PTSD & TBI

On-Line Chat?

Question:

Hi Jim. I’m 100 P&T. I suffer immense depression. Do you know of an online chat or something like that to meet fellow disabled brothers to chit chat and talk with? Thank you.

 

Jim's Reply:

I know that the Reddit.com community hosts a number of 'sub-reddits' that are veteran-centric. If you'll search for Reddit, register and then use their search engine to find 'subs' unique to veterans, it's likely you'll find what you're looking for there.
 

A word of caution first. Not only at Reddit but in all on-line communities you're going to run into trolls. The classic troll is only there to make your life miserable with insults and innuendo. No matter what you do the troll will be waiting for you. If you're already dealing with mental health and depression issues, the troll can make it that much worse if you allow it.
 

I offer that warning to alert you to the reality that you'll face soon enough. So, what to do? There is only a single tactic to defeat trolls and that is to never, ever respond to them. If you post a comment or question and some random dummy comes at you with an insult, ignore it. It's hard to do because our soldier instincts take over and we want to fight but...it's a losing battle. You can't win an on-line argument with someone who doesn't care.
 

Avoid the on-line confrontations and I imagine you'll find some new friends there. Good luck.

 

A photo of a golden retriever service dog wearing a vest with several service dog patches. The most prominent reads 'Disabled Veteran with Service Dog.'

Disability Claims Based on PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder [PTSD] is often a cause or contributing factor in disability claims filed by veterans. 

A July 2010 VA rule makes it easier to receive those benefits if you have PTSD as a result of events or circumstances in military service.

A blue x-ray style image of a person from the shoulders up. They are resting their head on their arm, and their brain is highlighted in red.

Family Guide to Traumatic Brain Injury

Due to the nature of Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI), family members play a crucial role in the rehabilitation of a wounded warrior. Indeed, some estimates indicate that as much as 80 percent of the total lifetime care that is provided to a TBI victim is given by that individual’s family. Thus, it is essential that family members have the tools they need to provide the best care possible.

A blue x-ray style image of a person from the shoulders up. They are resting their head on their arm, and their brain is highlighted in red.

Discharge Problems Associated with Traumatic Brain Injury

Receiving either a bad conduct discharge or a personality disorder discharge can result in serious negative consequences for a person suffering from a TBI or PTSD.