Could My Son Have PTSD?

Jan

Could My Son Have PTSD?

Dear Diana,

My son was deployed multiple times. He has not been the same since he has been home. His girlfriend of four years spoke to me privately about his behavior. He screams at her. I did not raise my son to speak to a woman like that. I’m worried something is wrong. Should I talk to him? I know many guys come home with PTSD. Could he have it?

Mary

Dear Mary,

Any mother would be concerned. Unfortunately, PTSD is a very real possibility for your son. In order to properly diagnosis him he would have to see a professional mental health counselor or psychologist. Now the issue is how to get him to see a professional. My suggestion is that you privately sit him down and ask him how things have been going. Do not mention that his girlfriend told you anything as it may cause her more strife. It maybe a good idea to o gently advise him to talk to someone in order for him to vent. The letters PTSD do not need to be said. Encourage him that letting out what he has been through and currently dealing with is healthy. This will not be easy but as his mother you have the right to intervene when it comes to the well being of your son.

Please let me know what happens. This is your first step.

Best,
Diana

brem94 says:
January 31, 2012 at 10:04 pm
Is he still in the military? If so Military One Source is a good option for him and it is confidential and it is free for him. He can also speak to a Chaplain about it and that is confidential as well. The only time they will speak about it is if his life/someone else's is in danger. If he is not then he can still get some help through the VA. You can look to see if there is local support groups for her as well as you for dealing with family/friends that have PTSD. Counseling needs to be with him at first and if possible then have the her and the family come in on it later on. There is going to be good days and bad days and that is something that is going to affect him for a long time.
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Rick says:
February 1, 2012 at 2:32 pm
Therea re thing you persoanlly can do but it's viatal that you contact the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder. they ahave numerousresourses and contacts of people to walk with and assist.
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/where-to-get-help.a…
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John says:
February 1, 2012 at 8:11 pm
The letters PTSD do not have to be sad? What is it, something to celebrate? My forty plus years with it have not been and I don't recommend it to anyone. And don't downplay it like this with touchy-feely words. It is a health/life/family/career threatening illness. If he is this way now just wait a while and watch it grow if untreated. Just get him to a competent mental health care manager NOW.
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William O. Pate II says:
February 2, 2012 at 8:35 am
John,
You misread the word. It's "said," not "sad."
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- John says:
  February 3, 2012 at 2:25 pm
  Well, it makes sense so I won't bother to go back and read it. Thanks for pointing that out to me. The rest of my post is valid. This guy requires help right now, and I think the acronym PTSD SHOULD be used. Not doing so is like telling a guy who has been shot he needs to see a medic but denying he is bleeding. People need to be aware of what others see going on with no punches pulled (possibly unless it is imminently terminal).
  Reply
SSG (RET) Brashears says:
February 2, 2012 at 10:54 am
If your son does not want to go to a VA Hospital for treatment, a majority of them don't, please contact a Vet Center close to you. YOU can also visit a Vet Center and get information to take home. If your son was exposed to blasts, he may also be suffering from a mild Traumatic Brain Injury. These do not show up on CT scans or MRIs. The symptoms of PTS (we have dropped the D), and a mild TBI are very similar. I have had many mothers contact me about their sons and daughters. I pray that he gets help soon. It takes time to overcome being in a war and we are all very "angry" sometimes. Our M/TBI resource Journal is online at http://www.biak.us.
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Michael H Pounds says:
February 3, 2012 at 5:14 am
Concentrate on the symptoms – PTSD is a treatable disorder – the help is available -all one needs to do is ask -
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Diana says:
February 3, 2012 at 3:03 pm
HI,
I think some readers aka John are misreading what I said. I said her son needs to seek counseling immediately but no one can force an adult to get psychological treatment unless he has suicidal ideations or is a threat to others. Without that he has to enter treatment himself. There are codes of ethics and laws that must be adhered to. You can be a social helper meaning add your two sense but when it comes to being a professional helper like a mental health counselor rules are applied. I know the rules. Thanks.
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Thomas says:
February 6, 2012 at 1:24 pm
A number of vets are NOT seeking help for PTSD for fear they'll be put on the government's list of people who are not allowed to buy weapons. The government makes no difference whether it's mild or severe, plus even though the law allows people to be taken off that list, there is no implementation of that provision. Once you're on that list, you're on it forever.
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randy harvey says:
February 20, 2012 at 11:44 pm
hello , i was in the army in 85- 88 was wanting too know if i may have gottin something from medicines or anything which would cause me too not keep a job , seems i have short term memory loss headaches and such hope to hear from you, randy h
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