I missed this somehow, you know how us young folks are. IMHO a good person can turn socio/psycho/A@@hole based upon the situation and mission if he believes in it. The key is he/she can turn it off when it is not justified. A person with a true mental health issue can not make/or will not make that distinction.Originally Posted by jmm99
Exactly!
I'm wit you!!!
Research says that is difficult and unlikly. One study that supports that shows higher rates of PTSD among LEO's then comabt vets! Emotions are addictive in a sense. Open those flood gates and it is hard to close them again. I'm as type "B" as one can get, but I have been restless and wanting to go back ever since I deployed to Iraq in '03. I think the "instant" mode switcher is a myth or at the very least, very very rare.
Reed
Research proves what researchers want it to prove
and little more.
My estimate is that the number of folks who can successfully make that switch is about 30%. Another 30% are not designed for combat or LE like stress (though many can and will do it if forced with varying MH results) and the remainder can hack it and are generally but varyingly successful in tolerating the trauma. Willingness or ability (desire or wishes have little to do with it) to accept violence is the issue; that simple.
Interesting how those estimates track with the 1/3 Rule on wars...
Joint Chiefs chairman wants PTSD screenings
Looks like universal screening is coming...I'm interested in who the "mental health professionals" will be.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/militar...-12-ptsd_N.htm
The Pentagon's top uniformed officer is calling for all returning combat troops, from privates to generals, to undergo screening for post-traumatic stress with a mental health professional, a move aimed at stemming an epidemic of psychological issues among veterans."I'm at a point where I believe we have to give a (mental health) screening to everybody to help remove the stigma of raising your hand," Mullen said. "Leaders must lead on this issue or it will affect us dramatically down the road."
I am doubtful as to whether this is the right way to go. PTSD screening is based solely on patient disclosure. It is not like a blood draw to look for an antibody, some soldiers have a pretty good idea what they can safely disclose and what they can not to either receive or avoid a PTSD diagnosis.
Reed
Hey Reed,
Not to be the devil's advocate herein, but what exactly is a pretty good idea what can be safely disclosed?
What happens to a returning soldier diagnosed with PTSD? He/She enters rehab, no longer fit for promotion, no longer eligible for yet another tour in Iraq?
I know there were some when I retired who flat out refused to disclose health issues, but that's slightly different when entering the civilian world without sight or hearing. Or is it?
Regards, Stan
If you want to blend in, take the bus
Depends on the field and to a greater degree the chain of command. If the soldier needs a top secret clearance for there job then promotion is certainly at risk. They risk being med boarded out, being sent to the WTU, which on some posts are despised. If the soldier is not sent to WTU or med boarded out, then they are able to return to future deployments, though this was not always the case. Failure to get PTSD treatment will result in long term detriments to physical as well as mental health.
Many educated soldiers are aware that the intrusive memories aspect of PTSD is the key to diagnosis and will withhold disclosure if they do not want the PTSD stigma or falsely disclose it if they are malingering (it does happen, but not as often as some people fear IMO)
The article comment about a therapist being able to diagnose PTSD in five minutes is complete Bravo Sierra, and if I were ever to catch wind of a counselor doing it, I would be slinging HEAT rounds like it was going out of style. Takes a great deal of time to accurately diagnose PTSD and even then it is not an exact science by any means. I hope managed to communicate my points clearly.
Reed
I haven't read the whole thread so forgive me if this has been covered.
Unfortunately, their quality isn't the issue. These programs are usually conducted immediately or almost immediately after returning to CONUS. No matter how important and well-presented they are, nobody cares (at that point). There is usually ample time to conduct these programs during redeployment in country or in Kuwait, but no resources.I'm looking for what social service and mental health programs that exist should be kept, wich can go and what needs to be changed.
Bottom line: The best way to help the returning veteran is to be available for him if he comes for help, not to make him sit through a canned PowerPoint brief when he should be spending time with his family.
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