How can we best help our vets who suffer from PTSD ?

James Adair — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 11:51:35 -0500

Response by PO2 Arthur Delsing made Jan 25 at 2017 12:11 PM

PO2 Arthur Delsing — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:11:10 -0500

To help our vets we need to approach it with care and in a firm but delicate manner.

There are many treatments available that have all been positive. We need to be willing to cycle through the treatments carefully to find the one that is right for that vet. Some do well with full immersion therapy, others with animal therapies (dog or horse), others do well talking, while others need to learn and take on Mindfulness Based Therapies.

The important aspect here is that it is not a one pill solution. We have to talk with the vet and make a plan of trying different therapies to find the right solution. Get them to be an active part in understanding why we will have them try a therapy but know there is a plan if it does not seem to have a positive response for them.

As vets we generally do better when we are a part of the program as opposed to expecting us to continually follow blindly.

Response by SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth made Jan 25 at 2017 12:35 PM

SGT David A. 'Cowboy' Groth — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 12:35:10 -0500

Instead of prescribing tons of meds, find a safer alternative.

Response by PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM made Jan 25 at 2017 1:04 PM

PO2 Rev. Frederick C. Mullis, AFI, CFM — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:04:46 -0500

One thing that could be done is change the VA's attitude toward PTSD and their idea that it is a Game show and only those who get the most points win. The VA identifies 5 specific behaviors for someone having PTSD. if you do not have 3 of the 5 the VA does not identify you as having PTSD. I have been evaluated and I have come up with 2 of the 5 because after 44 years I have learned how to cope with the others. My strength in my GOD and having a strong suport base helps too. The shrinks at my work say the VA is Nuts and they are playing a game with peoples lives to save money. I realized in 2014 that I had PTSD when I had a melt down. It never really struck home till then, and I had been trained to recognize people who were having problems with PTSD. You never see it in yourself.

How can we help our VETS? Change the VA's attitude and start recognizing those VETS with PTSD that may not have all 5 of the specific behaviors.

Response by SSG Carlos Madden made Jan 25 at 2017 1:12 PM

SSG Carlos Madden — Wed, 25 Jan 2017 13:12:07 -0500

Hi James,
Thanks for posting. Please check out these discussions too.
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-are-we-going-to-do-to-help-our-soldiers-with-ptsd
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/what-are-you-doing-to-help-yourself-with-ptsd
https://www.rallypoint.com/answers/how-to-help-our-service-members-with-ptsd-after-deployment

What are we going to do to help our soldiers with PTSD??? | RallyPoint

I know the help is out there.but the soldiers have to make an effort to seek help!The VA is bogged down with backlogs and doing their best.

Response by SPC Brian Mason made Jan 26 at 2017 3:48 PM

SPC Brian Mason — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 15:48:42 -0500

I know that help from other Veterans who also have PTSD as well as those who can, can help. I got help through the VA near me, but they were doctors and psychologists with no military experience. They were very helpful, just didn't have the empathy of being in the military.

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 26 at 2017 4:22 PM

MSG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 26 Jan 2017 16:22:49 -0500

Start with fixing the VA.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Sep 21 at 2019 8:30 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Sat, 21 Sep 2019 20:30:44 -0400

- Post deployment physicals
- WTBs/WTUs
- Compassionate unit leadership
- Smooth transfer to the VA
- On going therapy
- Find disenfranchised veterans