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LIFE LESSONS ABOUT PTSD
Dispelling the Myths of PTSD
The Global War on Terrorism has enlightened the world to the problem of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), but it is not just a combat Veterans’ disorder.
As a First Sergeant in the US Army with 28 years of service, I witnessed many PTSD incidents both diagnosed and suspected.
Leaders at all levels, military and civilian, should avoid making diagnoses about PTSD without consulting medical personnel. Even experienced medical personnel find it challenging to diagnose accurately.
I remember one such first-line supervisor I had to correct because he told me one of his Soldiers was faking PTSD to get out of work. He said, “He’s full of shit, First Sergeant, he probably never even saw combat.”
He was shocked to learn that not all PTSD is combat-related. I told him to get the Soldier an appointment at mental health immediately, and never “diagnose” a Soldier again.
PTSD Causes & High-Risk Professions
Although combat and its devastation strikes fear into even the strongest men and women, it is not the only contributor to PTSD.
