thanks to all you gentlemen for your service!
18delta, i didn't mean anything derogatory towards those who do have overt PTSD symptoms -- i meant that the symptoms of it are just not ALWAYS the stereotypical responses (like jumping at loud noises, noises triggering flashbacks, etc.). people can look as "normal" as can be and have PTSD -- it's not always as it's stereotyped to be -- that's all i meant, but my apologies if i offended you.
i was unable to serve in the mil (tried right out of h.s. to join the marines). i became a cop later on, though, and that offers its own kind of "combat." there are similarities and there are differences, too.
there are many different events that can trigger PTSD -- domestic/child abuse (talk about a "personal war!"), rape, combat, torture, fires, dog attacks, hostage situations, natural disasters -- any traumatic situation where you feel that your life is imminently in danger can trigger it. the situations are different, and responses can be different, but the symptoms are all on the same list under PTSD in the DSM.
just one case in point -- my dad, usmc, fought in the south pacific in WWII where he saw lots of hand-to-hand combat. after the war, he seemed like he truly adjusted -- never had a problem with alcohol, drugs, etc., didn't seem to have reactions of any kind. his only manifestation came when he was asleep. when my mom would bump against him while they slept, dad would jump up and have her by the throat in a heartbeat. after a few episodes of that they decided to sleep in separate beds. it wasn't until late in his life that i finally got him into treatment (successful, thank god), but they both missed out on decades of sleeping together, and my mom developed symptoms of her own because of his responses, so they both ended up suffering from PTSD.
i continue to be interested in PTSD issues both from a personal POV and from a clinical/academic POV. if anyone wants to talk off the board about it in any form, please feel free to email me: BBELTRISI at ec.rr.com
