A community of 30,000 US Transcriptionist serving Medical Transcription Industry
What about Iraq war Veterans committing suicide???
Posted: May 29, 2012
I just watched a TV documentary about new war veterans coming back from Iraq. They say that every day at least 28 veterans are committing suicide. This is truly shocking news. I am wondering if their statistics are really accurate. They say that only 33% are approved to receive PTSD benefits. There is not enough money in their budget to approve all the claims. I used to transcribe Veteran's health care reports and know that there are many mental health cliinics in the South, as that is where I worked.
Anyway I talked to my husband about this as he is a Vietnam veteran. He said when they came back from Vietnam, nobody knew anything about PTSD and as far as he knew nobody was committing suicide either -- at least not in his group of friends. He tends to be kind of macho -- a Man's man. Anyway he thinks that this generation is too soft and coddled by the government and society in general. He said coming back from Vietnam, no one showed them any sympathy or even appreciation for what they had done for their country. I know this to be a fact as you could see on news in 1960's and 1970's how they were treated.
Somehow these men did manage to adjust, becoming family men, working to provide for their families. I am not saying they did not have problems adjusting as many became alcoholics and drug abusers. But society did not encourage them to seek treatment. Instead they buried their war experiences and tried to act normal as was expected of them. Inevitably, for some it was too much to ask -- thus we had divorces and estranged men from their families as they could not cope.
Maybe if these men were allowed to seek counseling and take medication, they could have stayed with their familiies and been more successful in life. It is hard to know what would have happened, but I don't agree with my husband. I think this younger generation is very brave and courageous as they volunteered to go. Most Vietnam Vets were drafted into service.
My point is that we need to take care of these young men and vote for someone who will expand VA Services and provide for their mental well-being.
;
PTSD used to be known as shell-shock, then battle fatigue - been around a long time
[ In Reply To ..]
In the Civil War, it was called - melancholia or
[ In Reply To ..]Soldier's Heart or nervous heart. And just because a lot of the Vietnam Vets were drafted rather than volunteered, are you saying that somehow makes them not brave or courageous? Kinda sounded like it.
Of course not. - Anon
[ In Reply To ..]You are reading something that is not there. How could I possibly say they are not brave -- my own husband is Vietnam Vet. I have many friends who died over there and many old girlfriends who lost husbands or boyfriends to Vietnam. What could be more brave or courageous than that.
My husband voluntarily joined the Air Force and would have been committed to this as long-term, but they kept sending him back to Vietnam. He did 2 tours of duty and figured his luck would run out on 3rd tour. So he was discharged honorably from Air Force.
We are so much more aware of the plight of returning.. - oldtimer
[ In Reply To ..]veterans now in 2012 than we were in the 1960's and 70's due to the computer age and the media. Remember, "War is Hell". The difference I think with our latest wars in the mid east is technology, better body armor, etc. Where in previous wars there were more deaths, today there are fewer deaths and more life-altering injuries, loss of multiple limbs and severe head injuries, not in hand-to-hand combat, not even in actual combat most of the time, rather roadside bombs.
Also, I remember PTSD being discussed after Vietnam and many people looked down on the suffering veterans and called them fakers and cry babies.
I believe that there is nothing more important as a nation than for us to take care of our veterans, period. What a disgrace that congressmen, even those serving very few terms, get excellent health care insurance and retirement benefits for life while our veteran are hidden away and swept under the carpet.
In the event of a national emergency or another event where are troops are deployed to a foreign country, I believe the draft should be reinstituted with no educational, marriage, or any other exemptions, rich, poor and middle class alike.
OK, I'm done.
You wrote a wonderful reply. - sm
[ In Reply To ..]My dad was in the 82nd Airborne during the Battle of the Bulge. He most definitely had PTSD. He was a very angry drunk and used to beat up me and/or my mom during one of his drunken binges. PTSD doesn't only affect the soldiers and oftentimes those who are the closest to a soldier with PTSD wind up getting PTSD themselves. I was diagnosed with PTSD, as well.
