The Story of Rambo Gunnerman

A brave man, now with PTSD

Disclaimer

This a project for a high school AP Psychology course. This is a fictionalized account of having a psychological ailment. For questions about this blog project or its content please email the teacher, Laura Astorian: laura.astorian@cobbk12.org

What is PTSD?

PTSD (post traumatic stress syndrome) is a disorder that can develop in people who have been in a traumatic event.

How do you get PTSD?

Anytime someone is put in a position of danger, stress levels rise and the body goes into a “fight or flight” mode. If this event is significant enough, it can have long lasting symptoms. However one doesn’t have to be in a dangerous event to get PTSD. Some people have gotten it from traumatic experiences like the death of a loved one.

How I got PTSD

I was a sniper in the marine corps. I went on 4 tours in Iraq. I served along some of the greats like Chris Kyle. I took certain shots I didn’t want to, but I did it anyways because it’s my job to protect my men from above. Women and children carrying explosives, forced to do it against their will. I did my job but I’m not proud of it, and it haunts me today.

What are Symptoms of PTSD? Nightmares Flashbacks Efforts to avoid feelings and thoughts that either remind

you of the traumatic event or that trigger similar feelings

Feeling detached or unable to connect with loved ones Depression, hopelessness Feelings of guilt (from the false belief that you were

responsible for the traumatic incident) Irritability or angry outbursts Hypervigilance (being overly aware of possible danger) Headache Disrupted sleep, insomnia

My Most Frequent Symptoms Atleast once a week I have

nightmares or flashbacks. Sometimes that makes me afraid to sleep.

I am also very hypervigilant, because there is always danger around somewhere, and I need to be ready for it.

Is PTSD Permanent?

Yes, because the memories, thoughts, and flashbacks are always going to be in your head.

However, some people have reported getting over it in less sever cases.

Where should you go if you think you have PTSD? Going to a doctor and talking openly

is an important first step. From there they can prescribe you with medicine, or advice counseling or therapy sessions.

How do you dull the effects? SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake

inhibitors) can are medications often used for antidepressant purposes.

Other medications like Prazosin help with sleep and nightmare issues.

Occasionally carbamazepine can be prescribed as a mood stabilizer

My Therapy and Medications I take daily SSRI’s and an occasional

Prazosin to help me sleep at night and reduce nightmares.

Is PTSD found often in the military? Certain wars were worse than others,

for me (Operation Iraqi Freedom), 11-20% of soldiers in combat developed PTSD.

It is also estimated that 30% of Vietnam veterans have suffered from PTSD at some point in their lives.

My experience with PTSD in the men I served with The statistics are about right relative

to my friend group. Of the 12 guys I still hang out with, 2 of them have PTSD. I used to have more friends but sometimes I become a bit hostile around them.

Is PTSD only in soldiers?

No, many other people get it too It is reported that about 8% of the

population will get PTSD at some point in their life.

Other way to get is from natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or physical or sexual assault in adult or childhood.

How it has effected my personal relationships My brother Jeremy is very supportive of me

as he was also in the military and understands what I’m going through

I haven’t been able to hold onto a girlfriend in a while. And when I get one, it doesn’t last long.

Some people see me as a monster for what I did, and sometimes I lash out hard in front of my friends. This makes it hard for me to keep steady relationships with people

The things I enjoy in life are different now I used to love riding horses,

shooting, and mainting good physical fitness

Now all I ever want to do is stay home where it is safe. Where I can just watch TV or play videogames knowing nothing can harm me. I’m always armed just in case however.

The Malboro Man

Here is a famous image of a man with PTSD. This is what it looks like and feels like. Broken down misery

So many things are always going through your head

Sources

Nihm.nih.gov Webmd.com Ptsd.va.gov Ptsd.ne.gov Adaa.org Military.gov