Is there a time limit for a servicemember to "get over" or recover from a traumatic event?

SGT S Sharpless — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 06:49:25 -0500

After a discussion on a previous post with a veteran it was stated that there is a limit in which someone should let a traumatic event affect them. The traumatic events can range from combat stress to sexual trauma.

Weigh in and share what you all think.

Response by Capt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 7:16 AM

Capt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 07:16:02 -0500

I would guess that depends on what one means by get over.

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 10:10 AM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 10:10:52 -0500

SGT S Sharpless I think there is a difference. There are some that insist on holding onto the anger, hate, or blame associated with the event. This isn't helpful, letting go of it doesn't mean one has to forget the event or to be unaffected by it.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 10:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 10:27:46 -0500

I would say that there is a point where a person's innate resilience overcomes the trauma of the event and allows them to react more normally to everyday situations.
The event is not forgotten, but it is not spontaneously relived at every reminder.
It is the difference between being debilitated by the event and having it remain a memory.

I think it depends on the event and the individual, but I do not think that you can hang a timeframe on it and say that this is the point where they are "over it".

Response by SSG Audwin Scott made Jan 19 at 2016 10:37 AM

SSG Audwin Scott — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 10:37:29 -0500

You never forget, sometimes flashbacks hit me out of nowhere. I am a lot better than I was when I first retired in 06, but sometimes I have my moments of depression. To say when to clearly get over it not sure. Time heals I suppose. Everyone has their different times and ways of overcoming adversity.

Response by MAJ Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 11:40 AM

MAJ Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 11:40:22 -0500

No timeline to get over it, but the timeline to accept substandard performance is normally limited to your next PCS move, or less if you weren't a superb performer prior to the trauma.

Response by Sgt Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 12:43 PM

Sgt Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 12:43:17 -0500

Time does help smooth out traumatic events, and hopefully the servicemember or veteran finds peace. The event or events are part of the individual and will never be forgotten.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Jan 19 at 2016 2:32 PM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 19 Jan 2016 14:32:48 -0500

I would think that if a traumatic event caused long term issues, then that soldier could no longer be effective in a military role and should be medically released

Response by SGT Philip Roncari made Jan 20 at 2016 4:41 PM

SGT Philip Roncari — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 16:41:54 -0500

I would like to respond to this question not that I was traumatized,but I always have felt I did not do the best job training on the patrolling range at fort Polk La. I was given a 45 day drop in Vietnam to be an instructor running day and night patrols. I did this to the best of my ability at the time but have always wondered could I have done more and given more of my personal experiences as a rifleman and fire team leader, I was a 21 year old sgt and only wanted to do the required training and then go party this has always haunted me .I have only told this to other Vietnam vets some of whom I might have trained,they understand and that helps but I'm 70 years old now and it still weighs on my mind.