Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Battle Within

[rainvet]

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: The Battle Within

Knoxville (WVLT) - The 278th is returning from the most prolonged combat operation since the Vietnam War.

The war in Iraq is likely to produce a new generation of veterans with chronic health problems associated with being in combat.

Medical Reporter Jessa Goddard has more on post-traumatic stress disorder.

Only one study has examined the mental health impact of the war in Iraq, but the results indicate the estimated risk for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from service in the Iraq war is nearly one in five troops.

It is a happy time for families of the 278th reuniting after more than a year of serving in the war in Iraq.

"Well, even when you reunite and you kiss and the cameras shoot the pictures, it doesn't mean everybody's alright,” says psychologist Dr. Richard Driscoll.

Combat operations in Iraq are intense; you see the images every night on the evening news.

But soldiers in Iraq live it every day, at risk of being killed or wounded, or witnessing the suffering of others.

"Think, how do you convince yourself that life is safe, that you're alright, when you're experience has taught you that it isn't?" explains Dr. Driscoll.

94% of soldiers in Iraq report receiving small arms fire.

Psychologist Richard Driscoll says PTSD symptoms occur a month after such a traumatic event occurs.

Physical symptoms include: a rapid heartbeat, headaches, stomach aches and muscle tension.

But the emotional symptoms of PTSD can be much worse, frustration, nervousness, discouragement and anxiety are common responses.

"Think of it like this, if you've been face to face with life and death day after day, then how much interest are you going to take about how to make the dinner?" says Dr. Driscoll.

Nothing in life may ever seem the same again to the troops of the 278th.

But the symptoms of PTSD usually become less severe over time.

And studies suggest in the face of combat, most men and women do remarkably well across the lifespan.

There is much that is still unknown about how soldiers adjust to the demands in this terrorism age.

If you have a family member or friend in the military, remember traumatic stress reactions are normal responses to abnormal events.

It's important to try to understand the stressors and traumas experienced by the country's newest veterans.

www.volunteertv.com/Globa...?S=4033716

[crewdogoh58]

Hey Rainvet:
This is Mike,When I got hurt in june 2002 I was with 4/278th out of smyrna Tn.My unit was Troop D (AVIM)Support squadron 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment.I was assigned as a UH-60 helicopter mechanic but worked on all the aircraft assigned to the unit because of my schools.I was looking forward to deploying with that unit because I feel that they are a great guard unit.When I went to the persian gulf for desert shield/desert storm I was with 1-101st Avn Regt. While at the 101st we had a brotherhood between us.And I hadn`t felt that way until after 9/11 when after a 5 year break in service I joined the 278th ACR.

That unit made me feel at home as soon as I showed up.Within 3 hours of my first drill I was replacing both engines in a Blackhawk.There was a feeling of being complete there.And them soldiers REALLY do take pride in what they do.When I was hurt the entire unit was behind me.To include MG Gus Hargett the tn national guard adjuctant general.I want to thank MG Hargett and his staff for helping me when I had no hope at all.Him and the TN National Guard are a credit to this state and to the united states.These citizen soldiers exemplify the best in soldiers active duty or otherwise.

Thanks to all and lets pray for all the soldiers lost from all wars and from peacetime accidents.

Mike