A Dr. Phil show that aired this week said that veterans suffering from PTSD are damaged goods that can “dismantle marriages.”
He titled the show “From Heroes to Monsters.”
When I hear the word “monster,” it bears a very negative connotation, something scary, mean, nasty, evil, these characters in my mind are mainly fictional. To apply the word monster to a person is using “fighting words.”
A MONSTER of a person is a person who is evil, commits horrible acts on a regular basis, a person who bears characteristics of the fictional MONSTER. “MONSTER”and “HERO,” should never be used in the same sentence unless, the HERO has defeated said monster, or is doing what a HERO does, and acting in a noble way to prevent the MONSTER from doing damage to what he/she loves and holds dear.
That said, I am really pissed off that CBS and the entire team at Dr. Phil would allow such ignorance to be thrown around about the men and women protecting the very right that allows him to do so. I do not see how titling a show From Heroes to Monsters, could be of any help to anyone.
If the intention were to actually help — and not for ratings — then perhaps the title of the show should have been a better reflection of that.
If I had not been diagnosed with PTSD (yes I have it), and if I didn’t tell you, you may not otherwise know. If I had no connection to anyone else living with PTSD and NOT tuned in to the show, the trailers alone would have led me to believe everyone living with PSTD is a MONSTER. I am NOT a monster. My husband, who lives with several other combat related injuries in addition to PTSD, is NOT a monster.
We have both served honorably, and are making the best of the cards we have been dealt. We have two small children, who are amazing and very aware of the struggles facing military families, and not even they think PTSD makes you a MONSTER.
Let me be perfectly clear, we are human. We all have our moments. We have seen the darker days of PTSD. We have spent time apart, and had police involved in situations in our home, and we will continue to struggle with this for the rest of our lives.
I I do NOT believe there is a cure all for this. You CANNOT erase the horrific memories war has left on so many of us. Hindsight tells me that there is a reason that so many people turned down the opportunity to “shed some light on PTSD” by being part of this particular Dr. Phil show, even after being offered some “help,” for their trauma.
You said it yourself Dr. Phil, you do not get it. Most of America doesn’t get it, but don’t make it worse for us by promoting the stigma so many have been fighting to remove.
So I guess the question is this: was this show really about helping the involved veterans or more about promoting The PTSD Breakthrough written by Dr. Frank Lawlis, who just so happens to be chairman of the Dr. Phil Advisory board? By the way I have read the book, and I will be writing the publisher and asking for my money back. I am just as mortified by the book as I was the show itself, but that’s another post for another time.
What are your thoughts? Did Dr. Phil accurately portray the struggles veterans and their families face, or did he really drop the ball on this one?
Kristle Helmuth is a 26 year-old Army veteran, wife of a wounded warrior, and mother of two children. She is currently working toward her B.S in Communications and digital media and is the author of Forget The Dog Not The Baby, a blog that shares her personal experiences regarding her husbands injuries in Iraq, and their journey through healing.
About Kristle
Comments
Words fail to adequately express the level of stoopid this "monster" theory exhibits.
It is very ignorant that’s for sure!
I doubt that Dr Phil has any idea of what PTSD really is. While its certainly not new, Shakespeare's plays describe symptoms. But understanding is lacking. Prevention is near impossible, but it is possible to reduce impact in some cases by early intervention. This was discovered far to late the the The VN vets broke to ground that increased understanding of the problems.
Dr Phil cannot understand, I am not sure many of the VA psychs understand it.
I suppose he felt compelled to make come comment after all he is an "expert" and has to say SOMETHING, don't matter that he is clueless.
So he makes a statement to demonize the veterans. Typical elitist BS.
The burning question is: what else is he clueless about?
Dr. Phil was wrong portraying these brave young men and women as monsters! My son is not a monster and has experienced a lot overseas. He is ajusting back into society well, but did have a rough time when he returned. He was never a monster but a hero with scars from being hit with an ied and fighting the enemy everyday! I’m so proud of him and all our brave military!!!
