Post-traumatic stress among US troops soars - Telegraph.co.uk - REPOST

I just read an article about this in our Sunday paper; the brother of a local area woman has PTSD. Unfortunately, he continues to fall through the cracks in the system, and has some serious issues that are not being treated.

I know that the war is controversial, but I think that we can all agree that we need to take care of our men when they return home.

I totally agree, but as long as there is a stigma attached to seeking psychological counseling, our soldiers--and those with whom they come in contact--are at serious risk.

War is Hell - no matter how you slice it. What all the governments need to do is to sit down at a computer screen and slug it out. Leave the young men and women at home where they belong.

Disclaimer: No statements have been made regarding the personal viewpoint of Paidra Delayno. The young Americans who come home screwed up already have done that for her.

Rene,

This doesn't surprise me. If war doesn't cause this kind of trauma nothing will.

Thanks for posting this, Rene. What a compounded tragedy.

I'm not surprised. War is not normal. It does not conform to the needs of the human psyche. It is imposed on the people by governments.

A horrible epidimic. I have PTSD, but not from the war. I lost my child to suicide. My hearts goes out to our soldiers and their families. They so deserve so much more help than they are getting. Or I should say the help they are NOT getting. It seems it is being swept under a rug and the government is hoping it will go away. Newsflash: PTSD does not go away. you just gotta learn how to live with it.

Thanks for the article.

Thomas: Governments are the people. By that I do not mean that any particular government is "the people" in the sense of being a pure democracy. I mean that government is not an act of nature such as an earthquake or volcano. It is the product of the people's attempt to control their societal operations and preserve a measure of orderly control. War is the result of the failure of government to exercise control. Which actually means that it is an extension of an already barbaric, "baboon" type of system that was useful when we were no more than glorified baboons. But now that we have outgrown our "baboon" stage, we need to modernize our systems of government to be effective on a species wide scale. It is our failure to do this which keeps us in the "baboon" operational mode. And that is what results in wars. Baboons get what they want ("bananas") by exercising dominance over others who have the bananas. The method of choice for getting dominance is "chest beating and screaming, followed by aggressive physical attacks." The males get their "female companionship" that way and any bananas that are lying around. Our current political methodology is simply an intellectually sophisticated version of the same thing. Partisan politics is an organized and "dressed up" version of "chest beating and screaming" vis-a-vis, our congress, our primary electioneering and our final phase of elections. We need to grow up and get beyond our "baboon" psychology. Then, and only then, will war cease to be the only option left to us failing the "chest beating and screaming" phase of the baboon system.

Thanks, Rene, for calling attention to this problem which will have social implications for this nation for many years to come...

Thanks for posting my older brother is a Viet Nam vet with PTSD and goes to group therapy to this day. It's going to be a long haul for these service members but they can make it, my brother is.

Thanks for posting and bringing light to this very important issue.

I think they all come back with it, if you ask me.

Amy ~ I agree with everything you have said.

I have heard so many stories about Soldiers that have serious mental health issues who are not being given the proper treatment, as well as "falling through the cracks in the system" as you have said.

Bringing the issue to the forefront is part of what is needed in order for the Soldiers to get the attention and medical treatment they deserve.

Amy ~ Thank you so much for your input.

Blessings ~
René

Wow Paidra! ~ What an interesting comment you've added here , , ,

" War is Hell - no matter how you slice it. What all the governments need to do is to sit down at a computer screen and slug it out. Leave the young men and women at home where they belong.

Disclaimer: No statements have been made regarding the personal viewpoint of Paidra Delayno. The young Americans who come home screwed up already have done that for her." ~ Paidra

Sitting down at a computer screen to slug it out ~ who would have thought of that but YOU ~ Creative One. That is a good idea ~ don't know if they'd come up with a solution, but it would be worth a TRY. If that fails, then they can meet face-to-face ~ one-on-one. I think they used to do that back in the old days. . . .

Thanks Paidra for your input. SOLUTIONS are always good food for thought!

Blessings ~
Your Friend,
René

Jen and Linda K. ~ You two have both just given me an idea for a writing ~ your comments have supplied me with food for a title ~ "Trauma and Tragedy" ~ Thank you both for supplying your creative insight, and for your comments.

Blessings ~
Your Friend,
René

Thomas ~ I thank you for your input. You are so RIGHT ~ WAR is NOT NORMAL, and it is imposed on people by Governments.

The question is . . . Should WE stop-gap the madness by imposing a MENTAL HEALTH CARE PLAN for all those who are in Government Leadership Positions? Should WE require all Presidents and Leaders to undergo a psychiatric check that WE THE PEOPLE get to be in on before they are allowed to fulfill their positions? Do you think that we would end up with less nut cases in Government?

I've always said that WAR is a deadly and immature way to handle problems. It is NEVER the answer. ANGER MANAGEMENT might work better. What do you think Thomas?

Thank you so much for your thoughts.

Blessings ~
René

Carol ~ I am so sorry to hear about your child. You have brought up another area in relation to PTSD that is not discussed enough. How have you been handling your PTSD? Are you in Therapy now? Have you been in Group Therapy with others who have PTSD?

