|
Author
|
Topic: Reservists with PTSD
|
tatonka
Veteran Member
Member # 143
Rate Member
|
posted 27 June 2021 12:11
I'm trying to develop a TV documentary for CBC Newsworld about reservists with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the treatment they receive (if any) from the military. I'd appreciate any help readers can offer.It's my impression that the military could and should be doing more to help reservists post-deployment. When it comes to PTSD, it seems the system is geared towards helping full-time soldiers only. Reservists are on their own hook to obtain a PTSD diagnosis (from a civilian specialist) in order to qualify for treatment/benefits. It seems this is easier said than done. Am I on the right track? Are there, in fact, a significant number of reservists/ex-reservists deprived of the care they need because of the system's inadequacies? Any anecdotal evidence/contacts would be appreciated and, if sent directly to me, treated with confidence.
Posts: 4 | From: Calgary | Registered: Jun 2000
|
|
Annette
Veteran Member
Member # 4
Rate Member
|
posted 17 July 2021 21:02
Sir,I want to respond to your topic, concerning PTSD.Maybe I cannot help you at all, but in the Netherlands we had to fight a small battle to convince the DOD that they should take care of their soldiers in a better way than they were used to do. It started when our son came home from Bosnia.Very sick. They found that he suffered from a new type of hepatitis.He became sick in Bosnia,but up until now they will not take responsibility for his illness. On top of that he suffers from PTSD. Starting in 1993 when the DoD started to send soldiers to Bosnia this PTSD became more and more a problem. After a talkshow,in which some a the soldiers had the courage to speak up,it took a very long time to change the reaction of the DoD.But there was pressure from the public in Holland.Now we have a veterans institute,but it is not working 100 percent. Because the "normal"hospitals do not know what goes on in the military service, they cannot help the soldiers and their families in a proper way. So now they can get the help they need for PTSD in our Army Hospital.If it concerns PTSD they have a good reputation.They have special programms for the soldiers. But if they suffer from physical problems, due to their tour of duty in Bosnia, nothing has really changed.I can tell you that during my research these last four years, I found that it is of no surprise that so many Dutch soldiers have these problems.Only now the DoD is not helping them at all. Now they have to prove that they became ill during their peacekeeping-mission.What they (DoD)will not acknowledge, is the fact that these soldiers went to Bosnia in perfect health,otherwise they would not have sent them. I know that there are soldiers from other countries, who became sick also in Bosnia. But I am trying to finish my research and I am still trying to find sick soldiers in Canada and the USA. So maybe you can help me. I would like te refer to the magazine: Jane"s Defence Weekly".Issue no.26,Vol.33, 28th of June 2000. It will tell you someting more about PTSD and the toxic battlefield, as you can see on the cover.Together we are trying to help as many soldiers as we can with the help of the unions we have in Holland. Is there a military union in Canada?What is the name of that union. Or maybe the soldiers formed a group? Anyting will help. For your information: These soldiers are having the same problems as the soldiers who went to the Gulf War. If you need more information, plaese let me know. Regards, Annette.
Posts: 1 | From: Zeewolde,Flevoland,Holland | Registered: Jul 2000
|
|
|
|
Gunner
Veteran Member
Member # 39
Member Rated:
|
posted 19 July 2021 00:37
The Infantry folder had a thread on PTSD and I've copied what I placed there here (confusing enough?). Help is out there for Regulars, Reservists, retired members, released members, families of members...you have to go to them (any CF medical facility can help) in person or phone...don't wait until it is too late. Thread from Infantry folder as follows: I did some more digging and have the following information (from www.dnd.ca - search PTSD) for those that suspect they or others suffer from PTSD: Assistance for Post-Deployment Stress-Related Illness The CF recognizes its responsibility to provide assistance to
individual members and their families in dealing with
post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and will establish four
new Operational Behavioural Sciences Centres at Halifax,
Valcartier, Edmonton and Esquimalt by September 1999. These
are in addition to the national centre currently operating in
Ottawa. The national centre is already establishing links
between the Reserve Force and the operational behaviour
resources throughout the Canadian Forces, and will also investigate methods, including civilian resources, to better detect and treat PTSD. The need to add new outreach activities has also been approved. In addition to these changes, Veterans Affairs Canada (VAC)
and DND are currently developing an agreement which will see
the PTSD Clinic at Ottawa provide assessment and treatment
to former CF members. For former CF members who settle
outside the areas surrounding the four clinics, the VAC/DND agreement will include a provision of funds to reimburse those who must incur travel costs in order to receive treatment. Gunner says: The military recognizes some members left the CF prior to teh
acknowledgement that some members may suffer from PTSD. I
urge anyone who thinks they are suffering or knows of
someone suffering from PTSD to phone your nearest support
base and ask for assistance. You have to make the first step
by coming forward and asking for some help...no one will do it
for you. Step forward now! It's there for you!
Posts: 96 | From: Army of the West | Registered: Jun 2000
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
UBBFriend: Email this page to someone!
