View Full Version : PTSD, Is It Contagious or Just Politically Correct ?
Fox, my guess is that PTSD as with most things is not either 0% or 100%. There are degrees of PTSD. From my understanding, it is a very normal reaction to a very abnormal situation. It enables the mind to cope with the immediate job at hand, other words to survive. That way in a more secure environment the mind can deal with it then.
Problem, that I have been told, is not PTSD, it is ignoring it. DROS greatly effected RVN Vets ability to cope with PTSD. In WWII, a lot of the troops went over together and came back together, that in itself allow them to talk to each other about horrific events which help to deal with the patterning effects of PTSD. In RV a lot of Vets went over by themselves and came home by themselves. People at Home had no clue about RVN, and there was no natural healing of PTSD as with the WWII Vets. It exacerbated the problem.
It is my experience the PTSD is not well known. The cultural view is very much in error. Sort of like the Hollyweird version of the RVN Vet as a psychotic derange murdering machine. When in real life RVN Vets rate above average as good to excellent citizens. Not saying some are not dealing with demons, but they are not doing it as Hollyweird would want most to believe.
Bombardier
10-12-06, 19:27
I have no axe to grind with those who suffer from PTSD.
Me niether
I believe the definition of PTSD has become so diluted and become so politically correct, that almost anyone who serves in the military now qualifies as a viable candidate for this disorder.
I agree 100%
I take you back to WWI, now I know that there were cases of severe shell shock and I assume that cases of acute PTSD were evident but not yet diagnosed.. unfortunately. How many of the troops attempted to claim some disabling illness as a result of the trauma they suffered?, I doubt many at all, but that doesnt mean it wasnt there (I hasten to add).
Maybe the Political correctness that 03Fox2/1 speaks of is true?, maybe that to deal with the horrible reality of war it becomes PC to tell all those around you that you are now suffering because it would be assumed that you are some kind of monster if it did not affect you.
I have demons from war and from the job I do and I have considered addressing this with others, but never have, why? because in my case it is no more severe than that of a member of the public witnessing a serous car crash or a parent suffering the loss of a young child. You see we can all claim PTSD but do we do it justifiably??.
To claim PTSD when really all your problem revolves around is a tragic incident which has occured during your time in service, is to me totally unacceptable and is relatively easy to overcome without claiming the matle of PTSD.
Again I hope my ramblings have made some sense to someone.
I will finish by saying that anybody truly suffering, this is not directed at you, but those that it does refer to please give your head a shake and get on with your life, dont jump the PTSD train because it does not help those are ar really suffering..
Semper Fidelis
Per Mare Per Terram
UBIQUE
sal;
Bombardier
10-12-06, 21:17
Hate the war, don't hate the warrior
Best statement I have ever heard mate (Y)
UBIQUE
Per Mare Per Terram
Semper Fi
I am not sure what is being said here. IN the US the VA can rate a problem anywheres from 0% disabling to 100% permanent and total. Obvious with some others, such as a % for unemployablity. Rocky would probably be the best person to comment on this.
A person can have the tip of his finger lost in the service, I am not sure if he file a claim if anything would happen or the VA would just say he gets 0% for a tip of figer loss. Meaning the VA will take care of that finger if anything problem arise form the lost of the tip of the figer. 0% means there is no monetary award.
Also the VA will take care of veterans who have non-service connected injuries. Service connection usually have priority over non service connection. Meaning a Vet looses the tip of a finger in a wood working accident at home would get basically the same care.
A person can get 0% for PTSD (Not sure if the VA would do this) and for all practical purpose it has no advantage or benefits as a Vet with out any claim. The VA offers to Vets and Families adjust counseling/work counseling for adjustment to civilian life to any Vet.
I read where English Vets are finally able to get compensation for injuries for non-hostile action. As far as I know the US VA does not differentiate, a person who is 100% gets the same award whether the disability was from hostilities or "work related", say a traffic accident in the states.
I believe my message and my feelings about the subject of my post to be crystal clear. Perhaps there is very little we have in common and perhaps there is much you and I see differently. From my experiences and my perception, my post reflects not only my knowledge, but also my emotions associated with my journey, started long ago in Vietnam. I speak only for myself, but I represent many of similar nature.
I was actually responding to Bombardier. I am not sure what prompted a seeming hostile reply.
I am not a clinician or counselor. I did get involved in Pointman Ministries about ten years ago. They offer a Lay counseling service to help Vet but with a religious flavor some like Rocky does (with out a religious base). I have not been involved with them for over 6 years.
My understanding come from training sessions on counseling, knowing clinicians and councilors. I am not a authority on this issue but stated what I was told.
It seems to me what society says about PTSD is not what it is about. It is not a "war" only problem. Let me be very clear, I AM NOT A EXPERT on the topic, so I can be way off base.
I am not sure what all we do share in common, probably more than less in common. One aspect of counseling and from other life experience, Is I learn a very different approach to dealing with people. Regardless of what another does to me, what matters to me is how I react/respond. Abuse is never justified.
Our current conflict in Iraq is about a culture of lawlessness, based on abuse and continuing abuse. A individual can be judge, jury and executioner and the victims family can and is expected to revenge any wrong doing by doing the same. Hopefully the Iraq people will succeed in developing a lawful society. I know Iraq is not RVN and type of combat is very different and not in comparison to the amount of intensity. Example 1968, we lost over 16,000 Americans in RVN (may be off a little). Iraq is no where near that.
1st Gulf war, I heard other RVN vets bemoaning the "welcome home" that those warrior received. I think one of the reason the Gulf War Soldiers received a good welcome home was because of RVN Vets, insuring the mistakes of RVN not be continued. Those that bemoaned the home comings felt differently. Yes the 100 Hr Gulf War 1 was light compared to RVN, but why should we not welcome them home? Two wrongs never make a right.
I have a very close friend in 5th Group SF, I am greatly honored to have him a friend and admire his commitment and duty to the US people. I have other friends who are currently deployed, some are National Guard. The treatment RVN vets received during the RVN conflict and after was deplorable, but that does not say we should not correct those wrongs and NOT help Today's Soldiers and New Vets to be better treated.
Regardless if PTSD is PC or what ever, I think if we can improve the quality of treatment the VA offers to our service men and women I agree. IMHO, those decession should be in the hands of people who know more than both of us.
This link is pretty good, it is from the VA on PTSD.
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/facts/general/fs_effects.html
The other aspect that maybe missing, is that PTSD does not always travel alone it can travel with;
Survival guilt,
Substance abuse
Physical abuse to oneself or others
Low self esteem
Latent morning
Etc.....
Hopefully Rocky will Add or correct any errors of mine.
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