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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.
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.
PTSD
PTS
Trauma
Mental Health
Command Post
Posted 7 y ago
Responses: 61
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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.
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PO2 Gerry Tandberg
Linda, interesting that you would use that term because it was over many cups of coffee and several months to write "What I Learned about PTS". But, it took several years and reading a few books on the subject, lots of roundtable discussion, and a few seminar before I could form a rational opinion. Some of the most rewarding times were over many cups of coffee with an Army Vietnam Veteran who's 13 month tour was spent almost entirely on patrol; often on point. He saw lots of acton and witnessed far too much of the ugliness of combat. His book "Through My Eyes" is worth a read. I got out in 1965, but he was in 1969-1970. His contribution also included editing my draft. We remain good friends to this day. By the way, my daughter is a professional photographer and I've been a student of photography from at the age of 18. I taught her early on the basics, and now she teaches me. She shoots with a Canon 5D MK III and I a 6D.
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Right on Target, it is an injury, one inflicted by the horrors of combat embattling one's mind and we'll being forever!
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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.
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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.
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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
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
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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.
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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.
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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
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
Each day 22 veterans take their own life. But together we can win the war against veteran suicide. Join #Mission22 to let our vets know they have an army behind them.
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PO2 Gerry Tandberg
Thank you Shannon. We are in complete agreement. I do however believe the rate at which veterans are taking their own lives for a variety of reasons is considerably more than 22 a day. Nearly all my friends who were in combat in Vietnam have PTS. For some the added burden of life’s routine challenges that we all face were enough to push them over the edge. War is hell and it changes all who were involved...especially those at the tip of the spear.
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SGT Shannon Ritzert
The current statistical demographic that you're referring to is much more vulnerable and has higher rates of suicide. However the Department of Veterans Affairs does not specifically study per war tour. The VA's averages all veterans whether they went to combat or not. This statistical information is over a specific timeframe with the only quantifier being the individual is a veteran and has committed suicide. This number falls between 20-22 veterans a day. Privet studies of the demographic you are speaking of our much higher rate training more around 30-50% which is scary. Honestly, the journals that are produced do a poor job of isolating for specific demographics.
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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.
Semper Anticus, Fidelis.
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