Statistics are already being released showing a MAJORITY of our troops are suffering from PTSD.  But, like a lot of us who served in Vietnam, they hold it inside because of the stigma attached with seeking treatment.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20080430/ts_afp/ushealthmilitary

My work on the subject of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is in its second year now.  I've interviewed, exchanged email and had communication with hundreds of fellow vets.  A common response has been:  "I held it inside because I didn't want to be branded "insane."  So many suffered for so long.  Some for over 30 years. 

I finally sought treatment at a veterans center a couple of years ago.  It's still difficult to admit the problem.  I've always known deep inside that I had issues with what I saw and did in Vietnam.  I have learned through my conversations with other vets that Corpsmen and Medics tend to have "special" conflicts and damage because of the unique perspective of a "non-combatant."

We are, as a rule, "healers."  The violence and bloodiness of combat goes against the very nature of people who want to stop just those two things.  So, there is the trauma of combat multiplied by the stress of trying to overcome its consequences multiplied by the psychological pressure of wondering if you did enough or if you could have done more or if your training was sufficient for the job you were trying to accomplish.

I talked to another Vietnam Corpsman who participated in a "Corpsman Only" group at his vet center.  He said it helped him more than anything he'd ever done.

I haven't been in such a group but I can understand how it would be good therapy because the key to coming out of the dark cave in which PTSD sufferers dwell, is to finally find someone to talk to about what's in there with us.

But how can you talk to anyone about such things?  In the mind of every victim of PTSD is the thought that he or she is somehow alone in the world.  Nobody "understands."

In a way that's valid because each case is unique.  But I have found that there are common threads and those can be the "twigs" to which the falling victim clings to avoid plunging into the precipice.

There will be decades of consequences to pay for the acts of this arrogant and incompetent leadership.  The PTSD "monster" will leave other victims in its path of devastation for generations.

Nobody can turn back the clock.  Nobody can retroactively grant wisdom or competence to Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and the rest.  Nobody can give peace back to the minds of these brave Americans who will suffer for years.  Nobody can give back the lives to over 4,000 who have sacrificed all.

There are those, and one in particular who will probably respond to this blog, who call those of us with PTSD cowards.  Cowardice is what kept Cheney from serving.  Cowardice is what kept "Georgie" out of Vietnam.  Cowardice is what has kept our representatives in Congress from standing up to these monsters for all these years.  But cowardice is NOT something which should EVER be attributed to a PTSD victim who served honorably and bravely.  PTSD is REALITY for too many because of policies which were made by cowards.

My advice to returning vets:  Seek help.  Take advantage of the VA's treatment centers.  Don't be afraid to admit you're suffering.  Don't do what I did and let your best years fester away when they could have been so productive. 

I assure you this:  YOU ARE NOT CRAZY.  You DO need help.  Listen to that voice deep in your soul that wants help not the one telling you that if you go for help, you're just admitting you're weak.

Weakness and PTSD are linked ONLY by those who suffer PTSD.  Those who treat and understand it best know that it takes more strength to reach out and try to regain that grip on reality lost during combat.

I may not be able to help personally but ANYONE who is suffering and reading this can feel free to contact me.  I don't hide behind funny screen names or phony "patriotic" tags.  If conversation will help, I'm here.  If more is needed, I can put you in touch with experts who know enough to help. 

Whatever you do.  Don't hide in the cave for 40 years like I did.  It's a giant waste of your talent and intelligence.  Semper Fi and good luck!