I noticed that a lot of media and publications talk about Vietnam War veterans suffering from PTSD and other psychological/mental health issues.
What was so devastating in this specific war comparing to other wars (i.e. WW1 and WW2) that caused so many vets’ trauma?
Or is it a matter of fact that during previous wars mental health care was less developed?
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I’m not sure how to respond to this in the ELI5 format but I’ll post this and see if the mods allow.
I have severe PTSD from my time deployed from 07-09. I have a lot of issues I deal with quietly and a lot of issues that I can’t control that make me think I’m insane. I struggle with thoughts of suicide every day and I really think the only reason I’m still here is my ego and my kids. There are mountains of issues I have and I’m lucky that most people in my life do there best to try and sympathize and understand. The fact is, they can’t. And I can’t express my feelings well enough. After many years of severe alcoholism and drugs I was able to somehow get a lawyer connect from a gun range that took power of attorney from me. They got me a disability rating at the VA, which is a life changer. I knew I needed to dive in and get help or I was going to be dead. I was given tools and was shown these options while still in the service but it took some act of god and a really amazing person that I really loved to even get me where I am now. I still struggle every single day and I think about death at all times. I can’t sleep for fear of dreams and all I want is to be numb and feel nothing. All this is still after getting help and doing the work to be and feel better. I have the tools. I was shown how to get access. I know, have, and believe in support and still always feel this way.
I will never compare my service to a NamVet that was in direct combat. I don’t try to understand or commiserate. I feel what I went through is pale to their experience. I spent more time deployed than most of them but I would never and can never relate.
They had none of the support I had and were hated by more than enough for their service. We were boys and sent to do a job over something none of us had control over. When you’re in theater, you become what you need to be. When you come home. You are left to deal with that person you became and it’s impossible to understand. I don’t have answers but I will never compare my experience with a combat vet from that war or any other than mine.
I’ve had Nam vets say similar to my experience from their perspective. …bla bla about never knowing your enemy and having to make choices about not knowing if you made a good kill or not.
Maybe it’s just best to not compare trauma and just take care of people regardless. I think we’d all be better for it.
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