Grief and Loss Forum - Post traumatic stress disorder

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.

Replies(1)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on June 11th, 2008

Grief and Loss Answer A4264

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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