The Tragedy of PTSD

Not everyone does, however, and we have a few predictors that may shine some light on who suffers from this and who doesn't. When I was working with Vietnam veterans (which I still see some on a regular basis), I learned that about 24% of them suffered from some form of PTSD. Considering the massive amount of soldiers who were deployed to Vietnam between 1964 and 1973, 2,594,000, that comes to more than might anticipate, more than 700,000.

But, you might expect all of them to have suffered horrible experiences and terrible nightmares. Not everyone did, but the ones that suffer the most seemed to have a common thread; they often didn't have a solid social network to welcome them home, and many had abusive childhoods.

Again, this isn't true for everyone. But it is true enough for too many.

Many people, like Joseph Dwyer self medicate. Anything to make the thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares and fears go away. Unfortunatly, many PTSD sufferers also die like he did too. That is a horrible shame. He was a hero, and there are many more heroes like him who needent suffer.

What can be done? There are trauma specialists who can help. I offer a very large discount for returning soldiers who need help. Sure, they can choose to go to the VA, but sometimes they don't want to, or fear government agencies.

Whether it is finally telling the stories, getting support without being questioned, medications or Relaxation Training there is a wide array of tools that the professional who understands and is trained in working with trauma victims can use to help.

If you have PTSD that is untreated, or you suspect someone is suffering from PTSD and hasn't gotten help, try to find a specialist in your area, or call the local VA trauma unit and see if they can offer you some names.  But try to get them help. They aren't alone and there are professionals who know how to help them.

Diana Walcutt, Ph.D.

Licensed Psychologist

The Stress Masters