During my childhood, he was always mean and wanted to beat up his wife or child. I grew up hating him. My mother died first, and after knowing my father all my life, once he opened up and discussed the war. It didn't take too much to clearly see that he had PTSD. I'm glad we had that chat because only a few years later, he passed away from a stroke, and I was glad that we had the chat we had because I knew then that it wasn't against me and my mom personally. I'm not defending it, just explaining it, since I've learned a lot about the subject of PTSD for the past 20 years.
I feel so bad for family members who wind up basically "catching" the PTSD from a soldier once he returned home. To be able to talk about it helps a lot, but I believe the majority of vets don't want to discuss this horrible disease.
I couldn't agree with your post any more, especially the part where you discuss taking care of our veterans medically. I truly believe our government is short-changing these brave American citizen soldiers.
Either way, I again want to thank you regarding your post. In my opinion, you hit the nail on the head.
Vietnam vets-similarities and differences - PsycheMT
[ In Reply To ..]Thanks for bringing up the subject. I believe there is a noted increase in suicides among the Vietnam vets in later life now. Many of the soldiers serving in Vietnam were drafted and, if sent to Vietnam, were sent for 12 months, and then could get out of service. There was 6 months of training and 12 months of combat. If they saw no combat, they were to serve 24 months. Many of our Iraq vets are serving multiple tours of duty. I believe the more tours, the higher the suicide rate.
Also, I do not think there was the media and scientific "connection" between Vietnam vets and suicide. My neighbor was a Vietnam vet who died from suicide, and there really was no public mention of the fact that he was a Vietnam vet and that he was a suicide. (By the way, he would spend the 4th of July in his basement with music playing through headphones so he could not hear any fireworks.)
Also, in our city, there is a large population of homeless, drug dependent Vietnam vets. Very sad. There is a great effort to help these people, but at this point, many just do not want help.
I have seen President Obama really trying to improve services to vets, unlike his predecessor. Joe Biden has been a wonderful advocate.
...and Michele Obama has made vets and their families - her main priority. nm
[ In Reply To ..].
Thanks, glad I posted this. - Anon
[ In Reply To ..]I am the OP of above message. Yes it is very sad about our Veterans -- whether they are WWII, Vietnam or Iraq. I have been around some Veterans who could not handle loud noises and my husband does not like to sit where his back to people walking through restaurant or bar. He does not like loud popping sounds or crashes. I am very much aware of this and try to help him. There are a lot of Vietnam Veterans who could not function at all after they came home. It is very sad, but I think the government just ignores them most of the time. Yes I believe that Obama and Biden do care and trying to do something. That is better than many prior Presidents did. Don't think the Bush's did much to help Vets.
Similar Messages:
Military Suicides: "Most Of Those Committing SuicideJan 15, 2013
On All Things Considered, NPR's Pentagon correspondent Tom Bowman tells co-host Audie Cornish that the figures represent "active duty and reserve ... the largest portion were the active duty Army; 182 took their own lives in 2012." Tom says the military's suicide problem is a complex one. "Most of those committing suicide are young men, 18-24," he says, who are worried that asking for help will undermine their career. While some of the deaths can be linked to the stresses of bei ...
GOP Senator: “[A Government Shutdown] Would Be Committing Ritual Suicide Sep 18, 2013
[Or as another GOP Senator who supports shutting down the government, no matter how many people it hurts, puts it: “It’s mostly symbolic,” Sen. James Inhofe of Oklahoma said recently. “We want to have something out there so people continue to talk about it.... That’s a way of keeping the issue alive.... Yes, the increasing acceptance of healthcare reform is a problem for them.] A Friendly Reminder That Defunding Obamacare Won’t Stop the Law B ...
700,000 Suicide Bombers Apr 11, 2010
I saw this video on an Afghan newspaper then saw it was on YouTube. Thought you all would be interested. If not, fine. http://www.khaleejtimes.com/DisplayArticle08.asp?xfile=data/international/2010/April/international_April594.xml§ion=international ...
No To Chemo, Yes To Assisted SuicideOct 28, 2009
That Oregon has had State run healthcare for 15 years, this is what could be heading our way ... Our lives in the hands of the government. Wow!Health plan denies Chemo Medicine, but Offers Assisted Suicide instead. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6ojBgTyA7I ...
