• Watch Out for Scammers!

    We've now added a color code for all accounts. Orange accounts are new members, Blue are full members, and Green are Supporters. If you get a message about a sale from an orange account, make sure you pay attention before sending any money!

PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

B

Bunnyblaster

Private
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 1, 2010
9
0
42
Southern IL
In light of the horrible death of Chris Kyle, I wanted to pursue information on PTSD, its causes, and its effects. All we civilians ever really hear comes from the media, and that's far from a reliable source for anything now days.

Also, my sisters ex-husband has been diagnosed with it (they have a 3 year old son together). He was injured in Afghanistan by an IED. It destroyed his leg, and nearly killed him. He wasn't the most stable person in the world before joining the Marines. And recently, after his second marriage failed, he's getting much much worse. He's made threats to her, and several other people around town.

After reading about Chris last night, I had a hard time sleeping. Both, because of everything Chris gave for this country, and because I don't know how close my ex-brother in law is to snapping.

So, just looking for info. What exactly is it? How does it effect people? And, most importantly, what treatments are out there that work? Can someone fully recover?
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Maybe I can help. PTSD affects each individual differently and to different extents. There is no cookie cutter explanation that will fit everyone. It is an anxiety disorder that comes about after a traumatic event the event can be anything as we all perceive threats differently. The exact cause of PTSD is unknown at this time. It isn't known why or how it happens exactly but stress can physically alter the blood chemistry and neurotransmitters. Some people get so stressed that they develop rashes and such. PTSD reactions fall into 3 categories - 1) detachment and avoidance, 2) flashbacks, and 3) hypervigilance- where they get extremely high strung and on edge constantly. This is when they are the biggest danger to themselves and others as they are in "another world" at that time.

Several other factors can come into play when dealing with PTSD that will make it worse such as alcohol abuse (I'm not talking about spilling beer either), depression, or related medical conditions/injuries sustained in the event.

There are no tests to confirm PTSD as it has no measurable qualities or symptoms. Treatment options are therapy (IMO the best option is talking about it and getting it all out, it worked for me) and some physicians will adjunct the therapy with selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRI) to try to balance out the chemicals in the brain. (Not a big fan of this method- personal opinion) it is important that during all this medical treatment that there is social treatment as well. Support groups are a big help even though no one really want to talk about their wounds.

Hope that helps some.

Just so you know some of my sources are previous medical training and some are personal experience. I was an army flight medic for 8 years before I became a pilot and I still am a civilian paramedic and RN. I've deployed to Afghanistan and seen combat trauma firsthand on a daily basis.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

PTSD is hard to define in concrete terms, but it isn't confined only to former combat vets. Anyone who has experienced a traumatic event or protracted stressful events is subject to PTSD: doctors and nurses who work in ER Trauma units, firemen, battered wives (or husbands), survivors of incidents like those in or near the Twin Towers or the rash of shootings we've had recently.

They once called it "delayed stress" because of some of the Vietnam vets who came home and had trouble re-integrating into state-side society. Survival skills learned in country couldn't readily be turned off just because you were "back in the world".

It usually involves hyper-tention, hyper-vigilance, low tolerance to stressful situations such as workplace stress or stress at home (which is why they have problems in domestic situations). Some have problems mixing in normal everyday life because of the sensory overload caused by "busy" social situations: grocery stores, shopping malls, city streets and sidewalks or even playful chrildren. The old survival skills used in a combat area cannot process all the sights, sounds, smells of a busy society and the person can go into the typical fight or flight mode.

The majority of the victims of PTSD will isolate themselves or "bunker up" at home, self medicate with alchohol or drugs and basically suffer in silence until they realize that they need help. Often times it's a friend or family member that convinces the person that they need help and that help is available. Treatment is available to veterans at Veterans hospitals and outreach centers like the Vet Centers, which are storefront service centers supported by the VA. Civilian sufferers have the typical professional help available that have come to understand PTSD and can make a difference in the life of the afflicted person.

There are, sadly to say, cases where the sufferer can "snap" and do things they might not otherwise do. But it isn't any more common that the actions by people suffering from any other mental/emotional condition. In the 60's and 70's many of the events occurring were Vets who had survived when many in his unit were killed. Survivor guilt is a powerful force that can debilitate a person, tear down any remaining self-esteem, and cause them to do extreme things to themselves. It was reported at one point that more GI's died from suicide than died in combat. Many more were able to maintain control of their lives, get the help they need and live a productive life. PTSD is like so many other diseases, it can vary in intensity and effect and most overcome any threat of violence by learning how to recognize the stimulus and to defuse the first impulse and react (if at all) appropriately.

One contributing factor was when the troops came home, many of whom were draftees that didn't want to go in the first place, and were greeted with a less than cordial welcome at their final destination. A feeling of betrayal was commonplace amoung the returning vets. They were called hurtful names, assaulted by protesters, and basically told to forget about their war experiences and move on. A good example of the veteran's plight is a movie entitled "The War at Home". It's an excellent movie with top notch actors and adapted from a stage play written by veterans from their own experiences.

With the support of friends, family members and other vets, all but a handful go on to lead sucessful, happy lives. I know, I have PTSD.

Indiansinger
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

its a bullshit name for what we used to call "shellshock".

we had beers with our buds and talked it through.

it seems today we have to have a "syndrome" for everything.

how many ww2 vets had ptsd...NONE
korea...NONE
nam...NONE-granted drugs had a large part in the depression but it was mostly hippies that fucked up the return team.

Today, the kids are a bunch of fucking weenies looking for a medical discharge, easy money.

This is strictly my opinion, and I base it on me having taken souls several times and at point blank range.
My entire squad had more enemy kills that most battallions.
We lost 4 of the original 12 in less than 12 months to combat, 2 from helicopter crash.
I was personally in one of these crashes.
I sleep fine.
I dont know ONE guy from my squad that had PTSD.
yeah, we drank our problems away, but always had each other to lean on.

PTSD = nancy boys on display...........
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A78063</div><div class="ubbcode-body">its a bullshit name for what we used to call "shellshock".

we had beers with our buds and talked it through.

it seems today we have to have a "syndrome" for everything.

how many ww2 vets had ptsd...NONE
korea...NONE
nam...NONE-granted drugs had a large part in the depression but it was mostly hippies that fucked up the return team.

