What ever my problems might be, Neurofeedback has helped train my brain.

CA State University, San Bernardino, CA has an extensive program. They are expanding to U of CA Riverside in Palm Desert, CA!

Talk therapy, combined with neurofeedback has helped whatever problem I have!

I have also learned to be in charge; of my mind!

I mentally transport myself to a ‘peaceful’ place. Focusing on the beauty and quiet of that peaceful place allows me to go to sleep.

IF I DEVIATE FROM THE PEACEFUL ROUTE, I RETURN TO THE STARTING POINT OF THAT PEACEFUL JOURNEY and start over!

Response by SFC Jason Lucier made Dec 10 at 2017 12:35 PM

2017-12-10T12:35:13-05:00

If you or someone you know is suffering from PTS, TBI, MSA, or Moral Injury, go to http://www.vetsjourneyhome.org, and checkout the free help available. It's Vets helping Vets and it is totally free to anyone who has worn the uniform of our armed forces, the Coast Guard and Merchant Marines. It's a safe place to tell one's story, and begin the healing.

www.vetsjourneyhome.org

Response by SSG Michael Bryant made Jan 1 at 2018 11:40 AM

2018-01-01T11:40:13-05:00

Personally, I hit a point with talk therapy were I felt it wasn't helping me anymore. My case manager at the WTB recommended Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP). It wasn't a magic bullet, but it helped me see things from a different perspective. I wrote a testimonial for the chapter that I went to but I will post it in a new thread, eventually. Here is a link to the orginization that standardized practices for the use of the equine in different therapies: https://www.pathintl.org/resources-education/resources/eaat/60-resources/efpl/201-what-is-efpl

Equine-Facilitated Psychotherapy

Equine-facilitated psychotherapy (EFP) is an experiential form of psychotherapy that involves equines. PATH Intl. provides standards of professionalism and safety for people working in EFP.

Response by SPC Michael Duricko, Ph.D made Oct 1 at 2019 8:17 PM

2019-10-01T20:17:10-04:00

Right on Target, it is an injury, one inflicted by the horrors of combat embattling one's mind and we'll being forever!

Response by CPL Linda B. made Oct 6 at 2019 4:31 PM

2019-10-06T16:31:52-04:00

After reading this article I feel like I had just sat down with you and had a cup of coffee and shared things that I too find hard 2 talk about and this was a very heartfelt and emotional post.

Response by Kathlean Keesler made Jun 21 at 2020 4:39 PM

2020-06-21T16:39:06-04:00

Recently I’ve befriended a X Marine. His military career ended on the day the helicopter he and 11 other’s were flying in had mechanical failure. Crashed. He lost 7 buddies. He suffered numerous broken bones, head concussion, life long dark memories. One other survivor took his own life 4 yrs ago. This guy has told me he gets anxiety, panic attacks mostly at night. Got even worse when his beloved wife died couple yrs back from brain cancer. He resides in their 2 story house they built together.Lake front, with a dock, 3 dogs running about their back yard and 2 flags, an American Stars and Stripes, Marine flag. PTSD is a subject we all should open our ears and hearts to. Thanks Rallypoint