To find where this originated from explained why they would feel it is necessary to state the obvious. It came from the same Institute producing the works of people like Sally Satel who basically said the veterans with PTSD are just looking for a free ride and they are drawn to the VA out of greed instead of need.
During remarks at the American Enterprise Institute recently in Washington, Tedeschi said some servicemembers found the changes in their lives so profound after combat, they expressed gratitude for having gone through it — even if it cost them permanent physical damage.
Do traumatic events make us stronger? Sometimes. Then again, sometimes the time it happens is just one too many.
Combat's positive effects examined
By Gregg Zoroya, USA TODAY
WARDAK, Afghanistan — Sgt. 1st Class Gregory Frikken says three combat tours in Iraq and Afghanistan have robbed him of precious time with his family, but have also changed him — in some ways for the better.
A sense of personal strength, appreciation for life and love of family have all been enhanced, says Frikken, 39, who directs artillery fire for 10th Mountain Division troops fighting here. "I will never be the same person I was before my combat experiences," he says.
What happens to soldiers like Frikken has led Army leaders to develop a resiliency program that urges GIs to look inward and discover how combat may have made them emotionally stronger.
Research appears to show that many people can emerge from traumatic experiences with greater self-confidence, a keener sense of compassion and appreciation for life, says Brig. Gen. Rhonda Cornum, director of the Army's Comprehensive Soldier Fitness program. Cornum and other experts call this concept post-traumatic growth.
Although the military focuses attention on troops who develop mental health conditions in combat, Cornum says, the majority of war veterans do not suffer post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other problems.
"We never ask if anybody had some positive outcomes. We only ask about this laundry list of illnesses," says Cornum, referring to a battery of health questions soldiers face when they leave the combat zone.
She often alludes to her experiences as a prisoner during the Persian Gulf War. Cornum was an Army captain and flight surgeon in 1991 aboard a Black Hawk helicopter shot down over Iraq. Five of the seven soldiers died. Cornum suffered two broken arms and a gunshot wound to the shoulder, was captured with two others and held for eight days.
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Combats positive effects examined
This is a subject that should not be overlooked in the slightest, I think we have come a long way in addressing this issue but we can go so much further. There are even products out there available to the public that can help victims of PTSD, one of which is some sound therapies offered by Prescription Audio and others. Though these help remedy, it is best to see a doctor and spread awareness of PTPSD so all can receive the attention they deserve.
ReplyDeleteThe problem is these are all repeated studies of studies done over the last 30 years. I only know this because I've been tracking this since 1982. Most people doing these studies need to look back at what has already been done and stop wasting time. This way they can then have the time to find out what has not been done that needs to be done.
ReplyDeletePTSD is not new even though it finally made the news. Vietnam veterans pushed for the research in the 70's. You are right on the "overlook" but start with not overlooking what has already been done.