Your input will be very helpful to others who also have PTSD ~ and specifically in relation to those who are dealing with suicide issues of family members (like yourself), and those who are dealing with suicides of Soldiers like we are beginning to hear more and more about.

Do share with us any input that you have Carol ~ as you have made us aware of the fact that, "Newsflash: PTSD does not go away. you just gotta learn how to live with it." ~ Carol

WE are looking forward to hearing more from you Carol on this topic. Thank you for your input.

Blessings ~
René

Donald ~ After rolling my eyes to your statements above, I suddenly realized that your "Baboon Theory" does seem to hold some weight when it comes to the barbaric acts of WAR. It indeed is no doubt true that those who make decisions to go to WAR are definitely along this path that you have brought to our attention -- which is, "the "baboon" operational mode. Your thoughts are Insightful on the one hand, and sad on the other hand.

It is a very sad day when we come to realize that we have a society of people who are in "baboon" operational mode. What is even sadder about it {if there is such a thing}, is that some of the people involved in this organized, yet unsophisticated movement are aware of what they are doing. Scary! It is worse than any scary movie I've ever seen.

For those of us who are walking in another realm ~ on another path ~ and in a different frame of thought . . . May WE remember to keep a hold of our bananas ~ in more ways than one.

Thank you for your input on this Donald.

Blessings ~
Rene

Hi Dave ~ You are welcome, and you are right . . .

" . . . this problem which will have social implications for this nation for many years to come..." ~ Dave McGill

We, as a nation, should prepare NOW to deal with all of the mental health issues, as well as family problems that will arise from this needless and horrid act of WAR ~ for what and about what? I am not sure if anyone knows the answer. Somehow, "freedom" for the Iraqi people does not come to mind. I thought that was the praecipe for which this WAR was launched.

Thank you for your input Dave.

Blessings ~
René

Brian ~ Thank you for bringing up the Vietnam Vets as well. This issue effects VETS, as well as the people of the country invaded, and the families of the VETS and returning Soldiers.

Your optimism is a very good sign. And, your brother's progress with his Therapy is a good sign as well!

You are welcome. And you are also welcome to join us in discussions on the issue of PTSD ~ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder over in Artistic Therapy

I am sure you can add much to our Discussions, Brian.

Blessings ~
René

Cassandra ~ Thank you for reading this Article, and for your comment. I agree with you.

Blessings ~
René

Thank you for reading and commenting Rene'. I am working on an article about the therapy I have been experiencing and how it has helped. Everybody has to find what works for them. EMDR has helped me with the flashbacks and nightmares of witnessing the suicide. I still have them but they are nothing in comparison to a few years back.

The article I am working on is about EMDR therapy.

Too many are suffering from this. Not only war but the fires, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes have created so many sufferers.
I remember a time when if you went for help dealing with this it became part of your records and it was more difficult to get employment. Hopefully this is somewhat changed.

Come on, folks, let's get real. No one on the planet likes war, especially anyone who's ever been in one or near one. The problem is not that we don't know how to avoid it. The problem is that no one is willing to give up their personal "space" (their belief systems, the current security they enjoy, their preconceptions of what "everyone else" should accept to be in line with "them") in order to establish a better system for compromise. No one is willing to take personal responsibility for their own actions, much less for that of a whole nation. As I've said repeatedly before, people (i.e. you specifically as well as others) are living in a "Utopia of your own imagination." You don't even take responsibility for your own spiritual lives but place everything in some "pastor"'s or "preacher"'s hands, expecting someone else to do the thinking and the active implementing of principles into reality. Until you'all wake up and smell the roses, war is going to be the inevitable result. You are spending all your time thinking about these asinine primaries, immersed in a vain hope that "the guy" (or "gal") in the White House will do it right. Right!!! How stupid can you get? It's the system, folks. And it's the same the world over. Mankind needs to grow up and stop behaving like a troop of baboons.

Rene: I agree with you 100%. It would be no use putting our elected representatives in the nut house; we would only elect another bunch to replace them. The solution is to completely change our system of government to a true democracy rather than the oligarchy we now have.

Thanks Rene. A very serious problem.

thank you SO much for posting this. I met a young soldier at Kennedy airport Memorial weekend, and he relayed things to me that were very distressing that he had seen. I encouraged him to take advantage of whatever counseling or help the army is providing. he said that no one had ever said that to him, and he was going to consider it. Bless him, I hope he does. They are so young and this war is so pointless, not that any war is "good" but other wars certainly had a more moral reason to be fighting in. thank you for this, Rene. I love your consciousness.
blessings to you.

Carol ~ I am so glad you came back over and added more to this thread.

I am excited about reading your Article about
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This is an area I would like to learn more about. To hear first hand how EMDR Therapy has helped you would be wonderful.

For those reading this thread who would like to know more about what EMDR is about, here is a little background information . . .

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) integrates elements of many effective psychotherapies in structured protocols that are designed to maximize treatment effects. These include psychodynamic, cognitive behavioral, interpersonal, experiential, and body-centered therapies. EMDR is an information processing therapy and uses an eight phase approach.