Today, the kids are a bunch of fucking weenies looking for a medical discharge, easy money.

This is strictly my opinion, and I base it on me having taken souls several times and at point blank range.
My entire squad had more enemy kills that most battallions.
I sleep fine.
I dont know ONE guy from my squad that had PTSD.
yeah, we drank our problems away, but always had each other to lean on.

PTSD = nancy boys on display...........
</div></div>
Yeah ok...
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

It doesn't really have much of anything to do with number of kills because that is what you are trained to do and you have no emotional connection the to enemy. It occurs when it happens to yourself or a close friend. I medevac'd a guy that had a crushed foot from a 88mm mortar landed on his foot but did not explode during an attack. Try to tell me that he is just "a nancy boy on display" and "a weenie looking for a medical discharge and easy money" because he probably shits his pants when he hears whistling. Or how about the guys that watched me put their platoon sergeant in a body bag two handfuls at a time after he stepped on a pressure plate IED... Please try to tell them that there is nothing wrong with them...
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

I think part of the increase in diagnosed PTSD has to do with the short time between combat and being back in the world. When my father came home from Korea, it was on a ship, like most of the WWII veterans. He's told me that on the way home, they talked a lot about their experiences and many of them cried, but by the time they got to port they'd had time to decompress.
Fast forward to Viet Nam, then Iraq and Afghanistan. You're in combat Monday, and in the PX with your wife buying diapers on Friday.
I don't think the human mind is built for rapid decompression.


1911fan
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Thank you for this info. Much of what you're describing is Rock to a T. When he was hit by the IED, he lost a good friend, and he blames himself for it. Last week he dropped by to see his son. My wife was there. She said he never stopped pacing. Never sat down (When they were still married, he couldn't sleep. He was always scared the Taliban followed him back to the states). Every 5 min he would walk back to his truck. He has a drinking problem, but that started in high school. So did the drugs.

Any advise on interaction with him? Honestly, I've stayed away. I had big problems with the way he treated my sister, so to avoid conflict, I've kept my distance. Should I take a different route? What would help him the most?

Honestly, my sister and my mother are both arming themselves. They are really scared he's going to do something crazy.

Thanks again for all the info.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A78063</div><div class="ubbcode-body">its a bullshit name for what we used to call "shellshock".

we had beers with our buds and talked it through.

it seems today we have to have a "syndrome" for everything.

how many ww2 vets had ptsd...NONE
korea...NONE
nam...NONE-granted drugs had a large part in the depression but it was mostly hippies that fucked up the return team.

Today, the kids are a bunch of fucking weenies looking for a medical discharge, easy money.

This is strictly my opinion, and I base it on me having taken souls several times and at point blank range.
My entire squad had more enemy kills that most battallions.
We lost 4 of the original 12 in less than 12 months to combat, 2 from helicopter crash.
I was personally in one of these crashes.
I sleep fine.
I dont know ONE guy from my squad that had PTSD.
yeah, we drank our problems away, but always had each other to lean on.

PTSD = nancy boys on display...........
</div></div>

Either you're really that much of an idiot or you have self esteem issues and want the attention. In either case... I'm your huckleberry. In past conflicts little to nothing was known about PTSD, ergo no one being diagnosed. Second... You drank you problems away? There's so much fucking win there that it's pointless to even tell you how stupid and fucking retarded that statement is. Last... I could point out every flaw in your above statement but I don't think you would get it. And people that volunteer information like this so quickly...

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A78063</div><div class="ubbcode-body">and I base it on me having taken souls several times and at point blank range.</div></div>

Usually have never seen anything other an Xbox controller...
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Thanks Broker! It's views like this that are creating the stigma causing our brothers (and sisters) to not get the treatment they need and deserve and we have to sit back and watch them destroy themselves and those around them.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

hey there az78603 how many souls have you actually taken,hahahaha ya fuckin ninja get the fuckout of here.you havent done shit.dont come here and be a fucking piece of shit and make statements about this stuff like you have done anything from your moms basement.the op is asking a real question about a real problem and a real person so leave it alone and get back to your kiddy porn or whatever douche bags like you tend to do in the darknes of your mommas house....
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Remember General Patton got a beat down for mistreating a soldier suffering. The term PTSD wasn't coined back then but it exhisted.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Shell Shock George Carlin

like words that hide the truth. I don't words that conceal reality. I don't like euphemisms, or euphemistic language. And American English is loaded with euphemisms. Cause Americans have a lot of trouble dealing with reality. Americans have trouble facing the truth, so they invent the kind of a soft language to protest themselves from it, and it gets worse with every generation. For some reason, it just keeps getting worse. I'll give you an example of that. There's a condition in combat. Most people know about it. It's when a fighting person's nervous system has been stressed to it's absolute peak and maximum. Can't take anymore input. The nervous system has either (click) snapped or is about to snap. In the first world war, that condition was called shell shock. Simple, honest, direct language. Two syllables, shell shock. Almost sounds like the guns themselves. That was seventy years ago. Then a whole generation went by and the second world war came along and very same combat condition was called battle fatigue. Four syllables now. Takes a little longer to say. Doesn't seem to hurt as much. Fatigue is a nicer word than shock. Shell shock! Battle fatigue. Then we had the war in Korea, 1950. Madison avenue was riding high by that time, and the very same combat condition was called operational exhaustion. Hey, were up to eight syllables now! And the humanity has been squeezed completely out of the phrase. It's totally sterile now. Operational exhaustion. Sounds like something that might happen to your car. Then of course, came the war in Viet Nam, which has only been over for about sixteen or seventeen years, and thanks to the lies and deceits surrounding that war, I guess it's no surprise that the very same condition was called post-traumatic stress disorder. Still eight syllables, but we've added a hyphen! And the pain is completely buried under jargon. Post-traumatic stress disorder. I'll bet you if we'd of still been calling it shell shock, some of those Viet Nam veterans might have gotten the attention they needed at the time. I'll betcha. I'll betcha.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSp8IyaKCs0
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

As for what you can do... there is no good answer. I have friends that counseling really helped though it also depends on the councilor. Others did the drink themselves silly and hope it goes away. Others found God and totally changed their personality. Me personally I moved out of the city to a town in the middle of nowhere got a dog and found a supportive wife, but I knew I had issues. I don't know if there is anything someone can do, it all comes back to the person admitting that they need help.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

"it all comes back to the person admitting that they need help."

