I read this site all the time. I do it to keep up with our military and it has been a Godsend. I have never commented.

This is the most intelligent, helpful and accurate thing I have encountered regarding this issue. The people who fight these battles, who do these necessary things are not "damaged." They are quite normal.

When you become aware that there are those who would take your lives, destroy all that you hold dear and believe in, you fight back and do what needs to be done. It's tough to have to kill people to save people, but it is what you face, and please understand that many know this and are grateful. I guess I believe you, our defenders, are the most civilized among us because you understand what is required for civilization to continue, to survive, and you undertake that task.

You are the best of what America is. Thank God for you.

The more people bottle it up the worse PTSD will get, especially for those that seek help from the whacko doctors. Their interest isn't you, it's how much money they can make by convincing you that you need long term care. In a nutshell it's about money baby. The Vietnam war era nut doctors have became millionaire's by convincing people they're nuts. Get home, settle in with the family for a few days. go get on a one night bender and get over it. That's all that is required in the real world.

"I guess I believe you, our defenders, are the most civilized among us because you understand what is required for civilization to continue, to survive, and you undertake that task."

Amen and

"You are the best of what America is. Thank God for you."

Amen

"The more people bottle it up the worse PTSD will get, especially for those that seek help from the whacko doctors. Their interest isn't you, it's how much money they can make by convincing you that you need long term care. In a nutshell it's about money baby. The Vietnam war era nut doctors have became millionaire's by convincing people they're nuts."

First, this isn't about being "nuts". As Grim noted, there are plenty of reactions to time in service that are quite normal. And, PTSD is less of an issue today precisely because we have become more aware of it and the need to address symptoms and issues before it becomes PTSD. In fact, over 80% of all service members will not experience any symptoms or long term effects.

Second, PTSD and PTS are two different things. It is normal to have certain reactions after experiencing long term combat or deployment. Some of it is short term and will go away in short order. That is Post Traumatic Stress. It will effect about 7% to 8% of all troops and can easily be treated or dealt with through normal coping mechanisms.

PTSD is a long term, chronic condition that will effect about 11% of all troops. It is when these conditions last more than six months or are experiencing the symptoms in the extreme. Like not sleeping for three or four nights or going on a "bender" several nights a week for several weeks.

As for our Vietnam Vets, studies do indicate that 30% of these veterans have some or all symptoms of PTSD. Unlike current conflicts, we were not as aware of the potential and did not take steps to mitigate it like having debriefing with chaplains or professionals after certain missions. Our Vietnam Veterans who are concerned that these diagnosis have led to a stigma of "nuts" are rightfully angry because, even two decades later when it became more recognized in society, we did not fully understand and society has a way of rejecting what we don't know.

But, our Vietnam Vets should understand that they continued to serve their nation, even as we waded through these issues. Because of the studies they participated in and the programs they helped develop, many less soldiers, now and in the future, will develop these conditions.

So, I thank them for having the courage to stand up for their fellow soldiers and for being the pathfinders for a new generation of warriors.

and, no, I am not a professional. I am a family member of someone who has the real condition of PTSD. It nearly tore our family apart and, way back when, we didn't have anyone or anyplace to turn to for help. So, I appreciate all those who are willing to discuss it and lift the veil.