During EMDR the client attends to past and present experiences in brief sequential doses while simultaneously focusing on an external stimulus. Then the client is instructed to let new material become the focus of the next set of dual attention. This sequence of dual attention and personal association is repeated many times in the session.

Hearing of how EMDR has helped you Carol will help a lot of other people who are in need of Therapy for Depression and PTSD.

I did not realize the you had actually witnessed your son's suicide. Being a witness to a suicide event is very tramatic. The emotional recovery process is something that you may be able to share with us in your writings. I, for one, would like to hear more about your journey Carol, and I know others would too.

God Bless You ~ and thank you for sharing your story with us. You've given us much to think about and study on.

Blessings ~
Rene

Lyn ~ I'm bringing your comment down here, because you've raised some very good points . . .

"Too many are suffering from this. Not only war but the fires, earthquakes, tornadoes and hurricanes have created so many sufferers.

I remember a time when if you went for help dealing with this it became part of your records and it was more difficult to get employment. Hopefully this is somewhat changed." ~ Lyn

Lyn ~ You are so right about PTSD ~ Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affecting so many people. Other areas that we also need to pay attention to (as you have mentioned many of them here in your comment) are the devastation of WAR to a people and the devastating effects on the psyche, as well as PTSD in relation to natural disaster victims of earthquakes, hurricanes, tornadoes, and fires.

Going even further, the state of our planet is not only in peril, the state of our nation is in peril. Global events in terms of the Earth, the Economy, Political Events, and major job losses will pose significant STRESS upon people unawares.

Major Industries will all be effected, and will also play a hand in the nation's budget crisis we are currently in. Bail outs will not be possible.

We have the Auto Industry, Agriculture, the Banking Sector, Oil and Textiles. We need to keep our eye on the Farmers and the Truckers. How are gas prices effecting our Farmers and Truckers, and what effect does it have on us?

Will the typical family be in the same economic state six months from now? No. Will they be better off or worse? What do you all think?

Will the state of families in six months effect their health? Nine times out of ten ~ Yes -- health matters and concerns regarding health care will rise.

Families will either come closer together, or fall apart. The divorce rate will rise. There will be a need for Family Therapy, but how many will seek Therapy or be able to afford it is another question.

Lyn, ~ Your comment about . . .

"I remember a time when if you went for help dealing with this it became part of your records and it was more difficult to get employment. Hopefully this is somewhat changed." ~ Lyn

You have interjected an interesting line of thought . . . The privacy issues concerning Medical Records and the Disclosure to prospective Employers.

It will be interesting to hear from others reading this thread on rather or not Therapy or Medical care in relation to PTSD or any other mental health issue has had an effect on their job prospects. It would also be interesting to find out how many who have PTSD simply go on disability or stop working altogether. A much better view can be gained from doing individual and personal research or from asking around versus turning to the Media for accurate answers, as they never give the correct statistics.

Lyn ~ We thank you for your input as you have added much to this discussion. We are looking forward to hearing more back from you on this topic.

Blessings ~
Rene

Donald ~ If you read your comment over again, and direct it to just yourself, it makes sense to me. Otherwise, it makes no sense at all. {at least not to me it doesn't}.

This statment that you have made is obviously on the wrong Discussion thread . . .

"You don't even take responsibility for your own spiritual lives but place everything in some "pastor"'s or "preacher"'s hands, expecting someone else to do the thinking and the active implementing of principles into reality." ~ Donald

I'm not sure who you are addressing this to, but most of the people that I know on this thread cannot at all relate to what you are saying in terms of their own spirituality. You are mistaken.

Donald We do have a good BOOK STUDY going on regarding Borderline Personality Disorder ~ BPD. We discuss examples of people that we know who may possibly have BPD. You may want to consider joining us. I think you would enjoy it, and possible gain some helpful insight. Here is the link . . .

Artistic Therapy

It has been REAL listening to you Donald. You are truly an interesting and fascinating man. I don't think I've ever met anyone with your thought processes. Very interesting indeed.

Thank you so much for adding to this Discussion.

Blessings ~
Rene

THANK YOU Thomas! ~ I applaud you for this statement . . .

"The solution is to completely change our system of government to a true democracy " ~ Thomas

Our nation needs to all stand together with you to accomplish this goal. Thank you.

Blessings ~
Rene

Yes it is a serious problem Sheila Thank you for responding to this Article. And, you know that you are welcome.

Blessings ~
Rene

Hi DeLauné ~ It is so good to see your smiling face here.

I am so stunned by the fact that the young U.S. soldier that you met had not had anyone counsel him, nor mention to him {outside of yourself}, nor give him a pamphlet on the Therapy, Counseling, and Mental Health options available to our young men and women serving in our Armed Forces. It is sad to think that the 18, 19, and 20 something year olds serving our Country are just left with their own mental surmisings ~ without any mental health care options being offered every step of the way.

DeLauné ~ Your remark is worthy of note . . .

"They are so young and this war is so pointless, not that any war is "good" but other wars certainly had a more moral reason to be fighting in." ~ DeLauné

I so agree with what you have said. This particular WAR is definitely pointless. It serves no one other than those whose greedy pockets are being filled by it. So many young lives have been lost, so many families destroyed ~ both in this Country, and abroad.

