With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, Change the Meaning of the "D"

The term PTSD was created in 1980 as a new diagnosis. The American Psychiatric Association creates official diagnosis through its publication, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM).

The “D’ in PTSD is the word “Disorder”, which discourages veterans and those still in the military, and others like the first responders to seek care and help. Most are afraid to get medical help for the fear of being labeled with a permanent mental disorder.

In 2011, there was a movement by Lt. Gen. Peter Chiarelli, then Deputy Chief of Staff of the U.S. Army asking the American Psychiatric Association to change the “D” to an “I” (Injury). The Canadians use the phrase Operational Stress Injury (OSI). They have far less veteran and military suicides. They also award those suffering OSI from combat experiences a sacrifice medal that is similar to our Purple Heart.

Unfortunately, changing the ‘D’ to an “I” might also change the treatment by a psychiatrist to a neurologist or other doctor. Thus, the psychiatrists were not willing to allow the change to the “I”.

I did not realize that could be the problem until recently. However, a change still needs to be made so that the stigma is removed and those suffering will be able to seek help rather than committing suicide.

Changing the “D’ from disorder to Disability, or Depression or some other term starting with a D would remove the stigma and make it easier to get the help they need.

I have met with over 100 Veterans and was able to prevent at least 11 of them from committing suicide. They all suffered moral injury. (I am an active member of the American Legion and serve on the county Legion as chair of the PTS committee).

File Photo

Our weekly article “Ask Your Fellow Veteran”, is what gives the best connection with Veterans that need help. The biggest problem is that so many of those veterans I meet refuse help because of the Disorder “D” stigma.

My background is that I served as a medic in the emergency room and also in Air Sea Rescue in the Air Force for four years, then as the as the First Sergeant of the Medical Group from 1954 to 1963. In 1954, upon my discharge from the Air Force, I worked at Nassau Medical Center as Chief of Parasitology until 1975, and then transferred to Nassau BOCES until 1979. In 1980, I opened a ministry “True Light Educational Ministry” where my mission was to bring people back to the church. In 1995, I was ordained as a minister.

In 2012, I became active in the American Legion, as chaplain and when informed about the many veterans committing suicide set up a program to help them recover.