Just like 85% of the ragged-ass teary-eyed fishing-hat with POW-MIA pin wearing “Vietnam Vets” at the Legion and getting a nice big check were never in theatre, I have come to believe that 85% of “PTSD” sufferers were never in remotely stressful situations and just want a meal ticket.
Read STOLEN VALOR and you’ll understand where I’m coming from...
It is one of the most important books of the decade.
As a Vietnam vet, Golux,I mildly resent your singling out us for an exemplar. That said, I share your view that PTSD is diagnosed too often. Many of these “sufferers” need to just man up and get on with the rest of their lives. For those who are truly traumatized, I offer unconditional support with gratitude.
TC
As a pre-Vietnam non combat vet, I tend to agree with your first sentence. Except there is NO “big check”.
Your sentence about PTSD is pretty over the top. I guarantee that EVERY man or woman who has “Seen the Elephant” has some form of PTS.(Not PTSD) I do not believe PTS is a disorder, just a conditon.. There is no way a normal human being can see the carnage of a battle field or even the carnage of a natural disaster and ever be the same again.
Don't believe me? Talk to adults that lived through some disaster as a child and just see how they are still affected.
My cousin patrolled outside the wire at Cam Ranh Bay for a year. When he finally sought help for his depression and nightmares, he was diagnosed with PTSD. He killed himself before he got a dime.
My brother spent six months in Vietnam, and the base he was at was attacked several times. He started showing symptoms of PTSD about 15 years ago, was diagnosed by a VA doctor 10 years ago, and still has not received even sympathy from the VA.
You apparently know little.....