How dare he think he knows what a person goes through with PTSD. My husband is not a monster he can be mean but NEVER a monster. I hated Dr. Phil before but now I feel he could just die and go to hell and the world would be so much better off
Its very obvious what this show was really about. People are curious about our struggles however when not accurately portrayed it really makes things worse for everyone. This is why I share my story, this is why I will never give up trying to accurately portray the struggles we face while still maintaining a level of dignity for us all.
Kristie,
It is only by speaking out that we can hope the rest of the world will understand what our veterans are going through. Stupid monsters like Dr. Phil who use people for ratings without regard to the damage they do make me sick. God Bless you for speaking out and maybe someday the American public will see who the real monsters are. Please checkout our website and when you are ready to go back to work give us a call. ALL of our employees are vets and there is no better person to have working for a company then someone who has served his country and knows what real work is!
i agree. Dr. Phil has no idea what he's talking about. I have worked with some of the guys with PTSD and as far as I'm concerned, they are still heroes who just need a little TLC. Good luck and tell your husband that there are many standing behind him.
Dr. Phil was wrong again. It is he who is the real monster for pretending to be a doctor and knowing what our guys went through. We have enough trouble transiting veterans back to life with a good job and family without having people trying to get ratings at their expense. Our company employs only veterans and the only monster I have ever seen goes by the name of Phil! (I do not think he should be called DR.)
Here Am I. Killroy was here.
Your presence has been acknowledged Killroy.
Go find a video game to play with and leave the adult alone.
He has no right saying this about those who protect us. How many times have our heroes sacrificed so much to save people like him, and all he can do is call them monsters. Dr. Phil is a far left communist.
You are right, Robert. NO ONE has the right to say that about our heroes, not even Dr. Phil. I think this is an instance of using ones position to influence a population.
Dr. Phil should have gone over to Iraq and seen, heard, witnessed the fear, killings, mortars flying past your ear, road side bombs without any personal body guard.
I say this to anyone who thinks that we should be called monsters. I have chronic severe PTSD. Let the people that think that they are know it all experience what we did, feel what we felt, see what we saw, up close and personal then tell me about monsters.
Thank you for your service and sacrifice to our country. You are not a monster by any means, you are a HERO, and the overall effect of war will never be understood fully by those who have not been there, but an attempt can at least be made, and I do not believe that this was a good attempt by Dr. Phil.
Thank you for the support that we (soldiers) need t hear. Positive feedback gives us a light at the end of a long black tunnel. If it wasn't for my 10 year old giving me hugs and saying I love you, I would most likely not be here today. After 7 years from being back I am still getting therapy. My one enjoyment that really brightens my day is my hobby of working in gardens, designing, planting, and seeing the look of happiness in people's faces. There is no politics in pulling weeds.
I thank you also for your service. I was drafted and sent to Viet Nam but you went willingly as a volunteer warrior. You are the hero! PTSD is an battle injury, not a character trait! Hang in there. It does get better over time.
You know it is things like this that make a person that suffers from PTSD regrets life after they sacrificed the person they were before maybe even go as far as wishing they didn’t come back in the first place. I’ve personally been dealing with the result of TBI and PTSD for almost 8yrs from my time in Iraq. While I can’t say I’m 100% better or in the worst shape when compared to other Veterans I can tell you that your life just isn’t the same anymore.
Amen to that. It frustrates me a lot when I know that I was so sharp, remembered things, I could multi-task very well and have a conversation without stopping to let my brain catch up with my words. Thank you for serving.
I hate the phrase “damaged goods”. We are not inanimate objects, and it cheapens a soul to label it, as if there is no
recovery, or way to mend it. ” Damaged” confers something can be tossed, and to stay away from that useless entity. Who is not damaged? I don’t want to live amongst angels yet, and don’t see many halos floating around anyway, so keep the labels Dr. Phil.
For years I’ve been working hard to have a normal life while trying to find a decent girl and start a relationship. I’m a good guy, sure I have me good days and bad days, but I think I deserve at least that much and I think the same should go for any other person that wants to have that. I had somewhat of an idea why but I couldn’t fully figure out why after all these years it seemed like I have less and less opportunity.
Victor You are Hero to me and will always be in my Heart like All the service men an women Love You!!!
