explored the causes and support for soldiers who suffer from what we finally term as Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
It should be no surprise that soldiers suffer psychological maladies.
9.5% of the US adult population suffers serious depression every year without getting near combat.
I have followed the debate about combat induced stress and PTSD since the 60s. Most of the time the "Patton" approach works. And it isn't just about combat. The most common cause of death in basic training is suicide by self-inflicted gunshot wound. I have always wondered if the real problem is that entry psych testing fails to uncover underlying mental problems before induction.
I do know this. A combat soldier's life is all about mental stress and death beginning with the training. Close combat produces actions and memories of actions that are a whole lot different than those from any other career I know of. Those who manage to keep a lid on those memories are deemed to be ok. Those who suffer openly and either they or their shrink relate it to combat are deemed to be PTSD which carries a serious stigma (at least on active duty).
Contrary to popular opinion, the military has always recognized this problem and dealt with it. I was interviewed by a Psychiatrist twice. Once after getting wounded in Nam and again, 12 years later, after suffering very serious line-of-duty injuries. After the first, the shrink called my boss (An SF LTC in Nha Trang) and told him I have homicidal tendencies. My boss told me he informed the Dr that he considered that an essential trait for a Special Forces Officer in a combat zone and he wanted me released to full duty immediately. Years later, the second Dr told me I have PTSD and/or depression. I told him he was right I am depressed. He asked more questions including why. I told him I was depressed because I had been in the hospital for a year and I knew the injuries were likely to preclude my getting another SF assignment. He looked at me, we both grinned at each other as he said, "You are nuts." I told him I am not nuts, I am in love...with SF. He asked if I wanted another appointment. I told him no and left. Before discharge from the hospital and the Army, I removed his comments from my medical records.
So now you know. I am a resident SI maniacal combat vet. A real sleeper cell waiting to explode. When I do, please blame it on my military training, PTSD and an occasional overdose of Jack Daniels. And don't be scared of us. I'm not. I rest easy knowing there are 25 million other combat Vets in America just like me. We hang out at VFW Clubs to get our drugs. And we share a secret. We know the real diseases that all 25 million of us share are really unusual...a love of freedom, a willingness to defend America against all enemies both foreign and domestic, and a desire to serve. We would like to spread those diseases around, but so far we usually can only infect our own families.
I tell my military friends to be careful as they travel through life. One in ten of the civilians you meet is really depressed and dangerous.
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