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        New Message Board Archives >> 2007 General Board Posts >> War trauma hits later 
        
(Message started by: Annette on Nov 13^th, 2007, 5:48pm)

Title: War trauma hits later
Post by Annette on Nov 13^th, 2007, 5:48pm

Research published in today’s Journal of the American Medical Association suggests that soldiers returning from the Iraqi war may not develop or report Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome until several months down the track after returning home. The study of more than 88,200 soldiers found 4.4% were referred to mental health services during initial screening compared with 11.7% 3-6 months later.

I cant copy the research paper here because its not allowed ( One needs to have a subscription to access it ). However, here is another similar finding:

http://www.newscientist.com/channel/health/mental-health/mg18725143.800-trauma-of-war-hits-troops-years-later.html

This is important to be aware of so that family and friends of war veterans can watch out for their loved ones. Be sensitive to any change in personality and symptoms and signs of depression, anxiety problem or substance abuse so that help can be given early and more effectively.

Just because our loved ones returned physically intact and did not seem to be affected initially, doesnt mean that they wont further down the track. They risked their lives for us, the least we can do is to watch out and care for their health.

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by cash5542 on Nov 13^th, 2007, 6:43pm

I'm reading the boards and watching CBS night news right now. 120 suicides a WEEK from the men and women returning from Iraq. Compared to other wars it is 4 times higher. www.cbs.com and click on night news if you want to see more. Reread Annettes post and pay real serious attention to this. How can we get the VA hospitals to be more aggressive???

Charlotte

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by artonio7 on Nov 13^th, 2007, 7:00pm

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/13/cbsnews_investigates/main3496471.shtml

Here's a page about the warning signs

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2007/11/13/fyi/main3495640.shtml

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by Guiseppi on Nov 13^th, 2007, 7:08pm

It's one of the things we discuss on this board a lot. We all need to make sure we have someone who watches us for the "warning signs" that depression is cycling out of control. Great posts Annette and to Tony for the "what to watch for." I'd hate to think I ever let a friend down by missing the signs. :-/

Guiseppi

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by Mosaicwench on Nov 13^th, 2007, 7:25pm

I have a good friend who specializes in treating PTSD at the VA here in Milwaukee.

His main group of patients are VIETNAM war vets. The theory is they successfully sublimated it all after returning home and keeping busy. Now that they are of the age to retire and have more time to think, they are seeing more and more cases.

We all need to watch out for our veterans. It's the very least we can do.

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by Jonny on Nov 13^th, 2007, 7:59pm

http://youtube.com/watch?v=J7ec8RvgNdQ :'(

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by aloneuk on Nov 14^th, 2007, 5:23am

:'(

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by kayarr on Nov 14^th, 2007, 9:09am

The same signs as the acting out signs of an abused child too. (they also have PTSD) Not all traumatised vets actually committ suicide but the self destructive behaviors are doing it in a round about way.

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by BarbaraD on Nov 14^th, 2007, 4:53pm

Living in a family with several Viet Nam vets I can say that PTSD does NOT go away with time. If anything, the older the "boys" have gotten the more withdrawn they've gotten.

Over the years, we've gotten used to their little "quirks", but they're not the same guys we grew up with.

This "disease" is definitely not something to be taken lightly. The bad part is sometimes the only thing you can do is be there if they need you.

Hugs BD

Title: Re: War trauma hits later
Post by Charlie on Nov 14^th, 2007, 10:00pm

Read about this this morning. Divorce, alcohol and more are more common.

General Sherman was right. War is hell.

We can only hope that these youngsters get some decent help.

Charlie