Thank you for adding to this Discussion DeLauné. We will keep the young soldier that you've mentioned, and all of the troops and family members in our prayers, as well as those who have been devastated over in Iraq.

Thank you too ~ for your kind comments. Well wishes on your Book Tour, and do let us know how it is going. I'm excited for you.

Blessings ~
René

Actually there is a lot of support for soldiers returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. I'm in the National Guard and just had 2 separate training sessions specifically about PTSD and other even more subtle conditions. Anyhow...

The VA has a website that provides a lot of information on where to get help or to just read about the condition. The website is: http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/index.jsp

Also, here are a few more resources you can share with folks who you all think may be suffering from this disorder...

POST-DEPLOYMENT HEALTH RE-ASSESSMENT (PDHRA)

Peter ~ Thank you so much! This information will be very helpful to many people.

I was getting upset just thinking that our troops didn't have any information readily available to them.

I hope you come back and share with us how the Training Sessions on PTSD helped you.

Blessings ~
Rene

You probably wont like hearing this but it's the truth...

The most typical thing these are suffering from, gals too actually, are to come home to an empty home because the significant other had an affair. I watched one guy coming home from the range in tears as his Sergeant was trying to talk him down from his very obviously distraught condition. It's a side of long deployments that the media rarely covers, but is in fact the number one reason for domestic violence with returning soldiers as well. That one the military does try to ignore. They simply defer the upset soldier to his chain of command and make sure he doesn't have any weapons at home if they think he might explode. They very often do. It's heartbreaking to watch this thing happen to a man or woman who had no choice in being away from home, and then losing it.

Another big one is National Guardsmen and Reservists who come home to no job. NPR did a piece on that... http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90813448

I'm so sorry for them. I wonder if the distance helps. If coming home over an ocean and hundreds of miles ... helps to separate them from what happened in the war.
I shared this poem on another site about soldiers. This is one of my favorite poets. I can feel what he is saying. And probably no one knew how to help him.

BACK

They ask me where I've been,
And what I've done and seen.
But what can I reply
Who know it wasn't I,
But someone just like me,
Who went across the sea
And with my head and hands
Killed men in foreign lands...
Though I must bear the blame,
Because he bore my name.

By: Wilfred Wilson Gibson
(1878-1962)

Peter ~ You are a wealth of information, and you've definitely brought that information to the right place. I've been wanting to bring out more in relation to VETS, the Military, and the Armed Forces in terms of the issues that are rarely discussed ~ as you've mentioned here ~ domestic violence, depression, jobless rate, mental health issues, BPD, PTSD, anger management, assimilation back into society after deployments . . .

Another topic of Discussion, as we make distinctions in our Armed Services/Forces, is what you've listed here . . .

"Another big one is National Guardsmen and Reservists who come home to no job. NPR did a piece on that... http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=90813448 ~ provided by Peter

Peter ~ I am sure the link addresses my question, but just in case, is there a distinction being made between coming home to no job as in not being able to return to the one they left, or coming home to no job as in not finding new employment? Either way is bad, but coming home and not being able to return to the job they had is worse.

I will check this link out. Thank you for adding more to this Discussion Peter. Of course, we would like to hear more from you.

Our Discussions are still going on here in relation to BPD ~ Borderline Personality Disorder -- which is an area that I believe strongly effects our Military Forces in particular. Our weekly BOOK STUDY will be going on this evening starting at 7pm Eastern Time here in the Group. I hope you can pop in and join us!

I'm going to check out the link you've given us . . .

Blessings ~
Rene

Hi Glome ~ What you've said here in your comment, "I wonder if the distance helps. If coming home over an ocean and hundreds of miles ... helps to separate them from what happened in the war." ~ Glome

. . . I am not sure if it helps at all ~ it would seem to me that it would not. Killing people is very REAL, and I do not believe that there is any way to separate from the events of killing a person and/or persons. WAR is not a movie, and the people do not get up from being shot up and live. I am not even in the WAR, but the more I think on it the more horrid it becomes in my mind.

I saw a video made by a U.S. Soldier who ran with thousands of others to Canada from IRAQ ~ AWOL ~ and it is very SHOCKING in relation to what the Soldiers were ordered to do. It talks about how so many U.S. Soldiers thought that the American people would WAKE UP and get them out of Iraq, and how they were so disappointed that the American people never screamed loud enough to save them. Sad. Really and truly SAD. I am not sure how someone can ever encourage a young person to commit to such acts for any reason. I think that what I find most disturbing is how people rally around a cause that is absolutely asinine in the name of patriotism. It is SICK ~ really SICK.

More than anything, I pray that people WAKE UP!.

The poem by Wilfred Wilson Gibson is a good reflection piece Glome ~ Thank you for sharing that with us.

Blessings ~
Rene

Rene: Thank you for your kind words. I, too, am interested in the subject of BPD as one of my in-laws has this disorder and it certainly disrupts family life.

In the NPR radio interview the subject was specifically National Guard and reserve soldiers (sailors, airmaen, Marines) returning to civilian life after long tours in war zones and the job they had when they left was no longer there.

