Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]

As a fromer member of the Marine Corps [medically retired] it is my personal belief that it is our role & RESPONSIBALITY to reach out and assist our returning veterans! In the past our country has turned it back on the returning veterans which has given birth to such org.'s as Vietnam Veterans of America & ect... We need to reach out to these veterans and assist them all we can. I am posting this for discussion and action from all of us. Respectfully Submitted by

Robert M.[Mike] Suchman Sgt USMC[Ret]

I'm with you 100%. Specifics would be good, like where, when and how. Average Joe isn't available/accessible to returning GI Joe. Are you aware of any efforts underway that Average Joe could contribute assistance? Anything you can find would really be appreciated. Thanks!

I ditto Freema's post. How can we help?

A couple of points first:

1. Everyone is affected by combat.
2. Acute PTSD is a normal reaction to a very abnormal situation.
3. Chronic PTSD is preventable and it is treatable. However, chronic PTSD is not curable.

One of the most important things to returning combat vets is a good welcome by their family and friends, as well as the general public. When you put your life on the line, almost loose it, see others get wasted/maimed, you have a very primal hunger to see that those who sent you into harms way, appreciate your sacrifice.

Most younger Vets, may not see the need for this. As time goes by, it becomes more and more critical to be able to move through the war trauma and integrate your experiences with the rest of your life. The inability to do this sustains the acute reaction into a chronic one.

Also, most younger Vets, will not seek out help. At that age we view ourselves as strong and invulnerable. We developed a hardness to get us through those tough times. You do not have the luxury to emotionally react to your losses while in combat. That can get you killed. You have been trained to respond to life threatening situations that maximize your survival.

The very real adjustment problem is that when you return to civilian life, you must get out of that survival mode. The way you do that, is to process what has just happened to you. That is usually done by talking to people about it.

I believe that the most valuable gift you can give a returning combat vet is understanding and a good ear to listen. It is normal to be reactive to sights, sounds and smells for a period of time after returning from combat. If you notice it is taking more than a few months, he/she may need some help in adjusting. If you know the vet well, the gift of honesty is invaluable.

It is important to understand that the acute reaction, if not resolved, with or without help, becomes chronic. That is where the real damage is done. You stay stuck in the survival mode, your adrenal system alters your brain chemistry over time, and you end up with a neurological disorder. It becomes permanent.

That is what happened to me.

What can you do?

1. If you personally know a returning Vet, be there for him/her, over the long haul. The initial return is the most critical time, but a long term relationship is very useful. I have one friend I have known since I was about 12. He will always tell me how he sees it. That, I can count on.

2. Spontaneous gifts to returning vets. If you see a Vet on the street. Walk up and thank him/her personally. Trust me, they will never forget it.

3. The Red Cross, Disabled American Vets, and other organizations do very direct support to our Vets in need. Consider a donation in time or money.

4. If you are opposed to a particular war, please do not take this argument to the streets. There are political ways to press your point of view effectively. Dissent is an important part of American life. You should temper that freedom with the knowledge that open political expression while our troops are in harms way, is not victimless.

First of all thank you for reading and wanting to do something for the folks returning home.

Now we need to there to lend a hand to these vetereans returning home and very gently guide them to seek professional help. There are a lot of groups out there that can provide the help that is needed.
2] These folks may tend to burn the candle at both ends at the same time. We need to be there to prevent them from doing something very stupid and harming themselves & or others. If they are under the infulance of drink or drugs that is a BIG time red flag. Get them to the nearest VA hosiptal ASAP, or call the nearest professional [Police, EMS, ect..] if the vet seems to be on the verge of harming themself or others. These people may be a walking, talking timebomb! We need to be there and lend a hand when they need us the most. Even if they don't think so.

"Are you aware of any efforts underway that Average Joe could contribute assistance? "

1. When they come back give them priority in getting a good job.
2. Push for your state legislators to make it a crime to abuse or discriminate against a VET in the workplace in regards to military service and the war. Many liberals in government service deliberately avoid the returning vet.
3. Demand the federal government to stop wasting money treating drug addicts and have the money spent on combat vets.

I agree. At the end of WWII, my grandfather and his crew were given mandatory psych evals before being discharged. All but 1 guy failed (surprised 1 guy passed.) He had to spend some extra time at a base stateside, but he always said it helped (and not one of his crew had PTSD).

I think it's extra important now, when the turnaround from battlefield to "normal" life is so quick. At least with the weeks it used to take on ships, veterans could have some time to readjust to the idea of "normal" life.

Thanks for pointing that out.

When I was being discharged in 1971, they only did a regular physical exam. The doctor noted my hearing loss. He told me that I could qualify for VA disability comp for that. When I expressed an interest, he chimed in that 'of course you would have to stay on active duty until we convene a medical board..." He said that could take weeks or months. Being 20 years old, I said 'no way' was I going to stick around for that.

I hear(well sort of), that not much has changed.

