KURTENBACH: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]

[Oscar]

KURTENBACH: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder [PTSD]

April 15, 2015

To the Editor,

Many who have returned from the front lines of combat may still be suffering - - not necessarily a physical pain but a condition known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder,[PTSD]

Mark Thompson, a well known American writer, has published an article summarizing a 300-page study by the American National Academy of Science. This is a study of the brain being carried out by Dr. Ann McKee at a VA hospital in Bedford Mass. of why and how veterans of wars are affected by PTSD.

Although PTSD may be found among the general population, it is far more prevalent in military personnel. As many as 500,000 U.S. troops who served in Afghanistan and Iraq since 2003 have been diagnosed with PTSD.

It is estimated that approximately 17% of Canadian military may also be affected with PTSD. Records indicate that 158 Canadians lost their lives in Afghanistan and 178 suicides were noted during that time. This considerably increases our military and Health Care costs.

A soldier serving in the American infantry in the Viet Nam War has suffered PTSD for 15 years. He stated that "PTSD is real. It is not somebody trying to scam the system. It's not people who are just doped up."

It was particularly disappointing to note that the U.S. was seeking to find medical relief for soldiers suffering PTSD --[but note this,]-- so that in future wars, there would be some form of relief for those reliving their dreadful combat experiences. Killing or injuring other human beings can really only be tolerated by people who have psychopathic tendencies.

In the 239 years since 1776, the U.S. has been directly or indirectly involved in 222 wars. To be rid of the military effects of PTSD, it would certainly be far more effective to avoid the use of bombs and bullets in a foreign land.

Instead, we should try to help to resolve differences and confrontations through peaceful means and negotiation.

Of course, a peaceful solution is one that the global manufacturers of weapons may not find profitable. It is estimated that annual global sales of weapons and military equipment is $1.5 trillion!

Leo Kurtenbach,
Saskatoon, SK
Phone: 306.652.5129