Hi Thomas! ~ Do come join us for our BPD BOOK STUDY this evening. You'll find many examples of real stories of how BPD is disruptive to families as you have stated above in your comment . . . and also how the BP behavior is puzzling to those who do not understand the diagnosis of an individual they may be in a relationship with, or a co-worker, or a friend, or a member of their family.

Our BOOK STUDY goes into ways to recognize the symptoms of BPD and also gives advice on ways to deal with BP behavior. You will find it helpful Thomas.

The BOOK STUDY begins at 7pm Eastern Time in the Group. You'll find the BOOK STUDY each week in the FEATURED ARTICLES section of Artistic Therapy ~ The BOOK STUDY stays OPEN, so do pop on in!

Blessings ~
Rene

Thanks for answering me Peter. The jobless rate among VETS, returning Servicemen, and also (as you've pointed out to us), National Guard and The Reserve Soldiers.

This issue needs addressing by our Government. Not only the jobless rate, but also the homeless rate. Compounded by mental health care issues.

We thank you for adding to our Discussion. We want to hear more from our VETS and our Active Duty Troops.

Blessings ~
Rene

I'm interested in knowing more about EMDR. I'll be checking back to see what is reported.

Steve ~ Your comments are well noted!

There are 320,000 cases of PTSD amongst our troops. That is a 47% increase.

Amongst other things, EXPLOSIONS result in PTSD

TBI ~ Traumatic Brain Injuries and Concussions are other injuries suffered by our troops that will be treated in the NEW Treatment Center built and founded by Arnold Fisher of Fisher House Foundation at a tune of 17 million dollars. Ground was broken for the NEW FACILITY on Thursday, June 5th, 2008.

Dr. Sanjay Gupta did a story on it on CNN.

The NEW FACILITY opens December, 2009. There will be 200 Behavorial Scientists on Staff.

When asked has the stigma of PTSD been removed, the answer was "No."

Will the stigma be removed? I would wager to say that with 320,000 troops (lowball count) having PTSD -- if it isn't removed, it will be!

Thank you for commenting on this Article Steve.

Blessings ~
Rene

Hi Jan ~ The Article is already put together, and will be posted shortly -- like in the next 30 minutes! Thank you for checking back on this.

Blessings ~
Rene

Thank you Rene. After triple points are over, I will complete my articles.

Peter, First of all, I have never been in a war (like our soldiers) but I do have my own war with PTSD, and I have listened to interviews with soldiers who also have PTSD. I am sure coming home to an empty house is devastating. However, the interviews I have seen and read about had nothing to do with their personal life...as it was before the war. They are hearing and seeing the guns, the dead soldiers, the blood, etc. This is what their PTSD is caused from. If you have never had a flashback, a flashback of the most horrible thing you can imagine, then please tread lightly when you say the PTSD is from an empty house. Again, I am sure they are devastated to lose it all while they are gone. I feel for them. And I am not taking away from the pain they feel. But knowing PTSD firsthand, I have to come to the rescue of us who are truly suffering from the disorder.
Your post was an interesting read.

Hi Carol ~ You're welcome. . . .

First, thank you for responding. And, Second, Why are you waiting until after triple points are over to complete your Articles? Just curious to know your answer.

And, I know that what you have said about this . . .

"If you have never had a flashback, a flashback of the most horrible thing you can imagine, then please tread lightly when you say the PTSD is from an empty house." ~ Carol

. . . is directed to Peter, but I am trying to read into what prompted you to make this statement. Hopefully, Peter will respond here. I will re-read the posts on this thread to see if I can find the original statement by Peter here.

Blessings ~
Rene

Rene,

This is excellent and uplifting. We are just not aware of the full impact of this on our veterans. Their circumstances sadden my heart. They have been through so much, not of their own choosing. They come home to a health care system that just tells them to "suck it up...it could get worse."

They need us. Your efforts here and the caring and informed comments you have received give us high hope for these men who are at an all time low in their life.

I will be checking out your other locations.

Thank you, and Blessings ~ to you.

Willa

What is so sad about PTSD is that there are brave men and women that have served this country, stepped up to the plate when the act was needed, did things and saw things that we can't even imagine....and they come back here, with problems and little to no help in sight. Not even our government helps them out.

It is a tragedy beyond words. I could not imagine some of the horrors they witnessed and relive in their minds...

There was a time in my life when I was extremely "strong" and driven, and on occasion I would meet veterans who would ask me where I had served. I have never served in the military. I was a survivor. As the years have gone by, as a result of past abuse and betrayals and loss, I developed PTSD and was shocked when I was diagnosed with it. When I meet veterans who have it, I empathize, and if I let my mind go, I visually place myself where their eyes and bodies have been. It's just plain old scary and makes me want to jump out of my skin.

PTSD does NOT go away, and years of talk therapy I don't think is the solution. It is difficult to explain and each time you talk about the traumatic incidents you get triggered again. On that note, I am going to the EMDR discussion because I am beginning to use it with great success, thus far.

No surprise in this! I'm amazed at those who don't come away from war completely messed up.

Thank you Willa for your comments. There will be much more to follow on our troops, because it is a very sad state. Knowing that these troops were essentially placed in harms way (for six years now) for no good apparent reason. It was for none other reason than greed and evil doings. Iraq had nothing to do with 911 as we all know NOW, and we all knew THEN. Very sad.

