re-fighting the last war . . . AGAIN!

Below is the link to a very sad article from Newsweek about the psychological impact war has on the individual.
The war never really goes away from those who have been there. This article highlights the affect the current war is having on Veterans of previous wars, Vietnam in particular. I guess they are the living proof that the wars have a lot in common.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/14966290/site/newsweek/

There is only so much a vet can do to distance themself from a past they would rather forget -- but they can't un-see or un-do, or un-hear, or un-feel, or un-taste, or un-smell. It is part of us and we all act differently based on the relative stress levels we endured. I'm no shrink but I have seen people drastically change after some experiences over there.



- Ragin' Ranger Out

PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Battle Fatigue Combat Stress

It's all the same, really. And what sucks the most about it is just how hard it is to prove that PTSD keeps soldiers and vets from having normal lives. It's different for everyone. But no matter what, it sucks for the patient and the patient's family.

The worst scars from battle are the ones invisible on the surface - they penetrate the deepest and they heal slowest.

Vets who are having trouble proving their claim for PTSD should probably consider if they suffer from other possible behavioral health problems that may augment or enhance their symptoms. Anxiety and depression are very common among vets. Both are treatable and both are commonly acknowledged as service connected by VA.

- Ragin' Ranger Out