Sorry to hear that you can't find a decent girl, but know & feel your pain. I was married for 31 yrs, but my husband couldn't " understand, didn't know what I needed, didn't want to deal with a disabled person with PTSD". So he left me, & then tried to take my disability pay as well & force me to take care of his medical & dental bills for life. Thank God I had a good judge cause he looked at him & his lawyer & said " are you kidding !? Your leaving her !? Your on your own ! You'll get nothing of hers ! " he moved in with a women 2 wks later. Were Not monsters, but Dr. Philly is a bigger monster than all of us put together !!! Good luck I hope your life gets better
Victor, you are a hero and no matter what the rest of the public states, they have no idea. I was married to a Navy Seal and I was in the military as well; so, I know some of the issues that are out there. I got out of the military during the Vietnam era … Anyway, hang in there. From what i have found, work out and relieve some of the tension that builds up and find a girl that has military parents, or police or something like that. They have a better idea of what goes on plus they talk the same lingo. Most others in regular society do not and it's just due to experiences that make the difference. My daughter is sort of in the same boat – she's had 2 military parents and others just don't quite connect. Anyway, Good Luck and don't let the world get you down. You Are A HERO! You did something that few others are willing to do.
Anymore I feel like people avoid me as if I’m worse than a Serial Killer and that I should be locked away when I even mention that I have PTSD. Well now I know it is because of POS people like this that are the reason why by making everyone that gave up everything when their country asked them to look like such.
Victor, Thank you for your service ad sacrifice to our country. I can tell you that although there are a lot of ignorant people in this world there are also those who care and are grateful for great men like you. PTSD is life altering, I know that from both mine and my husbands experience, but judging by what you wrote here I know that you are doing your best and at the end of the day that is what matters! Much love, and thank you again for your service and sacrifice.
Victor,
It does seem that even Dr. Phil is not above ratings.
for what it is worth in doing some recent research on PTSD for a Psych class I did find that most of our returning service men and women don't feel like they deserve the services of the VA. I was surprised to find out that this is indicative of a lot of the younger (20 – 30 year range) feel this way because they view the VA as something for veterans, or "…the old guys…"
For you and others on this page whom feel this way I highly encourage you to go pay a visit to your VA office, find out who your VSO representatives are. As well there is no need to feel like you are not worthy, there are a plethora of different programs out there that do not use medications for treating PTSD. One treatment that is worth noting is development of cognitive and verbal skills, this helps the service member in relating his/her thoughts about their experience in a positive manner. It helps to replace anger with a more deliberate means to verbalize again.
Recovery can be long but so long as you can accept that it is part of your life then you are more than half way there.
v/r
Al D'Adda
Hey Al D'Adda
I've actually gone to the VA for treatment while I appreciate everything they did for me they came to the conclusion that in my case that there isn’t much more they can do to help me at least at this time. It is somewhat hard to explain because my case is still under controversy and still needs further study. I’m going off of what I can remember them telling me but I’m not what they call a textbook PTSD case. I have almost every symptom of PTSD but I have no recollection of the events that causes it. Trust me I’m still trying to figure that out myself because I’ve taken both test and failed and been told that I can’t have both or I can all in the same day by different doctors.
Because of the fact that I suffered head injuries from blast and was knocked unconscious (at least twice that I’m aware of in two separate incidents) the resulting TBI affected the way my memory works. I have found ways of at least work around some of those issues to where it is at least bearable most of the time. Some people call it a blessing that I can’t remember the events but although I do think of myself as being lucky in some respects to others. I sometimes question the fact that it might be a blessing because the memory problems affect my daily life too.
What I’m mad about is the fact that all of the public media and TV shows like this are making every Veteran that suffers from any level of PTSD look we are the plaque and are going to kill everyone that gets close to us. It is pretty sad when nobody wants to be with you or around you because they fear you based on a faults impression.
I would be around a Veteran, with or without PTSD in a split second. I KNOW you have my back! What you experienced is honorable, don't let the media or TV, or anyone else steal your joy. I believe EVERYTHING is a blessing, whether unmasked or disguised, and as ugly as combat and injuries are, it is a blessing that you are here with us today, and I am very grateful for all you have done for me, for my family, and for our country. Feel free to email me, or contact me via my blog if you want to chat, or share resources, or just need to vent. I have your back too!