WE must continually pray for them.

Blessings ~
Rene

Renda ~ Thank you for your comments. Our troops stepped up to the plate on a judgment call that was out of order. The government did not care about them when they sent them, and they don't care now. It is only the outcry of the people that will make a difference in this tragic and senseless bogus war that only serves certain people's pocketbooks and wallets.

Blessings ~
Rene

Hi Jennifer ~ I thank you for your comments on PTSD. . . .

PTSD does NOT go away, and years of talk therapy I don't think is the solution. It is difficult to explain and each time you talk about the traumatic incidents you get triggered again. On that note, I am going to the EMDR discussion because I am beginning to use it with great success, thus far. ~ Jennifer K.

Your success using EDMR is very encouraging. There will be more added to our Artistic Therapy Gather Group on EDMR. I hope you will continue to contribute your helpful and encouraging input Jennifer.

Blessings ~
Rene

Beverly ~ Thank you for your input. As you know, most people agree with you. What we can do with more vigor is to discourage WAR, discourage tyranny, discourage vendettas; and elect competent Leaders, encourage peaceful communications, and LEARN THE WAY OF PEACE.

Blessings ~
Rene

Rene, My article is postponed for a little while. I am trying to get caught up after Triple Points week. But I have not forgotten about it.

Now that Triple Points Week is over Carol ~ I hope that you will share more information with us on this topic of interest.

I'm looking forward to seeing more information coming forward on POST TRAUMATIC STRESS SYNDROME in all forms.

Rene, you certainly have brought a good deal of attention to this most heartbreaking result of war. Ironically, in my latest novel, "Maggie's Retreat" I incorporated the problem of PTSS into the story line because I believed it not only needed to be addressed, but brought to the forefront. Although I dealt with it fictionally, the results can be just as tragic in real life. For you who have read the book, I'd be interested in knowing your opinion in how I handled this situation. Marie Pinschmidt www.paintings-prose-palmbeach.com.

Marie ~ I am going to make it a point to get your book and read it (the autographed copy) ~ smiles. Your incorporation of PTSS into the storyline will no doubt bring this condition into the forefront of the Reader's minds.

I've been to your Website, and I found it to be quite IMPRESSIVE (I ran there when you first told me about it last year). I just recently popped back in there. Your paintings, which are original oils, are exquisite. And, you know I never expect them to last long once they have dried. Your paintings are always SOLD. I'd like to know if you also have Limited Editions of both "Poppies" and "White ibis duo"? I wondered if you only sold your Original Oil Paintings or if you also offered Limited Edition Serigraphs and/or Lithographs of each of your Originals. I'm not sure if I asked you that before or not the last time we spoke.

I am going to also get your other upcoming Novel, "Spanish Moss" ~ I love the title you chose for this one.

Marie ~ Let me know when "Spanish Moss" is released please, I really would like to get a copy. I'm glad to see you, and thank you for stopping by to comment.

Marie ~ [I had to continue here in the next box before this Site timed out on me ~ lol]. . . .

I also would like to know when you will open up your "Art Blog" on your Website? I think it will be a really nice addition and attraction for new visitors to your Site. Also, will it be interactive ~ where other Artists, Readers, and your clients can BLOG about your Paintings and your Novels?

I'm excited just thinking about the possibilities of that!

I'm bringing a "clickable link" down here in this box so that others coming here will be able to click and go directly to your Site to SEE what we are talking about. . . . Marie Pinschmidt of Palm Beach, Florida

Blessings Marié ~
René

Rene, thank you so much for your interest in my work. Unfortunately, I don't offer prints, seragraphs, etc. of my work. I like the idea of my subject matter being "original". However, I attempt to keep the prices affordable for everyone. There are a number of the paintings on the site still available, and not all of my inventory is listed. I do limited commission, so if you like something that is sold, I can do something similar in the size you desire, but will not try to duplicate the original. So, feel free to ask questions.

The "art blog" is active, but new, and I will be adding more content, hopefully info. to benefit my viewers. I have added a "chat" feature but it seems to have a glitch, so bear with me on that.

Readers appear to be enjoying my two novels; I call them "feel good stories for troubled times". Maggie's Retreat is a sequel to Man on The Balcony. Spanish Moss is written but much depends on the success of the other two. I still need to do a painting for that cover.

Thanks for the "clickable link". I so appreciate your interest. Marie Pinschmidt

One day, there will be a remedy to cheer about. I sincerely believe that PTSD can and will be solved; the solution is possibly simpler than we all think. Only research will bring the aforementioned to light.

Thanks for responding Marie ~ I like the ORIGINAL idea as well. I do the same thing with my paintings. But, I have thought about making Lithographs out of a few of the ORIGINALS that I refused to part with, only because people like them so much.

The "ART BLOG" link on your Site did not work when I clicked on it, that is why I wondered if you were working on it. . . . I will definitely let you know what I think of your Novels.

Blessings ~
Rene

Enoch ~ Thank you for commenting. I am glad that you are so optimistic about PTSD. I tend to think the polar opposite. In the case of the troops -- I cannot imagine that anyone could ever be the same after witnessing what they have witnessed.

