A personal question for those with experience with PTSD

[w8liftinglady]

I work with a wonderful,wonderful doc who is a reservist,and has been to Iraq 4 times.He just got back,and I see the change.Those of you who have "seen the change"-what do you do?Leave it be,and let their families confront them with it?subtly arranged for support group info to be sent to them?Take them aside and talk to them?I'm not sure how to handle it,or if it's even my business,except I respect the man so much,and I hate to see the inner torment that is apparent.

[county worker]

1. When I got home from Vietnam we formed support groups.

We had veterans group meetings where people could come and talk to people who could understand them. I think that most people in the vets family are not able to help because they can't understand what has happened to the vet.

I would encourage the vet to find a support group and go to meetings regularly.

[MADem]

2. You can mention that you notice the change--and see how that goes.

The minute you say those magic four letters, though, backs will go up.

The military talks a good game about PTSD, but the prevailing machismo still, despite all the talk, is to suck it up and deal with it at the VA when you get out, if at all.

Tread lightly.

I know that's not the answer you want to hear, but it's my sincere take on it.

[applegrove]

3. I would tell him how much you respect him and ask him how he is doing.

That you've noticed a thing or two. That you hope he has someone as great as him to talk to.