I just wanted to add that I do appreciate the people that responded to my post and I do know there are people out there who care. It just gets discouraging that there aren’t more of people like that do. It gets frustrating when you get responses like, “I just feel like I need to stay away from men in the Military,” as a reason not to date you or have anything to do with you and five mins later see something like this. It is like what did I do that was so horribly wrong and I can only imagine what it is like for the people that have it worse than I do.
I feel you. Nobody seems to care about us (including the VA) when it comes time to take action.
Myself and others who came home and those that did not from South east Aisa where never looked at as Monsters. We were called trash, baby killers, had fruit and things throw at us. The subject of PTSD was never looked or treated by the VA. Everyone one of us saw what you did if not more watching a young gril running down the street with her skin falling off. Or half a body here and the other over there. It pisses me off and i hope other vetearns from nam that no one called us Hereos or welcomed us home the way poeple do now. It was hard to sleep, it was hard to keep my job my kids were treated by monster, Not their father.
Dr Phil is a joke… My X girlfriend who just left me watched that stupid show all the time. I can’t stand his freaking voice. He thinks he knows everything and that he’s all mighty and ****.. Rant over
Dr Phil is a joke… My X girlfriend who just left me watched that stupid show all the time. I can’t stand his freaking voice. He thinks he knows everything and that he’s all mighty and crap.. Rant over
I think it’s right up there with most of the day time tv shows, it’s for entertainment purposes. They should have a disclaimer.
Personally I call it (The Dr. Phill SHow) Jerry Springier with class.
v/r
Al D'Adda
When it comes to trying to get the civilian community to understand the trials of military life, Dr Phil just launched the military community 10 steps backward. He has quite the following(somewhat similar to the cultish vibe of Oprah followers) and it disgusts me that so many buy into his ignorance. Also, shame on the guests for giving him the fuel to perpetuate these stereotypes. It's hard to believe that their 15 minutes of fame meant more than getting the help they need from people who could actually help them.
Yes, I totally agree with you! There was a lot of hype about the show, and like I said, someone who has little connection or knowledge of the real struggles our Military families face, it could seem very real. It’s unfortunate. Now we must find away to undo this.
I agree with you – never did like the guy. I too have PTSD but not to the severity many of our vets do.
These breakdowns this show puts out "advertise" that they are "trying" to "help" people and get the word out about things (whatever the topic is on the show), however, it is all about them making money – NOT helping people. They cut/edit the crap they do record to make the show more controversial than it really needs to be.
Wish I could pass on to every first shirt in every service to pass on to every troop to NEVER EVER do a show like this (the money they get paid barely covers airfare unless the show pays to fly them to the taping). Sad.
Dr Phil; you don't know what pure horror is 24 hrs. per day weeks on end. My son is a marine officer; he spent three tours serving in those two Hell holes. He was lucky he came back the same man he was when he left us! I served a tour in Viet Nam; at least Viet Nam has beautiful women in contrast to Iraq and Afghanistan’s women. If you were to give the world an enema you would insert the tube in those two god forsaken countries
Banshee, THANK YOU for your service, and please, thank your son for me as well. You encompassed it all in your first sentence of this comment, he doesn’t know what pure horror is, and never will, and he may never fully understand the can of worms he opened. From here all we can do is move forward and do our very betsy to raise awareness in a way that brings honor to the brave men and women who have given so much of their selves for us.
The motivation for a show like this is very puzzling to me. A man of his education should know better than to present these wounded warriors on these terms. Monsters? I can tell you stories about the two women who took advantage of my son when he returned with PTSD and other issues and was in a very vulnerable state. Both were older than him and both were no strangers to marrying for the disability benefit pay. Both were despicable women who did horrible things and then screamed, "he's violent"! One was even taken to jail after she called the police, they showed up, then realized that she was lying. Who are the monsters, really? There's more to the story than Dr. Phil presented. I'm outraged that he needed the ratings badly enough to present the issue in this light.