You've said, " . . . the solution is possibly simpler than we all think. Only research will bring the aforementioned to light." ~ Enoch

I believe, " . . . the solution is more complex than we all think. Only research will bring the aforementioned to light." ~ Rene

But, Enoch ~ I do hope that you are right. ~ l o l.

I live with a VietVet who is 100% disabled from combat-related PTSD (which is how the military differentiates it from other sources). He was a door-gunner in the 1st Air Cav in Nam who got there just after the Tet Offensive. It took me YEARS to convince him that he indeed had this condition so it was some 20-odd years AFTER he got out of the military that he was diagnosed.

The reason why I recognized it and he didn't?

My father suffered from it back when they called it "battle fatique" as a lifer in the US Army and vet of both Korea and WWII...

It will be YEARS before all the statistics are known. You can count on it.

Hi Jean ~ Thank you for adding your inside information. How were you able to recognize the symptoms? And, after the diagnosis, was the treatment immediate? And, was the treatment at all helpful?

It would be nice to know how you personally handled living with your companion's condition. Your last line is quite true . . .

"It will be YEARS before all the statistics are known. You can count on it." ~ Jean

The first night we spent together, Rene, he was sound asleep as I was watching an old, black and white movie on the TV. (This was back in the 70s and all the stations we had were on an antenna so there wasn't much to choose from late at night.) I had the volume down to almost nothing... It was an old WWII movie and, when the "battle" started -- with the sounds of machine gun fire and explosions -- (remember, the volume was almost imperceptible) he made a small noise in his sleep. I reached over to touch him and found him and that entire side of the bed soaking wet from his perspiration. He then began moaning and tossing and turning -- still sound asleep. I got up and turned off the TV and he immediately stopped tossing and turning and sweating.

Further into the relationship, there were other signs: Rages that would take ahold of him for no apparent reason during which he would be totally out of control, a distinct holding back emotionally -- when I would reach out my hand to hold his as we were walking, he would pull away and when something awful happened, there were no tears -- nothing, self-medication with alcohol and drugs, distinct dis-ease in crowds and always wanting to sit with his back to a wall in a public place -- among other "tells".

I went to a local VietVet's organization that existed at the time (no longer) called "Flower of the Dragon"... I went alone because he refused to come... He was in complete denial and told me that VietNam had not affected him emotionally/mentally. I spoke with one of the counselors there and he (also a VietVet) agreed with me that my husband probably had PTSD but there was nothing anyone could do unless he went HIMSELF and sought help. The counselor gave me a little pamphlet to take home that described the symptoms and outlined various ways someone suffering from them could find help.

I took it home and placed it in various places throughout the house where I thought he might idylly pick it up and read it before he knew what it was... But he ignored it.

Years later, after a particularly bad episode with one of his rages, I left and went to stay with a girlfriend. I told him that I would not come back until he could produce proof of some sort that he was actively seeking help for his problem.

A week later, he showed up with an appointment slip in his hand for counseling sessions at a local VA office and asked me if I would conceed to go with him for joint counseling. I agreed and about a week after that, I returned home.

These sessions led to several other therapies and even in-patient stays at local VA hospitals PTSD wards. The doctors began an entire drug therapy program which included tranquilizers and aids to help him sleep.

After many years, the rages have all but stopped and even on the rare occasion when he starts to have one, he realizes it (due to what he calls "tools" he was given at the VA) and catches up on his medication or whatever is lacking at the time and heads them off...

I don't know HOW I've personally handled living with it as long as I have except that I love him and we have 25 years + together now...

I forgot to add that, years after I went to the Flower of the Dragon, he came home from a 2 month stay at a PTSD VA program with the same pamphlet I'd tried to get him to read YEARS before! He said, "I have ALL of the symptoms they describe in here!"

I just rolled my eyes... "No kiddin'?" I said.

Bless your heart Jean ~ I want to thank you for sharing this with us, because this is so helpful. Those who have been in the military (all forces) need a FORUM in which to speak -- online and off line. Your perception/discernment and the strength of your LOVE for your partner are very admirable. I am so glad to hear that your partner did finally go to get help. I am sure there are other spouses, partners, family members, and children of many others who are suffering from PTSD who would like to hear other stories from others on how the PTSD was handled with their loved-ones.

I once worked with both a WWII Vet and a Vietnam Vet who both would have "flashbacks". Every time the company helicopter would land on the roof, one or both of them would totally lose it. The first time I witnessed the Vietnam Vet dash from the Office yelling "the gooks are coming!" -- not sure if I'm using the right word, but it was something like that. His arms would be flailing in the air, and he would run clear out of the building down four floors. The wife of another Vietnam Vet explained to me what was happening with him. In those days, there was a lot of Vietnam Vets who had contracted Agent Orange.

To me it was sad, because the Vietnam Vet was relatively young, and he was very nervous most of the time. A fine lawyer -- both of them. The WWII Vet was an alcoholic. The Vietnam Vet smoked cigarettes one after the other.

