More on battling PTSD

Soldiers Magazine, Nov, 2007

THE letter in the August issue from the Vietnam veteran who wondered why the nation is still struggling to provide the right kinds of treatment for PTSD really hit the nail on the head.

I've done two tours in Iraq, and returned from the second one about 18 months ago. When the nightmares and the anxiety didn't go away after a few months back at home, I went to my local medical treatment facility to get some help. To make a long story short, I was shuffled back and forth between offices, had my therapy appointments routinely cancelled at the last moment and, when t mentioned the problems to my company commander, had to listen to a lame and insulting lecture about how "real Soldiers" tough it out without "whining."

There is still a mindset among a lot of Soldiers, including supposed "leaders," that equates seeking help for post-combat stress and PTSD with cowardice, trying to avoid work, and even a lack of patriotism. As a result, a lot of good Soldiers, and their family members, continue to suffer.

Name withheld by request via e-mail

IT'S no secret that there are people in the Army who are less than understanding about post-combat stress and PTSD, but the Army is working aggressively--through its current chain-teaching effort and other initiatives --to educate them about the seriousness of the problem and eradicate their prejudices. You and all other Soldiers who seek help for post-combat stress and PTSD are the brave ones, and we salute your courage.