Robin Williams' SuicideAug 16, 2015
I saw this subject down near the bottom of the board and wanted to say that I saw a report where he had Lewy body dementia also and is very difficult to treat. Poor guy. Probably knew something was happening to him, but hallucinations, etc., aren't uncommon. Sounds very bad. "The report indicates that [Williams] was being treated for Parkinson's and that is one of the features of dementia with Lewy bodies," said Taylor. "Hallucinations are a core feature of Lewy body dementi ...
Father Completed Suicide This WeekApr 20, 2014
She seems to be fine but I can't be sure how she is really doing, you know? She was the one who found him in their bed with the gun in his hand. I cannot imagine. She won't really leave home that much because she says she feels closer to him there. One positive note is that she plans on going back to work Tuesday. We have removed the other gun from her home just in case she gets sad or thinks about joining him but the police have the original gun, not sure if sh ...
Suicide Bomber Attacks U.S. Embassy In Turkey Feb 01, 2013
A Turkish guard was killed but no American was killed this time but how much longer is the government going to pretend these are random acts. Watch the video: http://thelede.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/02/01/video-shows-aftermath-of-u-s-embassy-bombing-in-turkey/ ...
Robin Williams Has Died Of Apparent Suicide.Aug 11, 2014
What a tragic shock! ...
Fascinating To Speculate Who Would Commit Political SuicideJan 21, 2016
No Democrat legislator or governor who wants to stay in office would do it, that's for sure. I'm guessing Sean Penn or Louis Farrakhan. It's a tossup. ...
We Are All Veterans NowMay 25, 2014
This MAY or MAY NOT prove to be true. I hope NOT! Link: http://www.foxnews.com/opinion/2014/05/20/are-all-veterans-now/ ...
8 Americans Killed By Afghan Suicide Bomber Were CIA AgentsDec 31, 2009
At least eight Americans were killed and six others injured when a suicide bomber penetrated the heart of a heavily fortified complex in eastern Afghanistan, according to multiple U.S. officials in both Afghanistan and Washington, and and a Congressional source told ABC News they were all connected to the CIA. http://abcnews.go.com/WN/Afghanistan/american-civilians-killed-afghan-suicide-bomber/story?id=9450037 ...
One Example Of Many. Veterans Furious OverNov 03, 2012
http://patriotsforamerica.ning.com/forum/topics/combat-veterans-for-congress-leadership-in-crises-it-s-about-cour?xg_source=activity ...
In Honor Of Veterans DayNov 11, 2013
"Hating war and supporting veterans are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they go together perfectly." (The Other 98%, Facebook page) ...
Happy Veterans' Day To Our Brave Soldiers And Their (sm)Nov 11, 2009
families, all of whom make such sacrifices so I might be free to express this. I respect you and everything you do for our country. To the families of our fallen veterans, my prayers go out to you. For those of you who are still alive, my prayers go out to you and your families, as well. You have my respect, my admiration and my gratefulness. ...
To Vets And Families: Happy Veterans Day; Thank You.Nov 11, 2009
n/m ...
A Democratic Progressive Love Of VeteransOct 19, 2013
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vaN3mmX2_R0 ...
Veterans Are Livid At Brian WilliamsFeb 06, 2015
Veterans in all branches of the military who have sacrificed to keep America safe are livid at NBC News anchor Brian Williams... www.breitbart.com/.../firestorm-veterans-livid-over-brian-williams-lies/ I used to think he was THE one exception to all the leftwing loons at NBC. ...
Veterans Group Wants Bill O'Reilly Off The AirFeb 20, 2015
Does anyone think there will be the same result? ...
Thank You To All Veterans And Their Families Reading This Forum.Nov 11, 2016
Thank you for your service in honoring and protecting America and her people. Happy Veterans Day and may God bless you always. ...
Today Is Veterans Day. Why Have Republicans Voted....smNov 11, 2015
against every bill in Congress that would benefit our veterans yet still advocate giving more tax breaks for the wealthy and big corporations? There is no excuse for any veteran to be homeless and alone. If we send our men and women to war, our first priority needs to be taking care of them when they come home! ...
