The news reports stories of returning
combatants from Iraq and Afghanistan with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD),
but did you know the first written accounts of battle trauma date back
thousands of years? The written history of traumatic stress begins with ancient Egypt's physicians. Their reports of hysterical reactions became one
of the first known medical textbooks to be published in 1990 B.C.
Twenty-seven centuries ago, “The
Iliad” and “The Odyssey” written circa 700 B. C. parallel accounts of modern day PTSD.
Achilles, the hero of “The Iliad” was undergoing traumatic battle experiences
and suffering stress reactions similar to combatants of the Civil War, World
War I, World War II, Korean War, Vietnam War and the Gulf War. Similarly, “The
Odyssey” describes the psychological state of Odysseus returning home from the
Trojan Wars.
A more current literary figure, Charles
Dickens wrote of his emotional trauma after he was involved in a train accident
in 1865. Dickens wrote, “I am not quite right within, but believe it to be an
effect of the railway shaking.” He summed up his psychological condition: “I am
curiously weak-weak as if I were recovering from a long illness.”
Modern accounts of PTSD—or shell shock as
it was originally coined—began during World War I. After WWII and the Korean
War this term was replaced by war neurosis or traumatic neurosis. The current
name, post traumatic stress disorder, became official in 1980.
After so many years, why is PTSD now getting
so much attention? One reason is there are a growing number of veteran suicides—22
reported daily. The numbers are so staggering one organization dedicated to assisting
our veterans, K9s for Warriors, has started a STOP 22 campaign to spread
awareness. K9s for Warriors rescues and trains shelter dogs to become service
dogs. Veteran and his assigned dog go through training together. This type of
program has been proven successful for veterans battling PTSD. Other
organizations such as Paws and Stripes, Northwest Battle Buddies, and Gunnar Center
are only three of many similar groups around the country dedicated to saving the
lives of both shelter dogs and veterans.
The problem of veteran suicides has
become so dire, early this year the Clay Huntley Act passed the House and
Senate. Here’s a brief excerpt taken directly from the website:
“Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for
American Veterans Act or the Clay Hunt SAV Act
(Sec. 2) Requires the Secretary of
Veterans Affairs (VA) to: (1) arrange for an independent third party
evaluation, to be conducted by September 30, 2018, and each fiscal year
thereafter, of the VA's mental health care and suicide prevention programs; and
(2) submit a report to Congress, by December 1, 2018, and each year thereafter,
containing the most recent evaluations not yet submitted to Congress and any
recommendations the Secretary considers appropriate.
Directs the Secretary to submit interim
reports to Congress by September 30, 2016, and September 30, 2017, on the VA's
mental health care and suicide prevention programs.”
A study from June
2014, published online in Current Psychiatry Reports states: “Veterans are more
likely to take their own lives when they feel they have become a burden to
their family, friends and community, and are socially isolated with little to
no meaningful personal connections . . . ”
The Vietnam War produced thousands of
veterans returning home with PTSD. Their greeting was often unwelcome and as a
result they suffered in silence. Decades later there are still homeless Vietnam
Vets living on our nation’s streets with untreated PTSD. Those returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are welcomed home, but have trouble readjusting. Many are in a constant state of hyper vigilance and depression.
What exactly is PTSD, and what are the
symptoms? Flashbacks, constantly on alert/hyper vigilance, insomnia,
depression, anxiety, anger, nightmares, guilt, associated triggers that induce
flashbacks, drugs and alcohol, relationship problems, social withdrawal, and
isolation. Those with PTSD continue to react to minor stimuli as emergencies
i.e., fireworks, car backfire, flashing lights, noisy crowds.
An Army’s
PTSD training document provided to medical staff in December 2014 reports that
more than half the soldiers with PTSD and other mental health problems still
don’t receive care. When they do seek help, sadly many don’t continue and drop
out of treatment. Soldiers believe that reaching out to a mental health
provider will be held against them by their peers and leaders, and could damage
their careers. If they have families to support losing their career would not
only bring shame, but would remove their source of income and benefits.
If you know someone battling PTSD let them know
you care and are deeply concerned for their well being. Encourage them to seek
help because things are changing and more help is available. This conversation
could save their life.
Bibliography
After years of war in Iraq and Afghanistan, the Army is
overhauling its mental health services. Article
written by Hal Bernton, Adam Ashton,
April 11, 2015 updated April 12, 2015
Congress.Gov – H.R. 203 – Clay Hunt SAV Act 114th
Congress (2015-2016)
Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act signed February
12, 2015
Current Psychiatry
Reports published online, June 2014 Volume 16
Suicides
in the Military: The Post-Modern Combat Veteran and the Hemingway Effect
by Carl Andrew Castro, Sara Kintzle
Post
traumatic Stress Disorder: A Chronological Account written by Kevin Roberts, Ph.D.
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