As 2008 fades into 2009 our worst month ever for fatalities in Afghanistan has ended, 9 soldiers taken from their families and loved ones. All the news media sites radio, TV and newspapers are looking for the newsmakers or the story of the year. Well collectively the survivors of Afghanistan and other trouble spots that Canadians are serving in deserve to be the news makers of the year. PTSD Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is not contained simply to the soldiers serving although they indeed have the highest percentage of sufferers. The Invisible army at home. The wives, husbands, mothers fathers and the loved ones and friends. They too suffer from PTSD>
Post-traumatic stress disorder has made headlines in recent years, but is not new. The disorder has been known to exist as far back as ancient Greece, but has had different names throughout history. In the American Civil War, it was called soldier's heart. In the First World War it was called shell shock and in the Second World War it was known as war neurosis. In the Vietnam War, the symptoms were described as combat stress reaction.
Now, more Canadian soldiers than ever are coming forward to make claims for psychiatric disabilities, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The military ombudsman's office in Ottawa made 31 recommendations in a report on PTSD in 2002. In a follow-up report that was released on Dec. 17, 2008, the ombudsman noted that 18 of the 31 recommendations had not been fully implemented.
This is a poor record for one of the world's most advanced countries. We must make every effort to assist both our military and our citizenry from this disorder. I am sure that even Prime Minister Harper and Defence Minister McKay suffer from some form of this disease , simply by association of their profession.
What about our Medics who see the shattered bodies of soldiers fallen, the Padres even as men / women of the cloth, they must bear heavy burdens.
Our front line soldiers and mentors are expected to go back out in the field, after every ramp cermony. This is very disturbing for most. However as Canadians they go forth and complete their duties. Which is a sign of Canadians wishing to help the oppressed, as peacekeepers, mentors and providers of aid and re education. What is post-traumatic stress disorder? What causes it?
Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is one of several anxiety disorders, conditions where people feel intense, prolonged feelings of fright and distress for no clear reason. As the name suggests, PTSD is caused by a traumatic event involving threatened death or serious injury to oneself. Stressors such as seeing someone else threatened with death or serious injury, or killed, can also cause it.
Some examples of stressors known to cause PTSD include:
Violent personal assaults
Car or plane accidents.
Military combat.
Industrial accidents.
Natural disasters, such as hurricanes or tornadoes.
In life-threatening circumstances, the body goes into a fight or flight response. But when a person continually relives the traumatic event, this response is reactivated and it becomes a problem. So let us pray that 2009 is a far more peaceful year for all our troops, in preparation for return to their homes. From sea to shining sea.
Thankyou to all of our troops and thankyou to their families and loved ones.A special thanks to PE Islander Medic Nanette Black
May 2009 be a far better year for all.
Nil Sine Labore
Robby