Sharon, I am so sorry your son had to deal with all that in addition to everything he was already going through. I do not think anything, not ratings, not money, not anything is worth what this show has just done. It’s irreversible, but we will do what Military and Military families do best and that is to stick together and stand up for what we believe in.
It is bad to say things like "monster" in reference to Veterans with PTSD. I count among my friends several Veterans with PTSD and none are anything close to monsters. I wouldn't hesitate to leave a small child with any of them (well no more so than I would have before these guys deployed for the first time – some people are a little inept at childcare is all!) People with PTSD have some issues with anxiety, anger, sleeplessness, recurrent disturbing memories often with an external trigger. These are serious concerns but they don't make people into raging maniacs, apt to fly off the handle and hurt someone. They are rarely any danger to anyone else, especially not to someone who could not constitute a physical threat to them – though they are sometimes a danger to themselves – the negativity to PTSD seems to be directed inward. :(
Exactly, why couldn’t he show a veteran who HAS come home with these struggles, someone who HAS received some treatment and could maybe offer some hope for everyone. Oh I know not as many people would want to watch that. In my opinion the few people that could have been touched by a show that offered hope are totally worth more than the damage he has done with this show.
I agree completely, I feel like they could have portrayed a story of someone who came home, had difficulties, had some therapy, but still has some things to face, but they didn't, and I know why. RATINGS. They had to pull people in and unfortunately we have become a society that wants to see the negative more than the positive and for some reason the negative part of a community that is very honorable (the military) seems to be very intriguing to those who don't know.
I absolutely dislike the title to start with, that makes it seem like the moment a soldier comes home from a combat zone they are to be feared like they will snap and kill everyone around them at the slightest provokation.. My husband has angry moments but won't go see a dr to be diagnosed with ptsd but im sure he has it after his 3 tours in iraq and ive seen the change in his behavior and i know several soldiers diagnosed with it… i have never ever feared for my safety around them, they are loving, caring guys who just have anger issues, they are not monsters
The title alone very much outlines his intentions of the show, whether he intended for the title to be demeaning or not, it was certainly a controlled situation and the story line as well as the negative connotation of the show were no surprise.
I think he only portrayed the extreme side of the spectrum, which to me says exploitation and ratings. My husband has PTSD and he does have his good days and bad days, but to say that he is a monster because of that is disgusting.
Such is the world of American mass-media these days. They always show the bad side of everything and refuse to acknowledge that there are other sides to an issue. The media does this with PTSD, and also Fukushima.
how can he say their monsters. those men and women gave their lives for this country and now that stupid shit wants to say their monsters. if anyone is a monster its you dr. phil.
Theirs a great organization out their called Operation Work Warriors that helps men and women who are from the service get their lives together by helping them achieve their goals lid education or even get the skills to find a job, they work allot with vets.
Thank you for sharing this valuable resource! :) I am going to contact them and ask for permission to list on my personal blog’s resource list.
The VA has Veterans Rehab, that is supposed to help you find a job, get an education and repair your life. Why should Veterans be forced to pay a private group to do the same?
Because sometimes VocRehab turns down veterans, also many of these organizations do not charge for their services. I work for a college as a Veteran Advocate and I constantly look for these kinds of programs. If the counselors at VocRehab do not see you as being employable they will turn you down for the program, there are ways to fight that decision but many people want to work and are not getting the help because they are "too disabled."
BULL CRAP!!!! If you are "too disabled" for help, you are considered 100% Service Connected and the VA will provide support for you. Voc Rehab worked with me until they realized I was unable to cope. Then, they prepared a REPORT on my condition as a Claim for IU.
I have dealt with VA 'college kids" with HUGE EGOS who claim to know everything about PTSD, etc. Then laugh when I tell them I am terrified of helicopters because I was almost crushed TWICE by them. I was told stress, depression, anxiety, etc are just nice words for Anger, and I need to go to Anger Management Classes.
If the VA wants to "HELP" veterans they need to get rid of STUPID college kids and hire VETERANS who know what war is all about.
