Post traumatic stress disorder Posted: 06-10-08 04:32am
I work overseas with the U.S Military and
have bonded and became close friends with
many of the Soldiers. I look up to each
and every one of them. I see first hand
what they deal with and how it effects
them. As with war...every now and then I
see the flag lowered and phones are shut
down, the computer room is empty so no one
will notify family or friends of the
fallen. When I see that...it hurts...I
automatically start to feel like a family
member died and I can't get over it. I
went to the first memorial service they
held here and when they did "1st. Sgt.
Roll Call" I lost it. They call out every
Soldier in that unit and when they get to
the fallen...they repeat his name over and
over and then move on. That time 4 names
went unanswered. I don't want to end up
with PTSD and not be able to cope with
this later. Should I pack my bags and go
home now or what? Most nights I can't
sleep when I know of Soldiers going out on
missions. I'm not sure of what to do or
who to talk to...thanks.
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DoctorAnswer
Doctor Answer
Joined: 19 Dec 2005 Posts: 16777211
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Grief and Loss Answer A4264 Posted: 06-11-08 18:45pm
Death is an inevitable part of the
military service. The people who can’t
accept that fact better not serve in the
military. You are not directly involved in
the military actions so you probably
won’t get post-traumatic stress
disorder. But it is apparent that you feel
compassion with the soldiers you work with
and feel sorrow whenever someone is gone.
This makes you very depressive and
that’s why I can only advise you to
avoid working with the Army.
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