How might a theory from 1943 help veterans transitioning today?

Sgt Matt Medhat — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:04:29 -0400

I think the bottom of the pyramid needs attention in any major life change, including transition. Would like to see more #veterans reach the top. What are your thoughts?

Response by CPO Nate S. made Aug 24 at 2021 6:45 PM

CPO Nate S. — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:45:14 -0400

Frankly, this is excellent!

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 24 at 2021 6:55 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 18:55:16 -0400

Looks like the Mabri Maslow Pyramid of needs, which really applies to everyone

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Aug 24 at 2021 8:01 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 20:01:05 -0400

This is absolutely applicable for people who have severe cases of PTSD. Those who are in complete darkness must find a way to not commit suicide. Focus on what I call infantry skills. Eat, sleep, and personal hygiene. Be safe and survive. This is paramount because it becomes a foundation for further healing.

In my PTSD Paper, after a person’s foundation is built, I discuss focusing on who they love and who loves them in return. This displaces some depression and perhaps hope can be found. It is good to think about love. This is a great model for PTSD.

Response by SGT Joseph Gunderson made Aug 24 at 2021 8:42 PM

SGT Joseph Gunderson — Tue, 24 Aug 2021 20:42:29 -0400

The big problem is that leaving the service often disrupts the three middle portions. At a minimum, is disrupts the higher of the two, and when the lower of the three is disrupted, it may affect the lowest level. What is absolutely necessary is to ensure the bottom two are never in jeopardy, a task the military and VA has attempted to do, and with rather good success. I believe the most difficult part is reestablishing friendships and relationships after service. Without doing so, however, as the pyramid demonstrates, actualization is nearly impossible. Therapy, community outreach, and vet organizations do well to fill this gap, but it falls to the veteran to make use of these avenues.

Response by SSG Edward Tilton made Aug 25 at 2021 1:41 PM

SSG Edward Tilton — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 13:41:27 -0400

My assumption was that everyone already knew this

Response by Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis made Aug 25 at 2021 7:09 PM

Lt Col Timothy Cassidy-Curtis — Wed, 25 Aug 2021 19:09:19 -0400

Ah, the Maslow's Hierarchy of needs. I remember it well from my graduate coursework.

This concept was intended to broadly address what drives human beings, across a wide diversity of circumstances. Abraham Maslow wanted to conceptualize why a human being would sacrifice something like a good job, etc. when something like the individual's life was at risk. He succeeded in a general concept that has endured for decades.

I believe that PTSD imposes the kind of psychological scarring that makes it seem as though the two bottom needs "Safety" and "Biological & Physiological" Needs are being continuously threatened, when in fact that is not the case. While this might sound like "it's all in your head" the fact is that just because it's in your head doesn't mean that it does not seem just as real. They need as much attention as an amputated limb.

Response by SFC Kurt Brunken made Aug 26 at 2021 9:43 AM

SFC Kurt Brunken — Thu, 26 Aug 2021 09:43:26 -0400

Im offended that the Safety tier does not include a picture of a mask.