Page 810 - Total War on PTSD

In my work position, there was a nurse who always sent people to me who were 'difficult' because she knew that I would know how to deal with them...how to communicate with them. I had a 'heart' for them and understood where they were coming from and what they were dealing with in regards to MST and PTSD. We really do have to help each other...that's what really matters. I was at a women's Veterans conference and I got to talking with one lady, and I asked if she had a PTSD diagnosis. Her reply was, "No, Adjustment Disorder." I asked if she had ever been screened for PTSD, the answer to which was no. I asked if she had flashbacks and nightmares, to which she said, "yes I do." So, I took her over to the Virginia Veterans Association table so she could get help and get the benefits she deserved. I cannot prove this is true, but when I was going to work at Fort Leonard Wood, someone called me and told me that I was not allowed to diagnose PTSD, only Adjustment Disorder or Bipolar. All I could think is how very unethical that was...and what a disservice it was to the Veterans who deserve a PTSD diagnosis.
I learned to think positively and about the value of hard work from my service time. I feel that it helped me learn to be more independent. Selfless service is a big value to me. I think that's why I went to school to be a counselor so I could help others with PTSD and other issues. I think, if I had a fair chance, I would have continued my military service. But under the circumstances, and abuse, I dealt with, it just wasn't possible. I was hopeful my son would go into the Air Force but now he is in full-time college. Because I get 100% Permanent and Total, he gets college money, so that helps a lot.
I went to Wyoming last summer (2017) for VA inpatient PTSD treatment. They allowed me to bring my Service Dog with me, which was wonderful. They had a shorter waiting list...and I grew up about two hours away from there, and I brought my car, so I could go back to my
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