As someone who works in mental health and assists military members transitioning into the civilian workforce, it may seem obvious that PTSD obviously exists, but the signs may not be so obvious. What I have observed, in working with service members, is that the “culture of the strong” is alive and well. That means that military members still experience stigma (to some extent from external sources, but also it is self-imposed).
One solution is to recognize the signs of PTSD and then seek professional help.
The following checklist is not exhaustive; it is an excerpt from the National Center for PTSD, Boston, Behavioural Science Division, 1991. When looking at the questions, ask yourself if the response is 1. Not at all 2. A little bit 3. Moderately 4. Quite a bit 5. Extremely
F. W. Weathers, J.A. Huska and T.M. Keane, compiled these questions. Check your responses based on the above ratings.
1. Repeated, disturbing memories, thoughts, images of a stressful experience from the past?
2.Repeated, disturbing dreams of a stressful experience from the past?
3. Suddenly acting or feeling as if a stressful experience were happening again?
4.Having physical reactions (i.e. heart pounding, trouble breathing, or sweating) reminded you of a stressful experience from the past?
5.Loss of interest in things that you used to enjoy?
6. Trouble falling or staying asleep?
7. Having difficulty concentrating?
8. Being “super alert” or watchful on guard?
9. Feeling distant or cut off from people.
The complete list includes 17 questions.
Now look at your responses. If you have many ”quite a bit” or “extremely” ratings, there’s no time to use. Get HELP. Put away your pride. Asking for help is NOT a sign of weakness, despite what the military culture may suggest.
Some resources:
A MUST read by Water Staples, May the healing begin. Written by a former Flight Lieutenant in the Royal Canadian Air Force, psychologist Dr. Staples wrote an insightful book about “powerful strategies to overcome depression and despair.” PTSD is covered in his book. www.doctorstaples.com
National Institute of Mental Health (US).
Canadian army site, www.army.forces.gc.ca
www.MentalHealthHelpline.ca (Canada)
OSISS (operational stress injuries support for dealing with the “invisible wounds” associated with warfare, www.osiss.ca (Canada)
Padres, chaplains, social workers, doctors and psychologists and medics on bases
Peer support from others, such as support groups, who are/have experienced PTSD
CFMAP (confidential telephone line for Canadian military members) www.forces.gc.ca/health-sante
Integrated personnel support centres (various bases across Canada)
One government report in 2007 stated that “some veterans and other individuals with PTSD waited up to eight years before seeking treatment,” (House of Commons Standing Committee on Veterans Affairs, M. Rossignol).
Don’t let that be you!
Take charge and take action!
If your PTSD is severe enough, your employment readiness is in jeopardy.
Melissa Martin B.A., B.Ed.
Bilingual career/social media strategist
blog: webinarcareercoach.blogspot.ca
Linkedin: http://ca.www.linkedin.com/in/melissacynthiamartin
Melissa worked for almost 10 years at Canadian Forces Bases Kingston and Trenton, providing employment services to CF members and military spouses and delivering seminars.