I figured that was the answer, but I'm not sure how far out that is. I think he has some talents that he could really use on the open market, but he's going to have to recognize those talents and relocate. You know how small towns are when you make a name for yourself....the cops know you, the sheriff knows you, the business owners know you...etc.

Any other thoughts on communicating with / helping him, if given the chance, are greatly appreciated.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: srt</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Remember General Patton got a beat down for mistreating a soldier suffering. The term PTSD wasn't coined back then but it exhisted. </div></div>

They referred to it as "Shell Shock", but Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was first defined as a distinct
diagnosis in the 3rd edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III), published in 1980.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FlyingGoose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Others did the drink themselves silly and hope it goes away.</div></div>

I'm not trying to bust your balls, but silly is a poor description for that. From personal experience and growing up with a self-medicating asshole that tried to cure his PTSD through beer, it's anything but silly.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

It doesnt come only from combat situations. Any highly traumatic event can cause the symptoms of what ever you want to call it. A terrible autowreck, or airplane wreck. A woman being gang raped. A child seeing his parents murdered. Anything that pushes your emotions beyond their capacity to integrate the input.

As to dealing with him, I wouldnt try it alone. If you can find a bunch of vets who have been through the same experience then mabey get them to show up at a place you know he will be and have a talk with him. From what you say of his behavior he needs some help.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Does the miliatry have a "cooling down" for troops that experienced heavy combat rather than just sending them home when their time up? if not, maybe somehting like this would help ease the soldier back into society.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

As stated people react differently to it. I was driving a friend around once and he began to break out into a sweat and became nauseous. For a second I thought it was my driving but he later told me for some reason he had memory of being in a convoy and getting hit. He ended up moving to the back seat and chilling out.

This organization was founded here in Houston. There's also a link within that site for a PTSD Assessment. It pretty much lists some of the symptoms associated with it.
http://ptsdusa.net/the-statistics/
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: FlyingGoose</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Others did the drink themselves silly and hope it goes away.</div></div>

I'm not trying to bust your balls, but silly is a poor description for that. From personal experience and growing up with a self-medicating asshole that tried to cure his PTSD through beer, it's anything but silly.[/quote]

I didn't mean it like that and yes it is anything but silly. Was just using the term.

As for a cool down period I don't know if one is around now but there wasn't 6 years ago. I actually got back from my last deployment and literally 2 weeks later I was out, not on terminal leave but out. I think that could help but I don't know how much actual good it would do in early diagnosis or treatment. Personally I didn't have any problems pop up until almost a year later.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A78063</div><div class="ubbcode-body">its a bullshit name for what we used to call "shellshock".

we had beers with our buds and talked it through.

it seems today we have to have a "syndrome" for everything.

how many ww2 vets had ptsd...NONE
korea...NONE
nam...NONE-granted drugs had a large part in the depression but it was mostly hippies that fucked up the return team.

Today, the kids are a bunch of fucking weenies looking for a medical discharge, easy money.

This is strictly my opinion, and I base it on me having taken souls several times and at point blank range.
My entire squad had more enemy kills that most battallions.
We lost 4 of the original 12 in less than 12 months to combat, 2 from helicopter crash.
I was personally in one of these crashes.
I sleep fine.
I dont know ONE guy from my squad that had PTSD.
yeah, we drank our problems away, but always had each other to lean on.

PTSD = nancy boys on display...........
</div></div>

That's the kind of answer I would totally expect from a total enema tool. Yes, we can agree that there are several POG's who served only in the S1 shop on a place like Liberty or Bagram who really don't have anything to relate to PTSD aside from Green Beans running out of milk for their daily latte or the PX running out of Brokeback Mountain DVD's

If you have ever been anywhere a real group of individuals who suffer from PTSD you would also know it is based upon an individual's way to process events that are traumatic in nature. These events can be seeing children being blown up by landmines, treating GI's with severe combat related injuries, watching a friend suddenly shoot themselves in the head because they cannot take going out on one more turret gunner mission, to sexual assault. That is only a small amount of the myriad of reasons that cause people to have issues dealing with the processing of what they went through or saw, or did.
Yes, there are many of us who have no issues with any of this stuff. Yes, there are those of us who drink it away with a good friend, but unless the individual has that group of friends to hang onto, who do they hang on to? This is why
WE ARE OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER. It is up to each one of us to be able to tell when those around us who are Vet's might be needing a little word of encouragement, a shoulder, or a friendly ear.
That POG who goes into a PTSD group because the Green Beans ran out of mocha juice, punch that little turd in the face verbally, and move on.

Self Isolation, Hyper Vigilance, Moodiness, and other behaviors can be recognized, but it is the internalizing of these things that causes one to silently simmer until they explode, and it is this behavior that we must recognize in our brothers and sisters so that we may give them the shoulder or hand up they need when they need it.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

You dont get over PTSD. You cope with it. The way I found to be successful for myself was admit the possibility I might be affected, and then do research. I found it helpful to read about symptoms and experiences, and then recognizing those symptoms in my own behavior. This gradually allowed me understand and admit how PTSD was a factor in my life and some of my decisions. That is the hardest part. I am much better now at recognizing the effects, and I that is the best tool for preventing PTSDs potential negative impact on my life.

Here is the rub: A combat vet such as your BIL will have a very difficult time relating to, or listening to, advice from anyone who hasn't 'been there'. It will be very easy for him to dismiss any advice or counseling from people who 'just don't get it'. The secret is motivation. The person has to find some motivation to want to embark on the process of understanding. In my case, one of the manifestations of symptoms was my doing destructive things to my most important relationships. This is a form of 'testing' to see how much a person cares. My motivation was my desire not to lose my wife and family through my self destructive actions. So far, I have been successful, but I have to work at it every day. My reward is a wonderful woman and great family by my side, and they keep me going. Unfortunately, it sounds as if your BIL is past that
opportunity already, but understand that PTSD is making him try to drive people away. Don't give up on him, try to find the key to motivate him to understand what is affecting him.

