The Guide to Coming Home: February 2, 2010 Archive

Seeking help does not mean you are weak!

Posted at 4:31 PM on February 2, 2010 (2 Comments)
Filed under: Family & relationships, Mental Health, Other

From Manfred Tatzmann, Brooklyn Park
Works with veterans, has 30 years in mental health field, consults with states and national organizations on head injuries and traumatic brain injury.

Veterans need to recognize that even a short tour in a combat zone can have an effect on them. While it takes everyone some time to come back and recover, those who have seen, experienced or been directly affected by a traumatic or horrific event (using your own definition or generally accepted definition of such an event) need to be able to reconcile that it may affect their life and relationship to others after deployment.

Seeking help is not a sign of weakness, no more than asking your buddy to cover your backside. The body may heal from scars and wounds readily, but scars and wounds of trauma can last much longer and are more difficult to heal.

This is very important especially if you have been close to an IED or have had one or more concussions that have left you dazed or unconscious. The military tries to provide assistance immediately post-deployment, but it is family members and friends that become aware of the stress and struggle that can occur many months later. Then is the time to trust, and seek help from and with family members, religious leaders, and mental health counselors.

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