Time for new ideas about post-traumatic stress disorder

As we sit down around Christmas dinner and enjoy our New Years in peace at home, one article we should remember quotes Memorial University psychiatrist Dr. Amin Muhammad.

Dr. Muhammad, in an article written by the Canadian Press wire service in November, was expressing concerns that Canada would face a "huge economic burden" if mental health professionals aren't more cautious about diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Disturbing thesis

The article went on to explain that he believes soldiers are trained to be tough and resilient in life-threatening conditions - which should build in a psychological immunity - and that it is difficult to understand why veterans would become fragile and develop PTSD.

In the real world, peace for our democratic way of life comes at a terrible cost for those serving our country in uniform.

The War of 1812, the First and Second World Wars, Korea, a multitude of peacekeeping missions in some of the most dangerous locations on Earth for our soldiers, have all come at a heavy price.

Personal experience

My own father, a Second World War veteran, saw action as a combat engineer across Europe, was wounded several times, and suffered PTSD until the day he died in 1996.

I assure you, his family and community paid a high price because he had no help.

I remember of seeing a First World War veteran walking down the road by our church in rural Ontario in the 1950s when he continued to exhibit behaviour consistent with PTSD and continued to suffer - there was no help.

To this day, there appears to be a double standard when a senior officer can receive support and sympathy - even one, a promotion to the Senate of Canada - while privates, corporals and other ranks can often end up in jail for problems associated with PTSD.

Broader knowledge needed

Given the decades we have known of problems associated with PTSD and the fact there are concerns surrounding the determination as to whether a veteran is suffering from this or some other form of post-combat stress and there remains doubt, I think it is long past time these researchers and "experts" get some real-life experience.

Get your butts out of those safe, sanitized offices and spend some time with the real combat soldiers - where they live and work - and have ivory tower scholarship hit the pavement. That way, you might grasp the dangers, smells, sounds and horrors that war is, then return to your safe offices thousands of miles away from the front and finish your reports, thesis, and any other little administrative tasks you may have with a modicum of understanding - then you might be somewhat qualified.

The one individual in our democracy protecting our rights, privileges and freedoms is not our politician, radio talkshow host, or reporter, but the frontline combat soldier.

They eat, sleep, survive and are wounded in some foreign land where too many die or are injured so we can live in peace, safety and harmony in our country.

Fate in one doctor's hands

It is disturbing to think that any one of these individuals who have put their lives on the line for my country could have their fate decided by one doctor as to whom might be worthy or entitled to appropriate support - an insurable benefit.

Merry Christmas to all those serving soldiers and their families for your sacrifice during this holiday season.

In my Canada, your sacrifice is priceless - safe home to each and every one of you.

Capt. Steve Ransier (retired) writes from Corner Brook.