BTTT

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1473767/posts

Follow my train of thought with regard to Average Joe:
(I thought Stashiu's point #4 was remarkable in it's connection to PTSD.) There was a church in J'ville NC that opened it's doors to families of deployed as a meeting place for support-don't know if that is still ongoing, perhaps not-I can't seem to find any information about the program. I've seen the marvelous "Welcome Home" banners on the fences in J'ville. But I haven't seen or heard of organized (community or otherwise) efforts to rally around or support those who return (Not to say they don't exist, perhaps they do). It appears to be left to the spouse, or not dealt with at all, unless one needs to be referred to a military psychiatrist. I could be wrong, I don't know. I guess I'm looking for a civilian response to this issue, be it in a military town or not. I'm thinking 'outloud' here. What does America do for it's returning veterans to assist in assimilation back to "AMERICA" following their return from the visage of war? Is there a program or organization somewhere, a shoulder to lean on, a shoulder to cry on, a place they can take what they've seen and done out of their hearts and minds and put it on the table...or do we just show up at Veteran's Day ceremonies, Memorial Day ceremonies, wave at them in a parade, or buy them a beer at the VFW? If that, in reality, is all we do, I want to change that : )
And, I must say I find it utterly obnoxious that we must spend so much energy on the likes of Cindy Sheehan, to keep them from more pain, rather than focusing that energy on what are likely more critical needs for our troops.

http://www.ecusa-chaplain.org/Feedback_from_the_field.html

From Chaplain Dan Leatherman, Landstuhl, Germany, 06 July 2005

Greetings from Landstuhl Regional Medical Center! The Army has tried to take care of this Air Guard Chaplain and with the 4th of July Holiday, it’s taken until today to get it straight. Anyway, I’m pretty well settled in with the hospital routine, if there really is one. The Med-Evac flights and ambulance busses come in at all hours, but on a regular basis. The soldiers, sailors, marines, and airmen come in all states of health: some very “banged up” and critical others ambulatory. Often they arrive with battle related injuries, but other times simply the woes of life, like gall bladder surgery, kidney stones, an infection or something other than the war. Many times the wounds go deeper than skin and bone. The psychological issues our troops have to deal with are immense and the level of compassion given by the staff here at the hospital is incredible and exhausting. There is much compassion fatigue among us all and chaplains are as important to the staff and each other as they are to the patients.

Thank you again for your prayers and support.

Dan+

Daniel L. Leatherman, Ch, Capt, USAF (ANG)

Notes on the run too, Chaplain Will Hood, 03 February 2005

One of the things I have begun to realize how much in a hurry I have lived back in the world. Always in a hurry and probably have thought I have been a little too important to wait in line or be inconvenienced. Out here the only thing I really need to be in a rush about is ducking for cover if a rocket or mortar attack happens. It amazes me some days that events that I think should take a short amount of time end of taking about three times as long. I am having to learn patience and to be a bit more in the present moment.

One of those teaching events happened today. I was standing in line at our exchange, or PX as it is called by some, waiting. The lines are long sometime so you just learn to live with it. As I was standing there a young Soldier stood next to me. I turned around and we acknowledge each others presence. As we exchanged hellos I noticed he had the stare. It was the stare of someone who was elsewhere; a stare that seemed full of pained. By his patches I knew he was not from our base and asked him why he was here. "Well sir, I was on patrol and we were hit by an IED, Improvised Explosive Device. I am passing through as I fly back to my unit." "Are you o.k.?" I asked. "Yeah sir, but my Sergeant was killed." He started to tear up.

Sometimes in those moments there are no words. At that moment I placed my hand on his shoulder and began to pray. Probably less as a Chaplain and more as one who has faith and hopes that in the midst of this crazy mess we call life Christ is with us and remind us that this is not the end of the story. I prayed that Christ would be with him in his grief and sorrow. Not to take it away but remind him he is not alone. Often the price of love, friendship and the bond of warriors is a broken heart. Right there in the exchange in the busyness and boredom of waiting in line Christ called us both to show up and share our hearts and look grief and sorrow in the face.

I hope that when I get back to the world I won't be in such a hurry that I miss the present moment to share the hope and love of Christ. I hope that I will take the opportunity to slow down and remember that I am not so important to wait in line and that perhaps that is the very place God's mercy will unfold.

Today my heart is a bit heavier with the sorrow for that Soldier, but it is also grateful for the moment to remember that we don't carry this stuff by ourselves. If someday I am in the line at the grocery store and you see me with that thousand yard stare I hope you'll stop and whisper a short prayer.

Prayerfully

Will Hood

Some VA clinicians working with PTSD patients from Vietnam have remarked to me that in many cases, the trauma of the return has been greater than the war trauma itself. I can personally vouch for that.

It is hard to put into words the reaction you have when you come out of combat to find that you are met with hostility and indifference by the people who sent you. That level of personal betrayal has a profound influence on whether you will adjust or not. In many ways, you are back in a war zone again. It is hard to come out of that survival mode, useful when in combat, but very destructive in civilian life.

Sorry for the psycho-babble, but finding this out has had a profound effect in my ability to come to terms with what happened to me in combat as well as upon my return.

In addition, you will notice that I am not very sympathetic to anti-war protesters at all. Most of those from 35 years ago, still refuse to acknowledge the destruction of lives they took an active part in. Not only did the anti-war movement give the enemy the will to hold on well beyond 1968, they also set the conditions for our return. It is just sickening to hear the same story over and over again as guys come in and out of the PTSD group I am in. (i.e., you finally get out of hell on earth, to be met with scorn and indifference back home. Ever wonder why some guys went back for 2nd and 3rd tours?)

That is why you will never see Jane Fonda and John Kerry at a VA hospital.

Bump

Our Veterans Hospitals are the best in the world,and are an Instatution to be proud of.
Get the GI there and they are on their way.
A 1/26 Marine Vn.Vet 1968-1969.