Date Posted:Sun, September 07 2008, 23:18:31 Author:Harry Larsen Author Host/IP: 75-172-65-200.tukw.qwest.net / 75.172.65.200 Subject: Re: Advice for the Troops coming home from Iraq/Afghn In reply to:
Don Poss
's message, "Advice for the Troops coming home from Iraq/Afghn" on Wed, June 25 2008, 16:29:13
I'd tell the returning vets NOT to forget the bad memories. Write them down or record them. Revisit them now and resolve in your mind that you are OKAY, regardless of what you may hear from anyone else outside your family.
I say this because if you do not do it now and you "stuff it away" or try to forget it, then you're VERY likely to have a bout with PTSD at some time in the future. Maybe a year after you return, maybe five years, maybe ten years down the road. If you really want to avoid the worst of it, then come to terms with it early.
If you already have PTSD (and some estimates amongst returnees is 30% will suffer from PTSD) then DON'T be ashamed. Don't think you're crazy. Don't ignore it. Do seek counsel and HELP YOURSELF. No one is going to do it for you.
