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Does the “Disorder” word/idea get in the way of service members seeking help?  How do potential employers see service members when they are labeled with a disorder?  Does the stigma of being labeled with a “disorder” really impacted those dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress?

 In today’s episode we will discuss:

•                David’s health update
•                Dropping the D from PTSD

 Why the delay since the last show?

The last few weeks, with the heart attack in mind, I have been diligently working on my health.  Listen to learn how diabetes is being defeated!

Change to the to:

•                Post-Traumatic Stress
•                Post-Traumatic Stress Injury

Why consider the name change?

• Unlike other mental health conditions it requires on outside force to create the problem
• “Disorder” carries a stigma
• “Disorder” implies life long programs
• Soldiers, especially young Soldiers, believed reluctant to seek help for a mental “disorder”.
• Consider Dr. Dave Grossman and his view on PTS/D from his gook “On Combat”.
• Concern over employers not hieing veterans with a mental health disorder.

Some concerns of why NOT to drop the D:

• Compensation concerns
• Insurance coverage concerns

Articles for further exploration of the topic:

• http://nation.time.com/2011/06/05/the-disappearing-disorder-why-ptsd-is-becoming-pts/
• http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/national-security/new-name-for-ptsd-could-mean-less-stigma/2012/05/05/gIQAlV8M4T_story.html
• http://www.armytimes.com/article/20140318/NEWS/303180051/Bush-Drop-D-PTSD

 Your thoughts!  What to you think about the possibility of droping the “D” from PTSD?