PTSD advocacy and education hasn't come nearly far enough. We have made strides in ending the stigma, but Dr. Phil is a prime example of just how far we have yet to go. Changing the name of the disorder (I call it that because that's what it is) won't change a damn thing except make it even harder for VA benefit evaluators to quanitfy. Some people believe that this is an attempt by the government and US society at large to avoid living up to their responsibilities to our service members. While I gave this some serious thought, I finally came to the conclusion that this was not true either. Do you know what I see as the motivation for the classification change?
Hubris. Incredible hubris on the part of the psychology/psychiatry professions at large. These no talent idiots actually think that they can 'heal' us. They give those who do 'get it', like Rod Deaton (his blog is amazing), a bad name. So now, I want to hear from the horse's mouth. Docs, prove my assertion wrong. Let me lay this out for you in terms that you can identify with:
If my strong opinion offends people, so be it. I have never been known to candy-coat what I perceive is the truth, no matter how much it hurts or offends others (a personal flaw, I know). I sure as hell won't start now. All that will ensue from making this classification change is people will be even more confused. I have already heard, "PTSI? Is that different from PTSD? I thought you guys coming home had PTSD. What's the I stand for? Illness?" Think on that last quote for a second. Does anyone here really truly think that reclassifying PTSD will reduce the stigma? Or is it more likely that it will just add another layer of 'crazy' for people to label us with? Think long and hard on this folks. I can't say that my opinion is the correct one. I am no more the moral expert on this subject than the docs are. All I can say is that serious discourse needs to take place. A precipitous decision to change the classification doesn't do anyone any favors.
Caroline
6/20/2012 01:03:28 pm
This is great. I agree-- more research needs to be done on whether a switch to PTSI actually reduces stigma, and more planning needs to be done with VA to ensure that veterans benefits are not negatively impacted by the change in terminology. Comments are closed.
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Max HarrisAs I continue my life with PTSD, I will share my challenges and discoveries on this blog. Archives
October 2018
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