Posted on Nov 12, 2014
SSG Robert Burns
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Could have ptsd 720
Whether it be combat related, sexual assault or domestic violence related; why do Soldier seem to want to battle this on their own? We don't go to war alone, why fight this alone? How do you think we could get more people to seek the help they may need?
If you could get therapy anonymously would you? Do you think others would be more likely to?

Update:
Please take a look at this. http://www.PTSDecompress.com and tell me what you think.
Edited 10 y ago
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Responses: 31
SPC(P) Samantha Moore
5
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I wish All of The Above was a choice, because I have had comrades tell me all of those reasons stated.  
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SPC(P) Samantha Moore
SPC(P) Samantha Moore
10 y
SSG Burns, I once had a friend tell me that he didn't develop PTSD until he came home to find his wife had an affair and his family was torn apart. What do you think about that?
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SSG Robert Burns
SSG Robert Burns
10 y
Well I am certainly not an expert on the matter but I know that Post Traumatic Stress can come after (Post) anything that is "traumatic" and causes high levels of stress which result in changes in your ability to function normally on different levels. So I guess that is reasonable. But everyone handles everything differently. I know some guys who would be absolutely devastated and suicidal by that, and on the other hand I know guys who just pack up their stuff and move on to the next one. I guess there's no cookie cutter answer to it.
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SPC(P) Samantha Moore
SPC(P) Samantha Moore
10 y
Agreed, I have a hard time relating to those who have PTSD. Thank you for your insight!
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SSG Robert Burns
SSG Robert Burns
10 y
Don't thank me, thank your recruiter. (I look for an opportunity to use that line every day)
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SSG Tim Everett
5
5
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I no longer believe there is a stigma associated with it, not in terms of military service. If a general can come out and say "I have this" then nobody should be afraid.

However, I do fear how it will affect a civilian career. I've seen first-hand what admitting treatment for PTSD will do, both in a court of law and prospective employment. Civilians hear PTSD and they think "this crazy m&@#er could come shoot up the job if I fire him!" We don't have a means to publicly combat that perception.

As for serving members, I think people try to tough it out and act like they're fine, when they really aren't. That whole "suck it up" mentality.
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SSG Tim Everett
SSG Tim Everett
10 y
In that situation, it's tough to swallow that PFC Joe's first-line leader won't take care of him, and it's tough to swallow that PFC Joe now feels that his chain of command won't take care of him (and that he doesn't know how to use his chain effectively). It's also tough when PFC Joe probably could have had a sterling career as a professional NCO one day, but decides to take his own life. We as warriors may tend to see PFC Joe as a weak sissy for killing himself (presume that's the worst-case course for this story), but in my humble civvie opinion his leaders are complicit in his death.

PFC Joe's chain of command does not end with Young SGT Zero-tolerance, and if PFC Joe doesn't know that, it's a shame. But his NCO Support Chain, which by all rights should also include former NCOs, should back him up if his chain doesn't.

PFC Joe should know that he has brothers out there who will listen, who will take action, who will try to help if his squad leader won't. PFC Joe should know that he is not alone, that he stands in ranks with men and women who have been there. PFC Joe can call Private Freakin' Civilian Tim Everett and talk.

EDIT: forgot the word "opinion" at the end of 1st para.
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SSG Robert Burns
SSG Robert Burns
10 y
*Firm hand shake
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SGT 94 E Radio Comsec Repairer
SGT (Join to see)
10 y
SSG Tim Everett, I see your point but I think it's easier to swallow when you realize that PFC Snuffy's first-line leader is usually a Sergeant (E-5) who was a Specialist (E-4) not long ago. My personal experience is that, overall, those in ranks of SSGs (E-6) and higher have better people skills and a higher percentage of demonstrated integrity.
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SSG Tim Everett
SSG Tim Everett
>1 y
You have to start somewhere. I started learning how to be a Sergeant before I got my stripes.
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Sgt Jennifer Mohler
5
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They don't recognize it in themselves.
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SSG Robert Burns
SSG Robert Burns
10 y
Can they recognize it in themselves without talking to others who are as well?
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