But, the other thing that I noticed, is how it affected their relationship with their families. Most of the ones who were suffering from an array of symptoms from War related maladies were divorced. Their wives could not handle "flashbacks", "rages", "alcoholism", "drug usage - and/or drug abuse" -- the screaming, the ranting.

There are also many men and women who have been in the military -- not in War times -- and are suffering from serious traumatic after-effects of the brain-washing, and whatever else happens in there. I personally would never want to experience it for myself.

I admire your STRENGTH Jean. War has a way of breeding "coldness" in those who are in our armed forces. That is extremely sad. No emotion. No feeling. No compassion. And, in many ways, they are dead in spirit. To hear a success story is very promising. Even if it was many years later Jean, I am glad that you shared this with us. You should write a Memoir.

I hope others will share their stories like you did.

HUGE HUGS ~
Your Friend,
Rene

When my father was dying of cancer in Letterman Hospital in the Presidio, San Francisco, because they had been giving him copious amounts of morphine to manage the pain, at one point they put him in the "Psycho Ward" with some of the returning Korea Vets who were suffering the most severe cases of "battle fatique". Every time a car back-fired or the artillery out on the parade grounds would fire, every last one of them dove under their beds... It was a horrible thing to witness.

I wanted to add that the "coldness" is a survival mechanism for our military. These are kids who have been taught their entire lives that one does not harm women or babies or non-combantant civilians. They have been indoctrinated to feel that these acts are the most evil acts anyone could do and that one most assuredly will end up in hell if one perpetrates them. Then they find out in battle conditions that other cultures KNOW this and USE this information against our people. They use young children and women to disguise their bombs. Our people quickly learn that, if one is to survive, one must throw out a lifetime's worth of teaching and morality and shoot to kill those they were taught NOT to harm.

It's a dichotomy that one cannot justify or rationalize in one's mind and THIS, more than anything else, drives our people absolutely INSANE.

Jean ~ It is sad to SEE the after~effects of WAR -- in response to your first comment. It makes one wonder ~ "What is the point of WAR?" -- Everyone SUFFERS from WAR. I agree with your last comment about . . . "It's a dichotomy that one cannot justify or rationalize in one's mind and THIS, more than anything else, drives our people absolutely INSANE." ~ Jean ~ One who KNOWS . . . TRUTH

Thank you so much Jean for adding to this Discussion. I hope that you bless us with some of your poetics and your writings in Artistic Minds® . . . I love listening to what you have to say.

Blessings ~
Your Friend,
Rene

Thanks for sharing

You're welcome April ~ and thanks for stopping by.

Thank you for your kind words, Rene, and your "cyber hug" made my day! :o)

Ah ~ You are welcome Jean. I'm loving this GRAPHIC!  Have a GREAT WEEKEND!

Your Friend ~ Rene

thank you for the article, I am trying to gather together similar ones for a project I am working on.

Hi H M. ~ I'll hope that you'll pop back over here and let us know how your PROJECT is coming along to date.  I'm sure your PROJECT is interesting, as well as educational.

I know all about soldiers caming home with post-traumatic stress.  My brother served 3 tours in Iraq.  And then he left the Army and has been home for a little over a year.  He is staying with my mom and when he first got home, it was a little scary....it was like he was still over there and at night he would be hunting for charlie.  He'd move around the house hiding behind things and yelliing stuff.  It was really scary for awhile.  He now has terrible mood swings...he'll be find one minute and then telling you off the next.  He had told us a couple war stories, but he doesn't like to talk about or want to think about it. 

Hi Adam's Mommy ~ I'm glad you stopped by to share your story with us about your brother.  There are hundreds of stories just like your brother's.

Has you brother been able to get assistance from the VA?  Such as PTSD Therapy, Counseling, proper medications?

I can certainly understand your brother not wanting to talk about it or think about it.  How is your family holding up?  PTSD can be very hard on the family members.

WE look forward to hearing back from you on this important issue.

WE thank you so much for sharing your story with us.

PTSD  is now aserious roblem demanding urgent attention

I agree with you Dr. Saxena. WE will be discussing PTSD in more detail in Artistic Therapy Gather Group.  I hope that you will join us and JOIN IN on the Discussions.

Hi Rene!  Would you consider posting this article in my <a rel="nofollow" href="http://truejournalism.gather.com">Michael Yon Dispatches group?<a>

Just for you Cathi! This is in your Gather Group, and I'm looking around to SEE what you have going on in here.

Sorry it took so long for me to finally SEE your request . . .

HUGS ~
René

Dang, I didn't do a very good job on my link did I? LOL!

Thank you so much for reposting this, René. PTSD is going to be something we will be facing in enormous proportions. We need to be ready. We need to encourage government and the medical community to work harder on helping these men and women. It's growing.

Cathi ~ I'm so very glad that you requested this for your Gather Group, because there is MUCH INTEREST in this topic...from Our Troops ~ to those suffering with PTSD who were never in any of the WARS entered into.

But, yes, you are right about the problem GROWING, and the enormity of it.

Please keep us posted on any UPDATES that you find about PTSD, and THANK YOU for allowing me to share this with your Gather Group.

~ Thanks too for adding in the link below...

HUGS ~

Thank you for posting to the Michael Yon Dispatches group!