The doctors with their swabs and theories didn´t understand.
They probably do, but they dont want to let you know (my very own theory).
That is why I THINK that it is crucial to let soldiers that really suffer from these deseases stand square in front of their comrades and tell their story.
In MY mind that is the only way to get to the core of the problem with most of these cases.
Stand eye to eye with someone who LIVED it the same way you did and talk about it.
If you got the guts to talk to shrinks and medics about your experiences talking to a fellow vet from the same campaign would be a breeze.
I think youre right here: A bit like AA, just understanding and listening to others that deal with the same stuff can give you orientation and direction (though rarely cure you (?) ).
One of the biggest problems right now is that you have fobbits claiming PTSD soaking up resources that should be used on people that really needs them.
As cruel as it may sound, but the numbers speak *for* them, the overall economic damage is way lower from PTSD suffering vets than e.g. from the one of people that develop lung cancer. And, as today "The Market" rules undemocratically (nobody elected him after all), thats where any government will direct its attention to, vets problems dont make up for deficits.
I rarely speak about these things infront of civilians for the same reason. They can never know or understand.
I have come to know a lot of civilians that suffer from the same, though sometimes for other reasons or in other contextes, but basically the same illnes (acccidents, diseases, medics, doctors, NGO workers, photo journos etc.). What I find is that they need way longer to realize where their suddenly appearing symptoms come from as the civilian doctors are not trained to look and understand those connections that sometimes reach years back. Initial mistreatment hence is not uncommon, and it is more present than in the mil world.
Anyway, all people suffering or trying to deal with PTSS deserve at leat the same understanding/support that an alcoholic gets, and this is not often the case: I know of people in struggles with VA for years, and with their disease progressing.
FWIW,
Rattler