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

SPC Geoffrey Jenkins — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:01:51 -0400

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

Response by SFC Kayla Sondrol made Apr 3 at 2014 9:10 AM

SFC Kayla Sondrol — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:10:11 -0400

It's a very long process to get programs implemented that will truly help our soldiers. With 12+ years of war now, we are better off now with programs than we were when it first started off. But you are correct, it is ultimately up to the person to seek help. It could be forced, but it doesn't mean they will accept the fact they need help. Denial is a major problem for personnel who suffer from PTSD.

Response by CSM Michael J. Uhlig made Apr 3 at 2014 9:16 AM

CSM Michael J. Uhlig — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:16:57 -0400

This is everyone's responsibility to identify a fellow Soldier in crisis. Quite often our Soldiers try to "deal with it themselves" until they reach their brewing point. Couple our pride & sense if duty (which drives this identity to not want to be a burden to our unit) with typical movements (PCS), can create the situation that we do not know our guys right away - can't identify changes in personality. The current situation at Fort Hood it a terrible situation.

Response by 1SG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 3 at 2014 9:27 AM

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:27:37 -0400

As CSM Uhlig said " is everyone's responsibility to identify a fellow Soldier in crisis". Engaged leadership and caring/compassionate leaders goes a long way. Reccomending a Soldier for an award or sending a Soldier to a promotion board (prematurely) does not constitute care/compassion. I am talking about digging in the weeds. Knowing your Soldiers. Know where they came from, what they enjoy doing, check on them in their living areas, check on them while they are working, go to the local "hot spots" where they hang out (I used to do this in ACU uniform as a 1SG) make time to talk to them about life in general not just the Army. Don't foster a "Im your buddy" relationship though, us as leaders need to understand that difference and avoid it. Engaged, caring and compassionate leaders are hard to come by these days but I feel that we are headed in the right direction. While it is humanly impossible to avoid every single negative situation any Soldier could ever present, we can lessen the numbers dramtically by being engaged.

Response by CPT Richard Riley made Apr 3 at 2014 9:28 AM

CPT Richard Riley — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 09:28:10 -0400

The best answer I can give you immediately is to have family surround and with the soldier. War-time has a tendency to 'screw' with your head but it's almost impossible to erase family connections from birth. Family support is imperative and sometimes the only way to help someone see a light at the end of a tunnel. I wish there were a magic wand that could be waved but we're smart enough to know that does not exist.<br><br>Family members can often-times help see a crack in the facade where help can begin. Also having loved ones fight for you can be an empowering thing. Support and assistance comes in all shapes and sizes, the key is to find what works for you. The best advice I can offer is to never slam the door shut, because there is far more value in life than the alternatives.<br><br>Cpt H Davis has mentioned on many occasions that she will do what she can to step in and assist any SM to the best of her ability, as a resource she can be a valuable tool to have on your side.<br>

Response by SPC Sven Pacot made May 5 at 2014 1:48 AM

SPC Sven Pacot — Mon, 05 May 2014 01:48:08 -0400

Here is a resource you can give to your Battles who are struggling with the how-to's. Coaching Into Care [login to see]
It isn't much but it is a start.

Response by 1SG Henry Yates made May 9 at 2014 8:03 AM

1SG Henry Yates — Fri, 09 May 2014 08:03:32 -0400

Real, trustworthy, confidential help exists. I understand that finding it may seem to be a needle in a hay stack. First, if you seek help and you aren't getting it, change your source. You have that right. If the source as a whole is corrupt, as I'm embarrassed to mention, access another system; their is more help than the most familiar. Can't find help, connect with me. I am employed with the Army Medical Department as an Ombudsman. I can help any Service Member, Veteran and their loved ones. The Army Chief of Staff developed this program. The Army pays us to help you at no cost, in finding reliable sources or help. You're not cornered as it may seem whether it's UCMJ or not. I you know someone that needs confidential help, have them connect with me and we'll get them access to help. Sometimes, just knowing you aren't trapped makes an enormous difference.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2014 9:27 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 09 May 2014 09:27:56 -0400

Personally, I'd like to hear it called 'Post Traumatic Stress' from now on, because that's exactly what it is. The word disorder implies there's is something wrong with men and women who need help moving past some bad experiences in their lives. There's a stigma about vets with PTSD being crazy or whatever and that isn't helping anybody.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 14 at 2015 2:03 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 14:03:21 -0400

I see this thread has not had any action in about a year. I just ran across an article and a service which provide a different perspective on the PTSD issue. The civilian side of PTSD and those who want to help. Read this article first:

http://www.integration.samhsa.gov/about-us/esolutions-newsletter/e-solutions-january-2014

This article provides a little prospective from the the POV of the civilian provider trying to help.

And then as a link off of this article here is a free resource for those warriors who are for one reason or another outside of the influence of the VA. Help our brothers to help themselves by spreading the word about resources available to those outside the system.

http://couragebeyond.org/

e-Solutions January 2014 / SAMHSA-HRSA

January 2014 eSolutions on Veterans

Response by MAJ Ken Landgren made Apr 22 at 2015 12:00 PM

MAJ Ken Landgren — Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:00:03 -0400

I ask them what percentages they have to determine what benefits they should receive. After my darkest times with PTSD, I wrote a paper on how to heal, and I give it to them if they are interested. I tell them to hang in there.