FORT BRAGG, N.C. - Not all traumatic experiences lead to symptoms or a diagnosis of post traumatic stress disorder.
PTSD is a condition that develops after exposure to a traumatic event in which the individual either experiences something that potentially could have caused their death or they witnessed a death or severe issues associated with that exposure, said Col. Edward Crandell, chief, Department of Behavioral Health at Womack Army Medical Center.
One of the biggest misconceptions about Soldiers serving in combat is that they will grapple PTSD after returning from downrange.
"Not everyone who is exposed develops PTSD, so there are some things about an individual in terms of their resilience and their coping skills that allows them to get through that event, not necessarily unscathed, but without developing the symptoms of PTSD," Crandell said. "We know, for example, that in a combat environment, highly effective unit leadership is a protective factor for PTSD. If a Soldier has confidence in his skills and the skills of his leader, he'll be less likely to develop post traumatic stress disorder."
Sergeant Jatavis Fuse, of the Headquarters Support Company, 82nd Aviation Support Battalion, said leadership could make a difference in whether a Soldier develops PTSD. Fuse has served in both the Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom campaigns.
"If they (leadership) have been through multiple deployments, they know what to say and when to say it to help a Soldier," Fuse said.
A Family has expectations about the Soldier's reintegration, which can be stressful, he added. But, leadership helps Soldiers deal with those expectations.
Family members are often the first to notice symptoms of PTSD, said Crandell. Symptoms appear in the form of nightmares, anxiety, depression, the overwhelming fear that something is going to happen or impending doom, isolation or a change in behaviors associated with sleeping or drinking alcohol.
"Problems can occur 30, 60 or 90 days after the Soldier comes back and find things are not going the way they would like for them to. Initially when a Soldier comes back from redeployment, there is a honeymoon phase where everything is fine, but after 60 to 90 days, problems begin to surface and the Soldier begins to experience challenges," Crandell said.
Soldiers can seek help through chaplains, Army Community Service, and the departments of Social Work and Behavioral Health at WAMC. Help for 82nd Airborne Division Soldiers can be found at Robinson Health Clinic.
Psychologists in selected primary care clinics are available by referral to Family members.
Prior life experiences and previous exposure to trauma are determining factors as to whether a Soldier will likely develop PTSD, but early intervention is key and makes it easier to deal with issues associated with the condition, Crandell said. Treatment options are highly individualized and may entail group or individual therapy, support groups or medication.
"Consistent with the demand, we've seen an increase in staff and we can expect that they will continue for the immediate, foreseeable future as the Soldier continues to deal with the stresses of a very difficult and protracted war," said Crandell.
The Army has proactively sent teams into Iraq to observe, interview and survey Soldiers in combat about all behavioral needs.
"Recovery for PTSD is not only possible, it's highly probable. Individuals assume that it's a diagnosis that means the individual cannot recover or learn how to function again and this is simply not true. People do get better; (they) are able to return to their normal, daily activities," said Crandell.
Social Sharing