PTSD and Compensation; What is my worth?

Just Sara · ‎04-04-2016

With ANZAC Day coming up, I'm reminded of how WW1 and the signing of the Armistice Treaty is a metaphor for the PTSD symptoms I've suffered from early childhood, but more-so of my worth and value. As we all know, the treaty was signed on November 11, 1918. (11:11) But few are aware of the process that took place afterwards. Representatives of allied nations gathered in a conference room to draw up a document outlining the Conditions of Peace. They spent many weeks debating compensation and aid to specific countries along with many other issues. But the main subject that couldn't be agreed upon was 'The Worth of a Soldiers Life'.

After all issues were dealt with, how much compensation to pay the families of those lost in the war kept these representatives at a loss. Many gave up and the few that were left, tried desperately to sought out what a soldiers life was worth. Questions had to be answered;

Rank
Marriage status
Gender (Nurses for instance)
Were they an only son/child
Age
How many children did they have

They eventually agreed on an amount (the same for everyone) and the process was done. That compensation was only for those killed. For the poor souls who survived the war, left to deal with PTSD and the affect it had on their families, there was little if any money.

It seems ironic the term 'soldiers life' relates to their death and worth to those at home. Those left behind alive also had a life torn from them.

As a 'survivor' of sexual atrocities, physical trauma, physical and psychological abuse and extreme bullying in the workplace, I can say without hesitation, compensation isn't always available. But sometimes it is; only if I complain and follow it up.

So what is my worth? What are the questions that need to be asked about my life and what I've lost; what could have been? Or is my value about something else? Is it what I'm worth to others or to myself or both?

It felt good to write this. I'm embarking on legal action for compensation. These are some of the questions that need to be asked to identify the worth and value of my loss and what I was put through. I guess what I'm trying to say, is that I'm worth fighting for. I needed to realise that.

Cheers...Dizzy xx

pipsy · ‎04-04-2016

Hi Dizzy@home. My name is Lynda. My dad was a returned soldier from W.W 2. His experience both before, during and after left him a chronic alcoholic. No compensation, he died at the young age of 56. I was in N.Y a few years ago, while there I went on a tour of the city. During the tour we were shown where the hospital had been that housed the survivors of the Titanic. It's interesting to note that while we were being told about the survivors, White Star line, the owners of the ship did not pay compensation in any way. White Star line never reimbursed them for hospital expenses, death duties were the problem of the families. I hope you will be able to be recompensed for pain and suffering. I might add here, we further visited England and were informed White Star never even apologised on behalf of captain or crew for the tragedy.

white knight · ‎04-04-2016

Hi Dizzy and Pipsy,

Good topic because it raises hurt and injury. Taking legal action is your right and your choice. However it has become harder and harder to do so.

The other side of the coin is fraud. Fraud in the injury world is rampant and insurance companies have no other choice but to investigate honest and accurate claims against ones not so. This means medical scrutiny and commissioning investigators to seek out the truth thus limiting payouts.

Unfortunately this means that the honest worker (claimant) gets investigated to. Being followed around all day being filmed isn't a nice feeling when you realise it but it has to be done. I was such an investigator for 18 years (5 year sin the 80's and 13 years in the 2000's in my own business).

A democratic country has its positives but it also has downfalls. Genuine people that are honest aren't always treated fairly. I can think of two cases as well as my own. The "Paddington bear affair" and the "colour TV affair" in the 80's were two cases whereby politicians tried to bring in those items through customs and wanted preferential treatment. Two customs officers ended up with psychiatric impairment due to pressure being applied for them to turn a blind eye- terrible. One such officer never left his flat ever again. Justice was never done.

In my case the same thing. Preferential treatment to a politician and I fought back. Thought I had a heart attack and thankfully "only" a panic attack. Doctor wouldn't let me return to work. The media got hold of it and councillors told lies about it. Lucky I had written evidence to prove they told fibs to the public. My fight took 10 months and I lived it 24 hours a day. Honourable it may be but honour doesn't make up for the hurt and injury. Had my time again I'd find another job...simple as that.

So whatever your choice go for it. Be aware of the long hard road ahead and prepare loved ones for it to. And try not to make it envelope your whole life. Worry wont help you. Chilling out and let the legal process proceeding its own time will. Attend to issues as your lawyer contacts you, not what if's or when will this happen and that... the legal machine runs slow cogs.

Good luck. Honesty and integrity will win in the end.

Tony WK

Just Sara · ‎07-04-2016

Hi Lynda; thank you for your reply...very interesting. It seems history is full of similar stories and our current mental health system even more-so. I'm sorry for your loss in regards to your dad, but also for you and your family and what you all must have gone through.

You bought up a very important issue; saying sorry. I remember one meeting at work, sobbing through the words; "I just want someone to say sorry" Of course the answer was a generic one that never addressed any wrong doing by anyone from any pay-grade. I cried the day Kevin Rudd declared our 'Sorry Day' for Indigenous Australians torn from their families. Part of my PTSD relates to the absence of an apology. I'm learning to focus on me, but it feels like I'm letting them off the hook; just like the White Star Line.

Thank you again for your post...Dizzy

Just Sara · ‎07-04-2016

Hi Tony WK; your post was thought provoking. It's good to hear from someone who can express both sides of the coin. Like you I've collected quite a large component of documents, but when I first claimed Workcover, I had no idea of how to prove my injury was work related. The main issue of contention was my inability to communicate due to overwhelming psychological affects. My confusion and ignorance of how far managers would go to prove otherwise and my belief that truth equals fact ended in my claim being declined. I've since been medically retired by the dept. and have spent this time in recovery; still trying to find the courage to face an appeal. I don't have much time left, and feel 'under the gun' in this respect. Solicitors have said my case is too complex, so I'm left to create a case myself to hand back to them for legal process.

On one hand this is therapeutic, and on the other the triggers have been debilitating. I have the skill to do a comprehensive and evidence based report, but fear of consequences and facing my abusers yet again, has me frozen. I can show documented evidence of abuse of power and the like, but proving my illness exists isn't as simple as showing an x-ray or blood stained clothing.

My psychologist feels I need to do this; win or lose, to finally turn and face something I've avoided my whole life; my anger. The rage I feel inside is so frightening. She explained anger needs to be expressed in a positive way and given an outlet. I realise creating a case and writing a report will allow this to happen, but it's facing the memories of helplessness and fear of repercussions. Having to read the disgusting lies and BS within the statements about me is horrible. To do a worthy critical analysis I have to face those words. It's like being re-traumatised over and over.

Anyway, I appreciate your input. Hopefully my tears will give way to some well earned screaming.

Cheers...Dizzy

white knight · ‎09-04-2016

Hi again Dizzy

I can disagree with your psych about having to go through this trauma to lay it to rest.

That's subjective IMO. Depends on the individual. For me time is the best healer. Also motivation knowing you did your best and finally accepting that humans through their bullying and antics, lying and so forth are everywhere.

I found a belief- if you cant beat them, get away from them...and relocated to the country and worked on my own. I hope you find your own solution but in time it will be only memories...and its less traumatic and less cost. That just my view for what its worth.

We are here for any support.

Tony WK