Why is PTSD still a stigma within our ranks?

SFC Mark Alaimo — Wed, 08 Apr 2015 16:16:33 -0400

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 20 at 2016 1:48 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 20 Apr 2016 13:48:25 -0400

because we see ourselves as weak, we are not

Response by CSM Charles Hayden made Dec 4 at 2019 9:55 PM

CSM Charles Hayden — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 21:55:55 -0500

More better question: Why is Military Sexual Trauma still a problem in the military? Who is in charge?

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 4 at 2019 10:09 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 04 Dec 2019 22:09:17 -0500

Because a bunch of crusty old wannabes watched Heartbreak Ridge right before they enlisted and decided that’s how they would be, without realizing they’re much more MAJ Powers than Gunny Highway

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2019 5:52 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 05:52:20 -0500

For the same reason Soldiers don't want to go to Sick call. There is definitely a culture in the military to work through your pain & weakness rather than admit it exists so you can treat it.

Response by MSG Greg Kelly made Dec 5 at 2019 6:16 AM

MSG Greg Kelly — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 06:16:27 -0500

when we returned from Iraq on our first tour the VA rep that spoke told us not to mention anything about our feelings, nightmares or any other mental issues because we would be discharged or loose clearances. that was 05 so to me it starts with crap like that

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Dec 5 at 2019 11:43 AM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 11:43:40 -0500

Because it takes time to change norms and values. Remember leaders can be around for 30 or more years. If I remember correctly the real effort to remove the stigma surrounding PTSD didn't really get going until sometime around 2009 or 2010 when the Chief of Staff made a point of addressing it.
So it was an after thought up to that point. Do the math and we can expect the stigma to be around a few more years before everyone is on board with the reality that it happens and we have to help folks through it, is dead by attrition..

Response by WO1 Private RallyPoint Member made Dec 5 at 2019 8:18 PM

WO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 05 Dec 2019 20:18:06 -0500

In my humble opinion, it is because the Army as a whole is spinning it's wheels attempting to make up for all the failed diagnoses and treatments, and is now over-correcting. We have 3 week TIS PVTs in basic being put out claiming PTSD, so it dilutes the meaning of the term to the ordinary Soldier, causing them to want to distance themselves from the term publicly. Again, just my opinion.

Response by SP5 Dan Peach made Aug 15 at 2020 1:19 AM

SP5 Dan Peach — Sat, 15 Aug 2020 01:19:57 -0400

At one time some believed it was a sign of a coward never thought that myself having suffered from the problem myself it just like you have had enough

Response by SGT Bill Christian made Aug 16 at 2020 2:07 AM

SGT Bill Christian — Sun, 16 Aug 2020 02:07:37 -0400

The short answer is because their have too many shitbags who have falsely claimed this. I saw this first hand while i was assigned to a WTU at bliss. They have unfortunately brought a suspicion on anyone who is actually dealing with this wound