PTSD'S war toll: Buddy system helps veterans battle demons

PTSD'S war toll: Buddy system helps veterans battle demons

The military has been slower to deal with mental issues than with physical injuries
Posted: October 9, 2011

By Timothy J. Gibbons
It was a blow getting the letter from his ex-wife, the letter telling George Pappas his kids didn't want to see him.
Not what he needed on top of money issues and roommate strife, on top of back pain and mental issues that came from 22 years as a Marine.
But Pappas has someone he can call, a soldier fighting his own demons.
How you feeling? his friend asks.
"Like s---."
You take your medicine?
"I'm taking it now."
You eat yet?
Pappas tosses some waffles in the microwave, eats them, goes to bed. The next morning, 7:30, the phone rings.
You all right?
It rings most every morning after a bad day, one of his buddies checking on him. Other days, he's the one making the call.
Such support is what many wounded warriors say has helped them through their bad days, the days when nightmares and hallucinations don't seem to stop, when anger and grief and memory flood together, when thoughts of suicide or homicide or simply incoherent rage seem almost too much.

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