Veterans with PTSD are not "victims" but they are survivors

Telethon Benefits PTSD Victims on CBS out of St. Louis got me really upset this morning. The title is the issue, not what the story was about. How could anyone call them "victims" because they have PTSD?

They are not victims. Why does that word keep getting used when we are talking PTSD and veterans? They are survivors. Ever consider what it takes for them to be able to endure that kind of emotional pain until everyone they are with is out of danger and back home? Then maybe you'll be even more outraged that they survived everything in combat only to come home and not get what they need to survive being here because of where they were sent.

People are victims of crimes. Veterans are survivors of war. Both can end up with PTSD but while most practitioners fail to see the different types of PTSD, the great experts point out there are different causes thus providing them with different treatments to offer. The Military Channel is showing Homeward Bound tonight from 7:00 to 11:00 (east-coast time) trying to tell their stories and raise awareness. When you watch, listen to the words and you'll notice how they do not see themselves as victims. Most do not even want to be called "hero" but the truth is, they just don't realize how heroic they were by putting their "brothers" lives first. They survived all that comes with war for their sake. That is the biggest reason they fall apart back home. It is not until then they allow themselves to feel that pain.