I did 20+ years in military, multiple tours. And I don't have PTSD. And
a lot of soldiers coming back don't either. I'd like to address a couple
of points which I think the public has become mixed up on, with the best
of intentions, but is actually e...
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I did 20+ years in military, multiple tours. And I don't have PTSD. And
a lot of soldiers coming back don't either. I'd like to address a couple
of points which I think the public has become mixed up on, with the best
of intentions, but is actually effecting soldiers chances of returning
to normal life. The first is this assumption "most soldiers probably
have PTSD" is effecting their chances of employment. One of the best
things can happen to a soldier with or without PTSD is to be able to
transition into civilian life... Via a JOB!. Particularly for mature
aged soldiers the assumption they may be prone to PTSD, even extreme
violence or suicide is not doing any favours. Previously, an armed
services background was CV booster, its starting to swing the other way
again. The second is soldier attitudes towards PTSD, too many treating
pensions as a cash cow. Its an unfortunate reality that any system will
be abused by some, and if its easy to abuse that some becomes many. The
boys have the routes, doctors, best psychs to see, advocates and
performances mapped out. I warn them if we overload the system the
government will make it harder to approve, stop indexing or tax the
current pensions (They are starting to do this already)Then the folks
really needing the support will not get it, and we will be back with
vietnam era support= Zero. I also don't like the heavy drug protocols
they recommend for soldiers reporting with any depressive issues. Too
often they start with a mild complaint, go direct to anti depressants,
end up on anti-psychotics with addictions and suicide issues. This is
the wrong direction for treatment! The US is starting to have a strong
look at this and I hope Australia will soon too Some facts on soldiers
which may or may not interest folk. 1. Only 1 in 7 soldiers have combat
related roles. For every front line corps there are 6 cooks, drivers,
medics, bandsmen, storeman, mechanics, dentists, callibrationists, etc.
2. Despite the Middle East being not a very nice place, and the risk of
bombings, Australias role was not high combat risk in this war. 40
something deaths over 10 years still makes it safer than underground
coalmining or offshore fishing. Not less fear no, but not the level the
public assumes either. The facts and breakup of general soldiering do
not support all the claims of "battle and bloodshed'. Most soldiers in
fact will never see or hear of a person being killed in their area
during a 6 month deployment.
PTSD for Medical and First Responders