This is why the loss of Chris Kyle is so unfortunate. Not only was he a true hero, he had the credibility to be able to relate to, and help fellow veterans.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Not a psychologist and my active duty time ended well before GWOT.

I see the media hand wringing over this issue most notably in the way it relates to the high number of suicides that are occuring.

I have a theory that they dance around the real issue for political purposes same as they do for every other important thing that needs attention in this country.

Attacking the real problem would not play well for whichever political party has the duty to do something.

We have been at war for ten years and a very tiny minority has carried that burden. The rest of us only seem concerned with what goes on with the American Idol voting. Since the party changeover casualty lists, Cindy Sheehan and the wars in general have been swept under the rug.

Guys come home after their two plus tours and no one here can relate or cares about their very important and often tragic experiences. We are more war weary than they are and never carried a pack.

These guys come home to a dysfunctional government that wants to crap on the Constitution and requires they remove their combat boots before boarding their flight home.

At home they find out there are no jobs and where once they were held accountable under the UCMJ for bouncing a check their reps have got the country in a 16 trillion dollar hole. Yeah! Walmart is going to hire you as a greeter - you can arrange a call for fire, bring in an A10 or a dustoff while holding in your friends intestines and now your guaranteed a job at Walmart. These guys arent asking for anything but they should at least have opportunities and there are not many.

This is what they come home to while the piece of crap that stayed home banging your girlfriend succeeds because he is willing to screw over everyone he comes in contact with never having learned about operating as part of a unit.

I think a lot of trauma can be healed if there is a realization the sacrifice of self and others was worth it and you truly believe those that sent you did so under honorable expectations.

I think the present state of affairs does nothing to help our returning vets come to terms with what we have asked them to do.

Got myself depressed just thinking about it. Its just my theory, I dont speak from experience other than the belief that soldiers are the true romantics. Things have to have real meaning and worth to them. Coming home to a world of falsehoods and disposability can be unsettling. I think the reason that this hits the lower ranks harder is that the higher you go the more attuned and accepting of the false world you become.

Which world is reality? I know which one I want to live in and their aint no American Idol in it.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

TZ, you hit it directly square on the head. So many of the new Veteran's as well as many of the older men and women do not relate well, or at all to a counselor who has no frame of reference to 'being there'. I see several Veteran's of our college population taking BS degrees in Psychology to deal with this exact thing. Since I am more of the, dude, just suck it up and drive on type, I decided on an MLS degree for myself. Either way, most of us are going for jobs that will continue to serve, and to serve our own kind.
The reasoning for this? We don't like those who haven't served dealing with us, so if that is the case, then we have to do it ourselves.(I am trying to put into words what I hear a lot from my fellow Veteran students). If we cannot allow, or do not want to allow civilians to deal with us, then we MUST do so for ourselves. This is brought about from one too many Vet's having to try to explain over and over to a counselor who just does not get it.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

With out eachother we have nothing there is no simple answer being able to talk to others that understand makes it a bit easier. but it never truly goes away.my one neighbor is a viet nam Vet we talk alot our galows humor makes the wives go for a walk but its all we have. ive dealt with a few VA Quacks and a few who actualy cared.
my 1st wife didnt quite understand the changes and she left the 2nd wife is also Retired millitary so was her Dad she knows and puts up with me lol im a lucky man. all i can say is what wa posted by others get your friend help while you can.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">TZ, you hit it directly square on the head. So many of the new Veteran's as well as many of the older men and women do not relate well, or at all to a counselor who has no frame of reference to 'being there'. I see several Veteran's of our college population taking BS degrees in Psychology to deal with this exact thing. Since I am more of the, dude, just suck it up and drive on type, I decided on an <span style="color: #990000">MLS degree </span> for myself. Either way, most of us are going for jobs that will continue to serve, and to serve our own kind.
The reasoning for this? We don't like those who haven't served dealing with us, so if that is the case, then we have to do it ourselves.(I am trying to put into words what I hear a lot from my fellow Veteran students). If we cannot allow, or do not want to allow civilians to deal with us, then we MUST do so for ourselves. This is brought about from one too many Vet's having to try to explain over and over to a counselor who just does not get it.
</div></div>

Good choice. I considered that but the U I went to didnt offer it. Easy work with lots of chicks around.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

There's a "gland" in the brain called the Amygdula(sp?). When the adrenalin dumps this "gland" is physically damaged. Lots of this has to do with "Cortisol", which causes lots of damage. So far no one here has discussed this physical damage. I'm not doing a very good job of remembering all of this stuff. Maybe I can research more and get it strait.
I still hate the pogues in the rear that complained about the rain and the messhall. I still get pissed off in a heartbeat when something/someone sets me off. I still can't sleep at night. Still have trouble relating to my girlfriend. Not much I give a shit about, and most of the time I just want people to leave me alone. Boring I'm out of here, maybe later.
Semper Fidelis,
H 2/3, 3rd Mar. Div. 1968-69.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

A78063's comments are about the most ignorant statements I have ever seen on the Hide. What a classless moron. You don't have PSTD but some other tragic mental illness. There are a lot of great comments and statements of experienced wisdom in this thread. A78063 needs to go back and play with his matchbox cars and toy soldiers in his sandbox.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

No, A78063 has a classic PTSD response. The "fuck everybody who wasn't there, and hand me a beer" response. When you don't understand what is happening to you, you seek the company of those who 'get it', or those teammates who have been through it with you. This is a good thing. You have to understand what has happened to you, and how it has affected all of you. You all believe in each other, and you have credibility with one another.What is bad, is when you also isolate yourself from the company of those in your life who haven't been there, and may not 'get it'.

You also have to understand how your experiences affect your behavior towards people who absolutely don't understand what you may have been through. And then, You Have To Be OK with them not fully understanding. They have not been there, and no amount of explanation will cause them to get it, even though they want to, and they try. Understand that this is ok, and be thankful that they try to listen anyway. This is a sign that they care. Value that. Because to truly understand, they would have had similar experiences and trauma. You don't want that, that is what you were protecting them from.

Full disclosure: I enjoy a stiff cocktail now and then, because I like it. Not because it helps me cope, like it used to.

