How to help our service members with PTSD after deployment?

2014-04-04T11:37:59-04:00

Another shooting in Fort Hood, TX has claimed the lives of 3 Soldiers. According to some sources the Soldier who shot up the places was a Iraqi war veteran. Also that he was being treated for PTSD after serving 4 months or so in theater. I don't like the fact that we have to be reactive to matters such as shootings to garner attention that there are Veterans that need help. Why is it that a person crossing the border ILLEGALLY gets help immediately versus a Combat Veteran who is redeploying back State side? I believe that once our Men and Women make it back from Combat Operations they need to be evaluated. Also that they should attend any class relating to any trauma for the 1st month State side. And stop with the bull that we don't have the resources. We do.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 11:54 AM

2014-04-04T11:54:00-04:00

We don't know the full details but some people need help and are afraid to get it. Mental illness is also hard to battle and some times its to late to help those who need it.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 4 at 2014 1:38 PM

2014-04-04T13:38:11-04:00

The Army has system in place for soldiers once they return
from deployment. We are required to attend a mandatory 7 days of reintegration
process upon boots back in the United States. In addition to the reintegration
process 90 days after returning from deployment soldiers are required to take
Post Deployment Health Reassessment. The problem is soldiers sometimes are
either too afraid to raise their hands for help, symptoms are delayed, or on
some cases slip through the cracks. Now we do not have the full back ground on
this soldier and the situation until that happens everyone will play the
guessing game.

Response by SPC Private RallyPoint Member made Jul 11 at 2014 8:30 AM

2014-07-11T08:30:47-04:00

Hiring a veteran and making them feel like they are worth something is the most helpful thing, I think. When I got back from deployment it took almost 2 years to find work that was steady in paying the bills. Sometimes this is why people go off, and then they see some stupid shit on TV about how we need to feed and clothe the women and children being bussed to the border and it's disgusting when you realize you were almost homeless two years after an OIF/OEF tour. Jobs (and decent paying ones not Walmart greeter) are essential even for those with PTSD, it will help increase self worth and productivity that a veteran's state of mind would otherwise languish without.

Response by SPC Joshua Dawson made Jul 30 at 2014 2:16 AM

2014-07-30T02:16:22-04:00

Well I guarantee you that the signs were definitely there, the only thing is getting the chain of command to actually care enough about it to even do anything. When I was on my second deployment I made several requests to see mental health personnel but I only got to see them once and then when I got back home the next available appointment was after my separation date.

Response by SPC Dave Weaver made Jan 26 at 2015 6:24 PM

2015-01-26T18:24:43-05:00

right on brother,you hit the nail on the head

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 19 at 2015 9:29 PM

2015-04-19T21:29:08-04:00

Nobody should fight PTSD alone.

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 19 at 2015 10:03 PM

2015-04-19T22:03:33-04:00

Take them immediately to the medical folks.

Response by SSG James Arlington made May 30 at 2015 9:14 PM

2015-05-30T21:14:33-04:00

I decided to write a novel based on Vets with PTSD, MY WAR WITH HEMINGWAY. Perhaps this is the best way to educate the civilian population about how serious this is.

http://tinyurl.com/pe2ra8x

My War with Hemingway: James Charles: 9781624201158: Amazon.com: Books

My War with Hemingway [James Charles] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Zach, a young veteran, contemplates suicide after a horrific tour in Afghanistan when Ernest Hemingway appears and stops him. He enrolls in college where he falls in love with Jessica