Combat PTSD

PTSD first came onto the radar screen as Shell Shock in soldiers. Combat issues are one of the most common triggers of PTSD, and no wonder. The things that our soldiers are forced to see and do are horrific. Yes, they sign up to be soldiers, and in America, no one is forcing them. But the truth is that combat is tough, no matter how prepared you think you are. You see things that humans are not supposed to see. God designed us to GIVE and NURTURE life, not take it away.

Not every soldier in combat will contract PTSD and that is a blessing, and there are some things that we and they can do to try and prevent it. First of all, the soldier needs to go prepared. He/She needs to know that it will be hell, mentally prepare for the worst. Second, the soldier needs a good base back on the home front supporting and praying for him/her. Having people to talk to, to correspond with, people that will let you just talk. Bottling the experiences up is one way to increase your chances of having to deal with PTSD. We need outlets, all humans do. Also, reports and studies have shown that physical fitness is also a good preventative measure. Endorphins are amazing things, make use of your body's own defense mechinisms.

Even if you take preventative measures there is still a high chance that you (or the soldier you love) will have PTSD. The first thing that soldier needs to know is that having PTSD doesn't make him weak or less of a soldier. It isn't something that he can totally control. SEEK HELP. The military is getting much better (there is still a long way to go) at positively dealing with PTSD.

Refer to my previous post to look up the signs of PTSD. If you or a loved one have even 1 of these symptoms then SEEK HELP. There is no shame in wanting to talk to someone, and better safe than sorry. PTSD if not treated has been linked to numerous suicides, homicides, substance abuse, it causes the suffer to sometimes act irrationally and take out his/her pain on those they love and cherish. But, with the proper help this can be dealt with.

PTSD doesn't have to plague you, and as a soldier you can overcome and go onto having an amazing military career, it might even help you be a better officer, because you know what it is like and how to recognize the signs in those you command. If it is a loved that has the disorder, than you too can talk to a counselor or read some books (I'll be posting a reading list tomorrow) and find proven methods to help them.

YOU DON'T HAVE TO SUFFER ALONE! THERE ARE THOSE OF US THAT LOVE YOU AND WANT TO HELP!
*Paige*