I hope I have not said too much, and made anyone uncomfortable. If so, my apologies.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A78063</div><div class="ubbcode-body">its a bullshit name for what we used to call "shellshock".

we had beers with our buds and talked it through.

it seems today we have to have a "syndrome" for everything.

how many ww2 vets had ptsd...NONE
korea...NONE
nam...NONE-granted drugs had a large part in the depression but it was mostly hippies that fucked up the return team.

Today, the kids are a bunch of fucking weenies looking for a medical discharge, easy money.

This is strictly my opinion, and I base it on me having taken souls several times and at point blank range.
My entire squad had more enemy kills that most battallions.
We lost 4 of the original 12 in less than 12 months to combat, 2 from helicopter crash.
I was personally in one of these crashes.
I sleep fine.
I dont know ONE guy from my squad that had PTSD.
yeah, we drank our problems away, but always had each other to lean on.

PTSD = nancy boys on display...........
</div></div>

What is PTSD? There is a perfect example quoted right there.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

I went from seeing one of our guys being smashed and killed by his MRAP after a complex abush and his truck getting hit by an IED, to having dinner and getting drunk with my girlfriend in Dallas in 5 days. We got in a huge fight that night, I was told I am emotionally distant the next, and we broke up the third day I was back. Yeah, sorry I was a little distant, been killing people and watching people get killed for the past year. My brain isn't really set for hand holding and snuggling.

Deployment times and lengths are up creating a bigger issue. You need to decompress, and doing a 15 month tour is just too long. Hell if you only have one deployment, you are kind of a cherry these days. Most have 3 or 4 year deployments.

Oh and the thing about WWII vets, Korea, and Vietnam vets not having PTSD is laughable. I work at a VA hospital now. They are 10 times worse than the vets from Iraq and Astan. The reason I believe they are worse is that they have been self treating with booze and drugs instead of getting help. That self medication has created more problems on top of their PTSD.

You can call it whatever you want. It's still just dudes trying to live with the fucked up shit we have seen, felt, and had to do. Some deal better than others.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Their is a movie called Waltz with Bashir. The movie itself is animated, and originally in Hebrew. I tried to watch it several times before I got threw it due to some of the sights and sounds being so familiar from my service. They go through and really show how some folks got through what they did and how they dealt with it. They even get into some of the general Physiologic and long term Sociological areas that most men don't. When I returned to the U.S. after spending my full stint over in the Middle East it took me six months before I felt some what normal around people. The first week I was home. I was with my dad and we went by this big mall in town to get my mom for dinner. When we went inside about 5 or 6 females with headscarves on and so forth on went by us. I started looking around for my weapons and swiveling my head. Luckily my dad was by my side and recognized what was going on from when he came home many years ago. My dad handed me the keys and suggested I wait out side. I still wont go to that mall or several other places that those people go. Watch the movie and learn about it.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Switchblade</div><div class="ubbcode-body">TZ, you hit it directly square on the head. So many of the new Veteran's as well as many of the older men and women do not relate well, or at all to a counselor who has no frame of reference to 'being there'. I see several Veteran's of our college population taking BS degrees in Psychology to deal with this exact thing. Since I am more of the, dude, just suck it up and drive on type, I decided on an MLS degree for myself. Either way, most of us are going for jobs that will continue to serve, and to serve our own kind.
The reasoning for this? We don't like those who haven't served dealing with us, so if that is the case, then we have to do it ourselves.(I am trying to put into words what I hear a lot from my fellow Veteran students). If we cannot allow, or do not want to allow civilians to deal with us, then we MUST do so for ourselves. This is brought about from one too many Vet's having to try to explain over and over to a counselor who just does not get it.
</div></div>

I had several PY classes with a Marine that was fucked up pretty badly by an IED while serving. Most of the students avoided him like the plague after lunch. I thoroughly enjoyed his company! You see, at lunch time he went to the VA to get shot up with all kinds of meds. You never knew what he was going to say after that. Those meds shut down any filters that existed between his brain and mouth. He made quite a few professors blush
laugh.gif
I lost his number a while back and don't have any way to get in touch with him.... He sure liked the bottle so I've always worried about his well-being. Even with him being a little "off" there is not a doubt in my mind that he would have no problem identifying with a Veteran and could be quite helpful in developing a treatment plan (Just as long as you didn't allow him to treat with liquor).
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 1911fan</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I think part of the increase in diagnosed PTSD has to do with the short time between combat and being back in the world. When my father came home from Korea, it was on a ship, like most of the WWII veterans. He's told me that on the way home, they talked a lot about their experiences and many of them cried, but by the time they got to port they'd had time to decompress.
Fast forward to Viet Nam, then Iraq and Afghanistan. You're in combat Monday, and in the PX with your wife buying diapers on Friday.
I don't think the human mind is built for rapid decompression.


1911fan </div></div>

I have heard this before, and it makes alot of sense.

As Chris Kyle said in his book "one day im in Iraq killing people, the next day im sitting at home". I think decompression is a big thing for these guys. Kyle also stated that when he would come home from a deployment, he would shut himself off from the world, typically for a week to "decompress".
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: A78063</div><div class="ubbcode-body">its a bullshit name for what we used to call "shellshock".

we had beers with our buds and talked it through.

it seems today we have to have a "syndrome" for everything.

how many ww2 vets had ptsd...NONE
korea...NONE
nam...NONE-granted drugs had a large part in the depression but it was mostly hippies that fucked up the return team.

Today, the kids are a bunch of fucking weenies looking for a medical discharge, easy money.

This is strictly my opinion, and I base it on me having taken souls several times and at point blank range.
My entire squad had more enemy kills that most battallions.
We lost 4 of the original 12 in less than 12 months to combat, 2 from helicopter crash.
I was personally in one of these crashes.
I sleep fine.
I dont know ONE guy from my squad that had PTSD.
yeah, we drank our problems away, but always had each other to lean on.

PTSD = nancy boys on display...........
</div></div>

Well I guess we all know what that "A" in your screename stands for now!
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Good timing on this thread. My brother is moving home in two weeks. He has been stateside for about a year now after his first and only deployment. He has already come a long ways in getting over a lot of his symptoms, but he is still wound up real tight.

It's my mission to help him come home, so to speak. Physically, he is beaten up pretty bad and that is where I can help him the most. He is starting to open up to me on some of the things that give him nightmares and sharing what is weighing on his mind.

