Posted on Jul 13, 2020
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Is the military systematically hanging our brothers and sisters with PTSD out to dry?
Unfortunately, I have seen all too many occurrences where fellow service members were left out to dry by their command following events directly related to PTSD that was itself primarily service related. Everything from other or less than honorable discharges to not offering the necessary behavioral healthcare while in, or subsequently following their service is becoming very much commonplace. I personally abhor such a mindset as we treat our own like family, or rather, we should treat our own as family. This means that commands must provide all frontline leaders the necessary training to identify when a service member needs help before their demons eventually cause the situation to escalate further. Alas, procedures must be put into place to ensure that a service member gets the help that they deserve as recognition alone is simply not enough on its own.
I get that there is a persistent stigma within our community in regards to seeking treatment for behavioral health concerns, nonetheless one that is not justified. We must realize that behavioral health needs are no different from that of our physical health as both could wear us thin. Additionally, service members should not be held criminally liable, at least for more-or-less minor infractions when there is evidence supporting that issues were rooted in PTSD that was tied to their service. Bad conduct discharges, the lack of further behavioral health treatment, and the like will hold our service members back for life as they continue to deal with those demons alone and now in the dark. We question why the veteran suicide rate is skyrocketing, but the reasons are obvious, they have been for some time now to say the least. Reasons, however are not answers, something that is needed right now more than ever, for the sake of all those who have served.
We are now at a juncture where the after-effects of behavioral health crises’ are present more than ever, and our senior military leadership needs to act swiftly with new and fresh ideas that will foster a brighter outcome for all who serve our great nation. This starts with ensuring that a behavioral health event is no longer equated to one of criminal behavior or intent. Especially when non-judicial punishment is a factor, one in command, and those who held the inquires prior (if actually held at all), must ask themselves if they really did their due diligence in fact-seeking, and if there are behavioral health concerns present that need to be assessed by a medical professional and not a line officer with minimal if any training on the subject. Why even let it escalate to the levels of NJP when we could put programs in place to successfully handle PTSD and the like?
We are at a sea change, and behavioral health needs to be re-evaluated by all of us to ensure better outcomes for all of our brothers and sisters that have served, are currently serving, or will serve in the future. I detest that I have to put these thoughts into writing, but I know that I will again and again meet veterans a new at the VA that have been hung out to dry by their respective commands instead of getting them the help that they deserve when they actually warrant it most. From personal experience, many of these people seem like fine individuals after taking the time out to actually listen to their stories. They just happened to have some demons that they are most likely still dealing with and will be for some time to come. As an advocate, I urge them to not only continue to get the help that they so desperately need, but to fight any negative outcomes with their service, may it be with a discharge review board, or any other viable channels that are available to them.
Do you in the RP community have anything to share on this most worthy subject?
Unfortunately, I have seen all too many occurrences where fellow service members were left out to dry by their command following events directly related to PTSD that was itself primarily service related. Everything from other or less than honorable discharges to not offering the necessary behavioral healthcare while in, or subsequently following their service is becoming very much commonplace. I personally abhor such a mindset as we treat our own like family, or rather, we should treat our own as family. This means that commands must provide all frontline leaders the necessary training to identify when a service member needs help before their demons eventually cause the situation to escalate further. Alas, procedures must be put into place to ensure that a service member gets the help that they deserve as recognition alone is simply not enough on its own.
I get that there is a persistent stigma within our community in regards to seeking treatment for behavioral health concerns, nonetheless one that is not justified. We must realize that behavioral health needs are no different from that of our physical health as both could wear us thin. Additionally, service members should not be held criminally liable, at least for more-or-less minor infractions when there is evidence supporting that issues were rooted in PTSD that was tied to their service. Bad conduct discharges, the lack of further behavioral health treatment, and the like will hold our service members back for life as they continue to deal with those demons alone and now in the dark. We question why the veteran suicide rate is skyrocketing, but the reasons are obvious, they have been for some time now to say the least. Reasons, however are not answers, something that is needed right now more than ever, for the sake of all those who have served.
We are now at a juncture where the after-effects of behavioral health crises’ are present more than ever, and our senior military leadership needs to act swiftly with new and fresh ideas that will foster a brighter outcome for all who serve our great nation. This starts with ensuring that a behavioral health event is no longer equated to one of criminal behavior or intent. Especially when non-judicial punishment is a factor, one in command, and those who held the inquires prior (if actually held at all), must ask themselves if they really did their due diligence in fact-seeking, and if there are behavioral health concerns present that need to be assessed by a medical professional and not a line officer with minimal if any training on the subject. Why even let it escalate to the levels of NJP when we could put programs in place to successfully handle PTSD and the like?
We are at a sea change, and behavioral health needs to be re-evaluated by all of us to ensure better outcomes for all of our brothers and sisters that have served, are currently serving, or will serve in the future. I detest that I have to put these thoughts into writing, but I know that I will again and again meet veterans a new at the VA that have been hung out to dry by their respective commands instead of getting them the help that they deserve when they actually warrant it most. From personal experience, many of these people seem like fine individuals after taking the time out to actually listen to their stories. They just happened to have some demons that they are most likely still dealing with and will be for some time to come. As an advocate, I urge them to not only continue to get the help that they so desperately need, but to fight any negative outcomes with their service, may it be with a discharge review board, or any other viable channels that are available to them.
Do you in the RP community have anything to share on this most worthy subject?
This Marine's family wanted the Corps to help her cope with a sexual assault. Instead, she's in...
Posted from taskandpurpose.com
PTSD
Disabled Veterans
Behavioral Health
Suicide
UCMJ
Posted >1 y ago
Responses: 2
4
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The fact that she’s not getting the needed care doesn't excuse her from owning her own actions. I hope they do right by her and get her medically retired.
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Your an adult and you are directly responsible for your actions. I’m PTSD I was shot twice over 25 years ago and about widowed my wife and orphaned a young family new to NC. It was tough, I slept with loaded guns everywhere, a bit paranoid, but I still understood the difference between right and wrong. With help and family life is pretty good, there’s still the nightmares and I’ll be on meds forever, but you just press on. Yes there are people out there with severe mental illness that have no concept of right or wrong, they need treatment and separation from society. But that’s not PTSD, there’s many forms, the severity depends on the person and circumstances, but right from wrong isn't a question or or a defense. Imo of course, other may disagree, the veteran suicide rate is a staggering statistic and a national shame, I never had any thought of hurting myself, or anyone for that matter.
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