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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 8 of 8. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by badhaircut on December 17, 2004, at 9:15:30
There's a thing in Wednesday's New York Times about the flood of U.S. veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan that is going to overwhelm the mental health service -- for decades to come, it says.
One advocate says, "There's a train coming that's packed with people who are going to need help for the next 35 years." Another expert says, "I have a very strong sense that the mental health consequences are going to be the medical story of this war."
Problems include PTSD, depression, self-doubt, and more survivors with severe physical injuries.
The article is at: http://www.nytimes.com/2004/12/16/national/16stress.html (registration required; the piece should be available free for the next 5 days)
Posted by Daisym on December 17, 2004, at 10:43:51
In reply to Iraq vets and mental health, posted by badhaircut on December 17, 2004, at 9:15:30
Maybe the high demand will help fix the insurance system and finally moved toward parity.
OK, I can still hope...
Posted by 10derheart on December 17, 2004, at 13:14:06
In reply to Iraq vets and mental health, posted by badhaircut on December 17, 2004, at 9:15:30
Thanks, BHC, for thinking to post this. I haven't had a chance to read it yet, but I'm sure I will do so with great interest. As a veteran of 22+ years in the Air Force, I have an extra-extra special place for these folks in my heart. I was never in harms way, although I volunteerd like crazy back in the early 90's after the Khobar Towers were bombed. Not what the Creator had in mind for me, apparently.
I wonder if the article draws any special distinction about this war and these issues, as opposed to WWI, WWII, Korea, Vietnam, Gulf War, etc.? Or is it just so many, so fast, so young all at once? Although with Vietnam, sounds the same in many ways.. I would think, with the horrid injuries and experiences in every war, this is always an issue. Just maybe there's more willingness to bring it into the light - and do that fast - than before. That attitude might have helped surely the Vietnam era folks and others, too.
I don't know. I just know these people suffer more than we know for longer than we can imagine for their country and all of us. I hope to God there's a way they can get the care they need.
Guess I shoud read the article before speculating any more... 10derheart
Posted by Smeegle on December 19, 2004, at 23:29:01
In reply to Re: Iraq vets and mental health, posted by 10derheart on December 17, 2004, at 13:14:06
My son has not been the same since he got back from Iraq last year. He went over when the war (Enduring Iraq Freedom) first started and was caught up in Nasariyah battles (including his unit participating in the rescue of a certain soldier). Anyhow, he saw many things that a typical 19yo is not prepared to see and did many things most of his buddies back home could never comprehend. He has seen death and destruction. And it stays inside him. He does not talk about it (and we were advised not to push him too...could cause more harm than good. He seemed to have been able to discuss it with his fellow Marines, but since he was discharged he no longer has that network to fall back on). He has just now accepted that he needs help. He didn't know that there was really a name for what was going on inside him. The mentality is that Marines don't ask for [mental] help. Never show a sign of weakness. With no insurance now, getting him into counseling is quite a struggle, but we are getting there.
For anyone with a loved one who is or has been in war, know the signs of PTSD and insist (and keep insisting) that they get help. It may take a while to get them to acknowledge that they need it.
Smeegs
Posted by badhaircut on December 20, 2004, at 7:32:56
In reply to Re: Iraq vets and mental health, posted by Smeegle on December 19, 2004, at 23:29:01
Sorry to hear about your son. It's really too bad he's kind of isolated now.
> With no insurance now, getting him into counseling is quite a struggle
Is it that the military won't pay for him to see someone unless it's at a VA center or something? That's an outrage! Clearly his need for counseling comes from his marine experiences. It angers me that the Pentagon won't take responsibility for treatment. Even Workman's Comp does better.
Posted by Smeegle on December 21, 2004, at 19:33:18
In reply to vet benefits? » Smeegle, posted by badhaircut on December 20, 2004, at 7:32:56
It was only after his discharge that his problems came to a head. It may take some time, but we will get him the help he needs, with or without their assistance. I am keeping all the articles that are being printed recently (NY Times 12/16; People 12/13, etc) about PTSD. Most of these articles seem to indicate that even if they recognize that they are having symptoms, asking for help is (indirectly & subtly) discouraged and considered a weakness. On the surface they make it look like they are on top of it, but they aren't. Heck, most of these kids don't even know what hit them until something drastic happens.
Posted by just plain jane on December 27, 2004, at 18:28:27
In reply to Re: vet benefits?, posted by Smeegle on December 21, 2004, at 19:33:18
I am a veteran with PTSD. I receive counseling with a therapist and have sessions with the psychiatrist as needed, at the closest VA facility, which, for me, is 98 miles away. It is well worth the 2 hour trip and the time spent dealing with the procedure at the VA medical center.
I live in the sticks, which is why I have so far to go. Your son has the same benefits due him as any other honorably discharged veteran.
May I suggest he go to the nearest VA facility and look into his mental health care options? He will most likely find there are many veterans there like him.
The VA is now in the hands of the Vietnam era Vets, for the most part. Most of them have a clue about PTSD.
By the way, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder usually doesn't rear its ugly head right away. That's why it's called Post Traumatic. And, if he doesn't tend to his psychological needs now, he will undoubtedly be in considerably worse shape keeping it inside the longer he goes.
I have Viet Vet and Gulf War Vet friends I have helped get into the VA mental health system, and recently convinced a crusty old World War II Vet to go get enrolled and get into mental health counseling. He had to try a couple different therapists to find the one at the VA who "fit", but he persevered and is already glad he did. None of my friends has been regretful for seeking help.
The media is not the place to look for information. Veterans Affairs is. Yes things can take time, but it is time wasted the longer one waits to seek help.
just plain concerned and know where i've been jane
Posted by just plain jane on December 29, 2004, at 8:26:39
In reply to Re: vet benefits?, posted by Smeegle on December 21, 2004, at 19:33:18
http://www.military.com/NewsContent/0,13319,FL_vets_122104,00.html
Please check this article out. While it first appeared in the Miami Herald, Military.com has reprinted it, which is a confirmation.
Military.com is a good source for trustworthy information, links, connections, and has forums for all kinds of interests/needs.
I recommend veterans (and active duty personnel) check out Military.com and find the area(s) of their interest. It can be of great help in finding the directions to go for VA help.
jpj
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