I've been looking into some of the things the va recommends. I'll keep looking. But if anyone has any other recommendations for helping someone along, I'm all ears.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Tipy</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There's a "gland" in the brain called the Amygdula(sp?). When the adrenalin dumps this "gland" is physically damaged. Lots of this has to do with "Cortisol", which causes lots of damage. So far no one here has discussed this physical damage. I'm not doing a very good job of remembering all of this stuff. Maybe I can research more and get it strait. </div></div>

Let me assist you with that:
The midbrain functions as the functional command and control for all hormones. It is located medially and inferior to the brain in it's inferior central cavity. In the below image, all parts of the midbrain are labeled. The amygdula is located inferior and frontal on the thalmus which is actually superior to the figure below and inferior to the actual brain.

Adrenaline comes from the adrenal gland, which is located superior and posterior on the top of each Kidney.
Adrenaline flows from the glands when there is a FEAR activated input into the brain. Yes, FEAR is the basis for all adrenaline rushes to include getting into a fight. The classic fight or flight reaction is one of the choices an individual makes once adrenaline reacts with the body and brain.
The question of whether or not the adrenaline damages the ammygdula is somewhat cluttered with neurological hypothesis and theory that cannot be verified or denied at this point. AS the amygdula is a CONTROL for adrenaline and other hormones, it DOES NOT manufacture any hormones. It only controls their output into the body from their separate locations.
The human body is a very cool thing with it's homeostatic regulation. It has been around for a very long time with inputs that far exceed what we call fear since the dawn of time. Basically, if you are are caveman facing down a gigantic paleoithic bear, wolf or cat with nothing but a sharpened stick, that is probably more input than facing a raghead wearing a IBA with ESAPI plates and an M16. In other words, our bodies have been doing this for a long time and regulation is pretty much failsafe with redunant controls.
(The above is a discussion with two Doctor's[one of which has served in places like Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan] who teach as professors whom I hold in very high regard. I hope I did this conversation justice as I understood it)
midbrainII_zpsee69939d.gif
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

@Switchblade - You are 100% correct. I had to hold back when that topic was brought up. I thought it was a little too much to get into the A&P of the brain, and I would catch hell for it from the guys some way or another. It's been bugging me ever since, so thanks!

@enough - when I came home, I was still the same person as when I left but my outlook on everyday things had changed. I don't know how to explain it but things were the same but different. It's weird. I freaked out in Wal-Mart one day because I couldn't find something and the people in there had me on edge anyway. In the PX people stepped out of your way if you needed through, they said excuse me and everyone had manners and generally weren't assholes. Wal-mart on the othe hand, was packed full of screaming, undisciplined kids and people that just stand in the way and make no attempt to move. There were other things that aggravated me but it boiled down to general rudeness. So something as simple as going to the store was a challenge to not get upset. I was a medevac flight medic for that deployment so I always had an on call radio for urgent missions, When I got home, for the first couple months I would wake up in the night and because it was dark I didn't know where I was and would reach on my nightstand for my radio and M9 and I would start to freak out when they weren't there. Once I realized that I was home, I had no problems going back to sleep. It was frustrating though. I wouldn't say that I really suffered from PTSD, but I know what it's like to adjust to coming home. I have friend that are far much worse off though. The best thing that they have told me when we hang out is just being around someone that they can share stories with that truly understands. Not once have we actually set down to talk about problems, it just happens after BS'ing for a while. So all I can really tell you is to just be yourself and hang out with your brother with no predetermined expectations.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Casey, thanks. I have heard him say a couple times that his outlook has changed a lot. I have assumed that I knew what that meant in context of the rest of our conversations, but I'm going to see if he'll elaborate.

He is nine years my junior and frankly we weren't all that close growing up. Too much time between us, different moms, etc. This is my chance to be the big brother that I never was. I just have to remember that it's my time to listen and not give advice unless he asks for it.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

For the OP and Enough, there should be a VSO (Veteran Service Officer) in your area. Go and see him and find out what resources are locally available. If you have trouble locating one check with your state Dept. of Veteran Affairs for a referral or check with your local VFW or American Legion. Do not expect clear answers. There is plently of discord in the mental health community regarding PTSD and it's treatment. Some treatment programs are diometrically opposed to others.

Keep in mind that a vet that has come home has gone through a life altering experience. Years ago a phsycologist asked me if my time in the service had an effect on me. The question seemed ridiculous to me and my response was to ask her if her time in college studying phsycology had an effect on her life. She got the point.

PTSD presents in every individual in a different manner. There are often common denominators such as exaggerated startle response and/or hypervigilance but try to tell a guy that's been shot at for the last year or two that paying close attention to his environment is a bad idea. Many will carry that through their entire life and firmly believe it is perfectly rational. At the same time, it is not normal but who says that normal is necessarily rational.

Also, do not believe that all who suffer from PTSD are dysfunctional either socially or in the workplace. I know a number of vets with PTSD that are extremely high achievers in work and have relatively normal social lives. They become workaholics. They do not abuse alcohol but they do have a couple of toddies every night to "relax" or "take the edge off." They want people to respect them but could care less whether people like them. They see the world in black and white. There are no gray areas. They see emotion as weakness and believe that most peoples concerns are trivial. A bad day is when your 'copter gets shot down, your buddy gets killed, friendly fire lands on you instead of them and it takes four hours for relief to show up. Anything less than that is to be taken in stride and ignored.

The guys in the last paragraph have put their experiences behind a locked door and moved on but the door is not locked. Instead it takes huge mental and emotional control to keep that door firmly closed. At some point in their lives addditional stresses such as the loss of a loved one, health problems, etc. will allow that door to crack open and their ability to cope begins to erode.

78063 may be a poser or he may be exactly who he says he is. If he is who he says he is his method of coping is not very pretty and probably will not serve him well over time.

I often read posts on here and think to myself "man, I hope that guy is OK." What people close to vets need to do is understand that the vets experiences have altered them. To not be altered is what would be abnormal. They all have to cope and its just the mechanisms that are either acceptable or not.

Whew, that's a lot of shit for one post. Sorry if it seems to ramble.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Quarter Horse,
Well said, you described me and many others to a "T". I was raised to "Suck it up" and get on with your life. I came home and had problems drinking to much but never missed work. I seen what it was doing to me and my family so I quit.

