PTSD Unplugged: How to Leave the War Behind Us

PTSD Unplugged is a guidebook for combat survivors and their families that will help us all leave the war behind. It is written by a forensic psychologist who has seen too much undiagnosed, misdiagnosed, or under-treated PTSD and too many people stuck in a loop of blame, shame, and avoidance. PTSD basics in less than 100 pages, including planning for recovery. Unquestionably, those of us who deploy to war have been directly affected by the battlefield. Many have lost buddies in combat, or to suicide after the war. Some returned injured. They want and deserve recovery. Those of us who didn't deploy have worried about those who did. Some of our loved ones never returned. Many of us welcomed back loved ones who returned injured or changed. We must all take ownership of the substantial effort required to recover from war. Most of us are opposed to war. We must not also be opposed to, nor neglectful of, those who fought in the war. Combat-related PTSD is part of our communities now, as it always has been.
1: Cyndi describes her relationship with her grandfather, Dot, a World War II veteran who suffered from undiagnosed post-traumatic stress symptoms. Here is one family's experience of the disruption that combat exposure can cause. Their story is too common.
2: PTSD symptoms develop when a violent event leaves a trauma memory, causing changes in the brain and psyche. Other stressors do not form a trauma memory and are not associated with a diagnosis of PTSD. Those who have experienced war, have been sexually assaulted, or have worked as first responders are most likely to have suffered a trauma event that could lead to PTSD.
3: War is uniquely traumatic, with 18-35% of combat veterans experiencing PTSD symptoms at some point in their lives. From battlefield scenarios to life back home, this chapter focuses on the reality of those living with mild to moderate or severe and complex PTSD. Stereotypes are debunked. The VA Benefits Examination, the first step in seeking treatment back home, is also discussed.
4: The symptoms and behavior that define PTSD are focused on survival and self-protection. They serve to maintain safety and prevent further violence exposure. This chapter explores what it's like to live with post-traumatic stress. Trauma memory and its impact doesn't care if we're strong, brave, stoic, smart, experienced, or lucky. This can happen to any one of us.
5: Chronic pain from injuries sustained in battle, traumatic brain injury, adverse childhood experiences, substance misuse, and other mental health conditions will worsen PTSD. When they become the focus, trauma recovery is put on hold or neglected.
6: PTSD is not treatment-resistant. The target is to learn to control the trauma memory, remove it from the present and place it in the past. To be an informed consumer, it is important to be aware of what is effective to reduce or eliminate symptoms.
7: CPT, PE, and EMDR have received the most support in PTSD recovery research. CBT, CT, group therapy, and medication focus on relief from frustrating trauma-related symptoms. Innovative approaches continue to be explored by individuals and the research community.
8: Our loved ones had a battle buddy downrange, who watched them and defended them from unnecessary harm. They need and deserve a buddy back home who does the same thing. Cyndi did this for Dot. Being nonjudgmental is the key.
9: Disconnection between veterans and their home communities contributes to negative stereotypes about PTSD. Veterans protect us from war by not talking about the war. We don't want to upset our veterans. Talking about war is mostly avoided. We can break through this impasse through practical, targeted conversations.
10: You can become an expert in your own recovery and growth after violence exposure by taking these steps: finding an experienced professional; learning about medication resources; re-establishing safety; and reconnecti

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