Unemployment Rate For Returning Veterans Is 35%. All Who CareSep 30, 2012
(Is sifting the web for stuff to just complain about and try to score imaginary points with, right or wrong, really worth anybody's time?) ...
Dianne Feinstein Evidently Doesn't Know Much About Veterans Mar 09, 2013
She thinks PTSD started with the Iraq War. WRONG! She's old enough to know that this is a new NAME for battle fatigue, shell shock, and other names that commonly occurred in all wars with veterans. Does she really belong on an Intelligence Committee????? She should do some research before trying to put all veterans in the mentally ill group. Heck, she doesn't even know what is considered an assault weapon, so hopefully, her bill won't see the light of day vote-wise. Watch h ...
How America Treats Illegal Aliens Vs. VeteransMay 24, 2014
A government that fails to secure its borders is guilty of dereliction of duty. A government that fails to care for our men and women on the frontlines is guilty of malpractice. A government that puts the needs of illegal aliens above U.S. veterans for political gain should be prosecuted for criminal neglect bordering on treason. Compare, contrast and weep: In Sacramento, Calif., lawmakers are moving forward with a budget-busting plan to extend government-funded health insurance to at lea ...
Democrats Side With Union Boss Over Veterans In VAApr 13, 2017
Firing Offense: Democrats are constantly bleating about the need to better serve the nation's veterans. Yet when it comes down to it, they would rather bow to their union masters than allow the VA to fire workers who aren't doing their jobs. The proof is the Democrats' fervent opposition to a simple reform being pushed by Republicans — the VA Accountability First Act. This bill would let the Veterans Affairs secretary fire someone and not have to wait a month for the person t ...
Ron Paul Calls Out Obama On Cuts To Veterans' Benefits. SmSep 20, 2011
Totally disgusting they want to cut benefits from those who pay the ultimate price. The government needs to honor its contract with the troops. http://www.marketwatch.com/story/ron-paul-issues-open-letter-to-president-obama-concerning-cuts-to-veterans-benefits-2011-09-20 ...
Cuts For Health Care And Veterans But Tax Breaks For NASCAR???Mar 02, 2011
Rep. Betty McCollum is out to get rid of the Pentagon's sponsorships for NASCAR teams says she won't back away from her efforts and, despite GOP resistance, will broaden her fight to repeal tax breaks for track owners, too. In an interview, McCollum said it doesn't make sense to keep the benefits for NASCAR teams and track owners when other cuts are being made to community health care, programs for homeless veterans and Head Start. "I started to look at what is in this large def ...
U.S. Senate Republicans Block Veterans' Health BillFeb 28, 2014
"With Democrats pressing for passage this week, Senate Republicans, backed by their leader, Mitch McConnell, attempted to attach controversial legislation calling for possible new sanctions on Iran that President Barack Obama opposes." "The legislation had the backing of most veterans' organizations, but was doomed by deep disagreements between Democrats and Republicans that have made this Congress one of the least productive in decades. Sanders, an independent who caucu ...
Huckabee And Santorum To Join Trump At Veterans RallyJan 28, 2016
I have opinions about the debate debacle, but this is a very good thing, bringing attention to veterans when everyone is focused on presidential debates, caucuses, primaries, Bernie's ignorance with regard to socialism and Hillary's life as a career criminal. ...
Veterans Prefer Trump Over Clinton And Sanders In Latest Polls.May 29, 2016
Trump will be at a Rolling Thunder rally today. MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN ...
Fox Host's Book Title Implies Swift Boat Veterans Were LiarsDec 10, 2009
Conservatives have long railed against media turning 'swiftboat' into pejorative or 'hate term' As former President George W. Bush attempts to salvage his tarnished legacy, Fox News Radio host John Gibson has eagerly joined in the effort to rehabilitate the previous administration's image. Gibson, the author of Hating America and The War on Christmas, has a new book out titled How the Left Swiftboated America: The Liberal Media Conspiracy to Make You Think George W. Bu ...