I had some anger issues but recognized it and went back into martial arts to help control that. I have never got over the being alert and to this day I try to be prepared for most anything.

I had and still have, off and on, problems sleeping at night. Two years ago it started again when my son was scheduled to go to Afganastan with his guard unit. I started dreaming again and not sleeping. (He was burned in an electrical accident and wound up having to have more surgery on his hand so was medically disqualified from going over) But my dreams and not sleeping kept coming. I am not dreaming like I was but still can't sleep without waking up several times a night and sometimes in a sweat but I don't remember anything in the morning.

I had my yearly physical and my Dr. wanted to put me on some drugs because he says I am suffering from PTSD and have been for a long time. But by staying active I was able to keep on top of it but since I don't work out now (Neck fused and 66yrs old) And I also have had some stress with my wifes illness, its starting to get the better of me.

I didn't see all that much combat but had a couple of really close calls. I am more embarrassed by being diagnosed with it than anything. I have never felt that I had it that bad to cause me problems and always chastised myself for feeling anything about it.

Its always been hard to talk about because depending on when you were there and where you were at and what unit you were with everyones "Nam experiences" are different. My Nam Vet group is full of grunts or chopper jockies so I don't really relate to them. I was on a Sea Bee team stationed with a SF group up on the Cambodian border. My biggest fears were IEDs and getting rocketed or over run. So I just don't ever talk about it much.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

I won't call out any specific posts... but there were absolutely soldiers in past conflicts who suffered from what, today, would be called PTSD.

The effects were recognized after The Civil War where it was called "Soldiers Heart." The same effects were widely-studied after World War 1 where the term "Shell Shocked" came from. Trench warfare was so traumatizing, in fact, that some WW1 veterans were simply institutionalized, the shock from their trench experiences was so great and permenently debilitating.

The symoptoms were similarly an issue in WW2 where it was called Battle Fatigue. The most-widely remembered incident came from Patton's slapping a soldier, but it was also documented by Marine Robert Leckie in his memoir "A Helmet for My Pillow. A journalist before he became a Marine private, Leckie's documentation of his Pacific experiences are one of the most-hailed war memoirs for his ability to write with a journalists's eye. And and Leckie clearly describes his symptoms and experiences. Similarly Eugene Sledge's memoir, With the Old Breed, clearly documents his postwar issues of depression and other symptoms that would, today, clearly be recognized as PTSD. In both cases, the men found ways to cope. But that did not make it any less real.

Further, I grew up in a post-Vietman America where a real recognition of PTSD symptoms and effects was beginning to emerge. I starkly remember that every time a veteran committed the slightest infraction, it was being chalked up to their Vietnam experience and, while not called PTSD, the term Post-Traumatic Stress was starting to be used. For those who remember the movie "First Blood," one of Stallone's major themes in writing the movie (and creating the Rambo character) was the effects of PTSD and difficulty that soldiers of the Vietnam era were having re-integrating into society. There was more to Rambo than a good shoot-em-up... there was a major underlying theme of neglect and outright hostility against those who served by the American public... something that may well have magnified the effects.

Just by way of doing some digging into my book collection, these two cartoons, drawn post World War 2 by combat-cartoonist Bill Mauldin in his book "Back Home" (1947) I think illustrate exactly the sorts of things that today we would refer to as being associated with PTSD. And Mauldin was very tuned into the combat soldier and, later, the combat vet. Because he was one.

aa9_zps1fd73bdb.jpg


aa1_zps82fad2d6.jpg


We look at WW2 now through a lens of nostalgia. But the realities for many of veterans was anything but nostalgic.

Perhaps, too, PTSD was not talked about or widely discussed during the Cold War stoicism of America (can't show any weakness to the Russians). And the Booming '50s was not where a new superpower wanted to talk about the horrors of war... And there was not a media or multi-media culture that made wide news out of something like PTSD. But just because it wasn't a topic of daily conversation does not mean it was not there.

I won't comment on PTSD from a medical perspective, because I am simply not qualified. But from an historical perspective, the documented effects that the OP was looking to understand have been around as long as modern warfare has existed. And perhaps longer. Call it what you will, but the effects of warfare on the human beings who serve their countries, have been documented for a long, long time.

It is only in recent years that, it seems, more is being done to support those who show the effects of PTSD. And they deserve everything a grateful nation can offer, in my opinion.

Cheers,

Sirhr
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Thanks so much for all this. I'll gladly keep taking info and experiences as long as this thing carries out.

Question for those of you who are dealing with PTSD.

I know nothing can take the place of having a person close by thats been there. But, in any way, does it help reading and sharing experiences here?

At this point really doesn't have anyone. He's burnt a lot of bridges. He can't be alone in that situation. For someone who doesn't have a close buddy to hang out with, would a forum dedicated to military experiences and moving on help out? For instance, a thread here where access was only granted to current and retired military?

This isn't my site, and I'm not trying to make decisions for it, just curious if something like that would help.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

There are support OIF/OEF support sites. Getting in contact with someone on here or anywhere that have been there and done it is a good idea. Annoymous talk is good for those guys that don't want anyone to know they are seeking help, which is most guys. I've been really open about everything in hopes that it will help motivate someone else or one of my guys to seek help if needed. After doing a couple of deployments you recognize your actions and can hopefully seek help instead of just suffering through it like most of us do our first time. I don't talk to anyone professionally unless it is annonymous. Chris Kyle was doing what everyone of use who have been through it before should be doing. Taking these guys under our wings and trying to help them along.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

I think it helps. Just by reading the things other have posted I feel like I am in good company here at SH.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

99,

Think of it in terms stacking tolerances on the machine work that's part of building a precision rifle. Sometimes all the +/- tolerances end up +s and the thing doesn't shoot right. It's not broken it just needs adjustment. Attack each problem individually. Figure out what you can do to help your wife regain her health or be more comfortable. Your injury obviously effects your ability to exercise so find some portion of your MA training you can still do and work on perfecting it. Maybe you could switch to a weapons form. Allocate a portion of the day to work on each problem. Eat the elephant one bite at a time.


