Comments on: The Military's Showdown Over PTSD

Battle Between The Old School And New School Methods For Handling Troops' Mental Health

[starleo146]

PTSD is real. One of my friends from high school went into the Army and was in the first gulf war and he seemed ok after it was all over. I saw him again during christmas and he has spent 2 deployments in Iraq. I asked him some personal questions about what was going on over there and what he has done. He has been in some pretty intense fire fights and seen people die and I think he has shot a few insurgents in Iraq, that was my impression. He has nothing nice to say about President Bush and the current administration. He says the people over in Iraq truely hate each other to the core and he believes that only by splitting the country into thirds will solve the problem and dividing up the oil revenue in 1/3 will work. He says the dont want to get along and just wish the other side would all just die and go away. He is not the same person I knew in High School and he is extreamly angry inside and says he cant sleep and is untrusting much more now then he ever was. He has gone back for a 3rd deployment and says next time he comes home he WILL NOT GO BACK and does not care about any of the consequences that may happen. I told him I will always support him and if he need help or to talk I will be there one phone call away or by his side. I have known him since 2nd grade and think and pray for him ever day.

I think Senator Biden said this how many years ago now Gheezzze

[rudy654-2009]

Posted by exaag at 10:03 AM

You must think you are somebody. You aren''t and you are no psychologist. You are full of krapp though. Oh, there is nothing of evidence to indicate that these people are pulling a stunt for a so-called anti-war movement. You are mind controlled follower. Go back to listening to Rush Limbaugh.

[starleo146]

PTSD, no matter Washington says, didn''t they do this during the Vietnam war with agent orange syndrome I think these veterans are still fighting these diseases, I tell you Washington politicians, no wonder we are in such a mess, I say they all should go to Iraq and find out how the other half lives,no benefits for the policy makers

[photogeezer]

Informing the American public about PTSD is not slandering our servicepeople. True, but difficult for politicos to accept, is that whether or not a person has PTSD has nothing to do with the perceived righteousness of the war, on the part of the individual or the society in which he lives. My dad, a WWII combat vet had it; I have it from Viet Nam.

[newsreader2]

It took me 10 years to get a little better after being in Vietnam, finally, after over 38 years it doesn''t bother me hardly at all any more. That was after being an alcoholic, a drug addict, and now I take antidepressants after 35 years of suffering. However, I always held a good job and took care of my family. Nobody cared about Vietnam veterans. Now the younger generation doesn''t even know what it was, let alone Korea or WWII. Time melts away most pain. Once in a while my mind goes back to that beautiful surreal land, the people I knew, the places I went. And sometimes I feel sorry for all the guys that didn''t get to go; due to college, the national guard, a rich family....so many of them. Most of all I think sometimes about the kids that didn''t make it back...we had two 17 year olds in our unit...back in a stainless steel box. I think about all the Vietnamese caught up in a nightmare. My heart goes out to the men and women of the Iraq wars.

[lazy1948]

the number of suicides by vets is outrageously high! something like 240 a day! Apparently the VA cannot or has not helped the vets who have requested HELP from them or ANYONE!! Watching to make sure they do not committ suicide while in your facility does nothing for them when they are released to their NOT THE SAME AS IT WAS life before the war! The true HEROS of America are NOT getting the support and help they need. Too bad the president and his followers do not know the meaning a HERO!! The American armed forces -- Thank God for them!

[adriennej76]

For gammap: There are alternatives in treatment for PTSD other than drugs. Check out the National Center for PTSD website more information: http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/index.jsp

[macusweil]

"now have their opening to engage in back-door slander of the troops while appearing "concerned"."

Hey exaag, maybe you should have been addmited yourself because you''re talk''n crazy!! This not back door slander.

All true Americans respect and honor our soldiers and want to see them treats with great dignity.

What you are seeing is REALLY front door bashing of the failure of leadership provided by President Bush and the Republican party these bast 7 years!!

[adriennej76]

P.S. I now organize with a group called Iraq Veterans Against the War. We''re committed to organizing soldiers and veterans of these wars to advocate for immediate withdrawal and full VA benefits for all returning soldiers. Check out www.ivaw.org for more information.

[starleo146]

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Posted by gammap at 10:01 AM : Apr 18, 2008
+ report abuse

I appreciated your comment,, and to me it is a shame you have to say these things to an American public who seem to want the best for our veterans. This should be automatic, when these combat veterans lay there life and limb down for all Americans nothing should short change these brave troops, They are being short changed and it is appalling to me.It is your commander in chief your representatives that make the laws, and injuries are there last resort to give, and It Makes Me Sick Every American should write to these fat cats in Wash d.c. and remind them how they got there who is paying there salaries and they can be and will be replaced. We are tired of writing over and over again to protect these combat veterans with every means at our disposal. They Don"t get it