If you have PTSD raise your hand … or maybe not

I recently watched Frontline’s television documentary called The Wounded Platoon, an investigation that researched the lives of infantrymen after returning home from war in Iraq.

The soldiers of Ft. Carson’s 3rd Platoon, Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry came home from war with psychiatric disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, known as PTSD. The story was more than troubling — it was heartbreaking.

Since the start of the Iraq War, Ft. Carson has seen 17 soldiers face criminal charges for murder, manslaughter, attempted murder and other offenses. Tragically, another 36 soldiers have committed suicide after their return home from war.

Other soldiers began aggressive, violent behavior that included drunken driving and spousal abuse.

Some soldiers, when arrested and interrogated, shared with police stories of killings and other disturbing actions while serving. Some were given dishonorable discharges with no chance of medical benefits to help pay for mental help. Some are fighting homelessness.

One soldier, Jose Barco, is serving a 52-year sentence for attempted murder after a party. Previously, Barco was considered a hero for saving two comrades during a suicide bomb attack in Iraq.

The attack left him with TBI, or Traumatic Brain Injury. In addition, he was diagnosed with PTSD, and eventually took nine prescription medications to help him cope with the many symptoms of TBI, such as anxiety, depression, confused thoughts and overreacting to minor situations.

According to Frontline’s investigation, after the military surge in Iraq, Ft. Carson’s troop diagnosis for PTSD has risen 4,000 percent since 2002; the use of prescription psychiatric drugs became widespread at home and on the battlefield. Some of the drugs bore warnings of side effects such as suicidal thoughts and erratic behavior.

As the VA health system — already overwhelmed with wounded and still-serving veterans of previous wars — has discovered, officials have not been able to handle the consequences of the mental health issues these wars have produced.

There are no easy solutions for treating PTSD and other war-related mental illness.

But first, the stigma of seeking help has to stop. No military person should have to fear being demoted or losing his or her job, or being considered weak because of asking for help. Help is available, but many are afraid to seek it out.

Second, more funds should be directed toward local outreach to veterans throughout the United States. If veterans will not ask for help, we must go to them. Local VA offices and clinics are doing the best they can with small staffs and limited budgets, but our veterans will need long-term care for many years to come.

All our troops have not yet returned home, but when they do, they will face an already overwhelmed medical system. If we have the money to fund wars, we should have the money to take care of the people asked to fight them.

If America wants to say thank you to our military and their families, we should take care of their needs, before, during and after war.

If you are in the military and need help coping with PTSD and other mental health issues, please contact Military One Source for confidential information at 800-342-9647, Suicide hotline at 800-273-8255, Readjustment counseling at 800-905-4625 (Eastern), 866-496-8838 (Pacific) or find your nearest VA hospital by calling 877-222-VETS.Homefront Journal Donna Teresa discusses the stigma and treatment for vets with mental health problems online only at www.montereyherald.com.

via Monterey Herald