There is a common fear among veterans with PTSD: People will know we have 'it' and whisper about us. When I see someone in public looking at me, they know...
For a long time, I was afraid of going out in public because of this. With crap like Bales being in the news and the defense lawyers blaming it on PTSD, many veterans with PTSD feel even less comfortable than we did before. It made me realize that no matter how much I type on here, it's not going to help educate the general public. So what can I do to change that? God, I don't know. All I know is I hate that feeling. I have had people ask me, "So does that mean you are going to go crazy on us?" They say it like they're joking - like they are saying it in jest. The problem is that their voice goes up an octave when they laugh and their eyes are dead serious. They say it that way but really want to know - are we going to go John Rambo on their asses? All I know is I never think about getting violent with people until they say ignorant shit like that. BUT if that's what it takes to be able to educate someone and break the stereotype. Hmm. Maybe if I was out in public and announced to the world that I am a Combat Veteran with PTSD people would be forced to pay attention - their own fear of what I might do would take care of that. Definitely have to think about it. I'm going to go and follow this train of thought back to the station.
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My husband is 6'3" and weighs about 290 pounds. He was a US Marine in Vietnam. He wears a black ballcap that says, in big letters, "DYSFUNCTIONAL VETERAN, LEAVE ME ALONE."
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While I'm on the subject of my great big bear of a husband liking it when people give him and his PTSD a wide berth, my hubby recently got some new tiny state-of-the-art hearing aids that are bluetooth enabled. With his cell phone tucked away in his pocket, and a small medallion with a builtin microphone worn on a chain around his neck, which he also keeps hidden under his clothes -- now when he talks on his cell phone thru his almost invisible hearing aids, he looks like he is talking to himself.
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4/10/2012 03:44:42 pm
Thank you for your words, Elaina. It must be something about us bears (that's what my wife calls me as well). I hope that you find what I write inspirational. If you ever have a question, don't hesitate to ask!
Russel Langley
4/10/2012 03:31:17 pm
I too am a combat vet with PTSD and absolutely HATE the ignorant are you gonna go crazy joke. I only think about getting violent when I'm actually threatened.
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4/10/2012 03:46:44 pm
Russel, thank you for your support. I will continue to do what I do. I want to do more and I think I am finally starting to get the ball rolling in that direction. I will keep you and everyone else posted as things develop in the coming weeks. Best wishes and enjoy your art!!
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Max Harris, you hope I find what you write inspirational? You have no idea! You are just 2 years older than my youngest son. I am in AWE of the things you write.
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Max HarrisAs I continue my life with PTSD, I will share my challenges and discoveries on this blog. Archives
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