Mechanic,

Your spot on. If you watch some of the documntaries where they are interviewing WWII vets. In recalling their experiences they often begin to tear up. This is from guys that are 60 years beyond the events and from a conflict where the whole country suffered whether at home or on the front. Warrior societies have long understood the need to decompress their soldiers. The Cheyenne had warrior clans. After conflict the men would return to their clan lodge, discuss the events, listen to the elders, mourn and praise the dead and support (literally) the families of the fallen. Because of constant conflict their skills were always valued. The best known to us palefaces were the Dog Soldiers. To this day Native Americans show up for every conflict and continue be held in the highest regard by their people. The Spartans are simply legendary. Their psychology of soldiering is the reason that dogeared copies of "Gates of Fire" are all over the middle-east.

With the current, including VN, conflicts we go to war while at home it is a peacetime world. Fortunately the civilian world learned after VN that you cannot bring the guys home and expect them to reintegrate into society without some support mechanisms.

For the guys that cope with this by themselves that's great but remember there are thousands of guys out there in the same boat.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

I notice that a few posters on this thread (besides me) have a lot to say. Observe how much thought and feeling is being put into the posts here. I'll say that this is unusual for the hide. I see several who begin to relate their experiences, but then cut the post short before it gets too detailed. I'd say a lot of us who are following this thread have some stuff to talk about. We have read some posts here, and begun to identify with the experiences of others. And, because we have been in harms way, we feel just a little more comfortable discussing it here, with other folks who have been at the pointy end, instead of with some dipshit shrink who has no idea what it's like.

I won't call anyone out, but if this topic interests you, there is probably a good reason for that. I urge anyone who has been in harms way to do some reading, and research for yourself about the symptoms of PTSD. Then be honest with yourself, and see if some of these symptoms align with any of your behavior. Once you can do that, the lightbulb will come on. Seriously, I did a fair amount of stupid shit that was totally not in character for me. Once I began to recognize these actions as symptoms, I was able to turn the corner and nip the dumbass in the bud.

In my opinion, what doesn't help, (or didn't in my case) was to have someone else TELL me that I had PTSD symptoms. It feels insulting when that happens, because almost invariably, you'll dismiss that persons conclusion because they don't know WTF they're talking about, haven't been there, etc, etc. When you figure it out for yourself, it feels great, and you feel like a genius for discovering for yourself that you have PTSD, and it explains a lot of why you have been acting out of character.
 
Re: PTSD....what exactly is it? Looking for info.

Except for posts that included some personal descriptions of how it affected any particular individual, I don't think the original question has been answered by definition. the definition of course is pretty lengthy, but perhaps an excerpt describing the symptoms would help.
Follows:
Diagnostic symptoms for PTSD include re-experiencing the original trauma(s) through flashbacks or nightmares, avoidance of stimuli associated with the trauma, and increased arousal—such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, anger, and hypervigilance. Formal diagnostic criteria (both DSM-IV-TR and ICD-10) require that the symptoms last more than one month and cause significant impairment in social, occupational, or other important areas of functioning.[1][5]
Ends.

For myself, I relived in dreams three particular events that involved frantically trying to render aid to severely or mortally wounded men while under direct fire. The noise of the fight, the smell of the blood, the heat and smothering humidity all were so real that I would awaken with arm and leg cramps.
At other times, certain smells of mouldering vegetation, or the sound of the wind through high trees, or even a small creek in a thick deciduous forest would make me nervous, until I figured out what was happening, and could avoid such settings (see definition above). At the worst, I would find myself mentally re-playing for hours at at time the events surrounding the taking of Veghel firebase in 1968.
An interesting observation, things that were seen and experienced as pleasurable BEFORE being subjected to life-threatening conditions are often not triggers. so hunting, walking in the woods, shooting, were all safe to re-experience for me, as long as I did these things in pine forests, and deserts, not pig-hunting in Hawaii for instance.
I have never been a drinker or drug user, so self medicating with these harmful substances never had any attraction, nor did running away (as I saw it) from it through these methods either. I always said, "I got enough problems without that". Besides, I didn't drink BEFORE I went in the service, or during my service, so...
As to not running away. for some reason, I couldn't come home and do something else for a living at all. It just never occurred to me to become a scientist or an engineer, or whatever. I became a Paramedic, then an Emergency Medicine Physician Assistant. I eventually ran my own ER in Texas for 10 years. (No docs, one PA one RN, level three Trauma Center)
Until I realized that my entire career, indeed even my reputation as a hot shot ER-type, was based on my personal mission to save the guys I couldn't save in Viet Nam. What a huge burden I placed on myself not realizing it. I trained and trained. and every time some case was brought in that resembled something I had seen in Viet nam, I was that much more ready, that much better prepared, that much better equipped, and that much better assisted. The medicine was better, the science was better, the tools were far better, the methods were far better, the training of those around me was better, and the resources were faster, better equipped and far more ready to deal with what they were bringing me or what i was sending them.
I had also seen things we did over there come to true fruition here. Helicopters with medics became flying emergency rooms, with a paramedic and a flight nurse with critical care, ER and surgical experience. Basic CPR became ACLS, ATLS and trauma surgery.
The denouement came when my wife insisted I attend my first reunion. There I met not only my old buddies, which was a delight in itself, I also was introduced to men I had worked on. Worked on and never saw again, with grievous wounds, and trauma, sure that they had not survived, never knowing or hearing about them again. Only to see them walking, talking and accompanied by their wives, kids and grandchildren. Men who had made it after all. Two guys had the worst head wounds. They made it.
Being held and hugged and thanked by their families was almost too much to bear.
One young woman with two little kids said to me:
"If you hadn't sent him home to mom, they wouldn't have had me."
It was enough.
No drugs, no alcohol, no VA induced poly-pharmia.
A little counseling, and a lot of reading, study and research. And probably most of all a solid woman by my side.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

Blue Sky Country
The EXACT reason why common leftists want guns banned.
Replies
21
Views
1K
UKDslayer
U
Maggot
Hello Darkness My Old Friend.
Replies
27
Views
2K
paulrem308
P
Maggot
Tinnitus- Theyre making some progress
Replies
23
Views
2K
todd
todd
Lowlight
Smosh's Package, Benefit for Sgt Josh Clark
Replies
12
Views
2K
Bender
Bender
Maggot
Interesting read on the effects of the internet and social media on the mind and emotions.
Replies
6
Views
487
Im2bent
Im2bent
Top Bottom
Back