You do realize that a huge portion of those "STUPID college kids" who you so deplore are in fact the very veterans you claim to want, right? I'm sorry that you had a bad experience, but that doesn't give you the right to say that Matt's statement is "BULL CRAP!!!!" Whether we agree with the decision the VA made or not, I would say it's a wonderful thing that there are those out there who are willing to cover the gap left by the VA. Of the veterans I know, I can't think of one who is willing to simply not work and live on the support provided, regardless of what the VA said. I know several who have been turned down by VocRehab, had support provided by the VA, and then gone to various organizations for training. Each and every one of them has gone on to a fulfilling civilian career, even though Vocational Rehab turned them down.
They are a non-profit.
Agreed, Kristle. I think that show was not only irresponsible, but dangerous.
NETFLEX has a Movie Documentary on Audie Murphy, that is well done. It raises the PTSD issues & how CPT. Murphy was effected, too include his marriages. His last wife was a real Trooper, & did not throw in the towel. With all the hype about him, he struggled with PTSD, until his death in an Airplane Accident.
The film shows that PTSD is real, is not a current phenomenon; & was also treated by medication, absent counseling. The Troops are not Monsters, they are Human Beings reacting to the horrors and carnage of War the way the brain is wired for;and the culture they were raised in. Many blame themselves for defending themselves, their Brothers in Arms, and Civilians Victimized by their Own. I have said this before, and say it again – The Commandment"Thou Shalt Not Kill" was mistranslated from "Thou Shalt Not Commit Murder". Defending Self & Others is NOT MURDER, it is clear "SELF DEFENSE". You did not EARN that GUILT, so do not wear it; and DO NOT JUDGE YOUR SELF BASED ON CULTURE RULES, because "Spiritually" they do NOT APPLY. – De Oppresso Liber-
Easier said then done.
I don't think I need to see the show, you told me what I needed to know. I am a OIF Veteran and suffer from PTSD as well, and I read this to my wife, not sure how I did it without having a tear fall. Thanks for your words, I pray for you and your family. You said it best when we are fighting for his freedom to carry the torch for the ignorance of what PTSD is. You don't have to be well educated to know what it is but he must have lost his common sense with this one.
Keep doing what you are doing and will have to see about your book.
Thank you Gene, I pray for you and your wife as well. I am so glad that you were able to share this with her. Its not an easy subject and the fact that you were able to discuss it says a lot about the two of you!
I watched this program and want to know WHY these people did not go to the VA to recieve help and treatment. Did the VA deny their claim?
And why do Veterans have to go outside the VA and pay to get help? I fought with the VA for 5 years to get my claim approved. The only way it was accepted was to pay for a Civilian Psychological Group to write a report the VA grudgingly had to accept.
Yeah, there are a lot of questions left unanswered about this, which could in part be a privacy thing, but it does make you wonder. It's unfortunate that you had to go that route to get your claim approved, I have heard that many, many times. It should not be that way, but it is so I guess we have to work with what we've got.
Denial/processing of a claim has nothing to do with getting help. The VA gave me individual and group therapy for 4 years before my claim was approved. There are many other veteran run organizations that help veterans with PTSD. Veterans do not have to pay for help unless they choose to.
100% disabled, 3 tours vietnam, bronze star, purple heart, many scars inside and out. I am not a monster, but I live with monsters inside me. My symptoms are my monsters. How about a nice game of chess?
I had a similar experience when I first went to get help. They tried to shuffle me off as a personality disorder so not to have to treat me or give me my benefits. Only through my presistance did I finally receive the help I needed and received my PTSD rating all-be-it a low one. I received a Bronze Star and a CAB, pulled many a body of the medivac. I'm still fighting the demons that haunt me each day. I turned the SIPU Unit a 6 week patent care at Salisbury, NC for help but was kicked out for saying "shit" to the staff and almost killed myself on my way home because I couldn't handle the PTSD in my life. I turned to a civilian therapist for help and now I'm somewhat stable. The VA is suppose to help us, but for many it is a WAR just to get that help! Steven H. Dr. Phil is an ass and knows nothing of we have been through or what we are dealing with each day. I hope he sleeps well at night knowing we are the ones on watch protecting his sorry ass!
I have been a psychologist since 1976. I currently treat soldiers with PTSD at an army post. I am glad for Dr. Phil's sake that he has made himself a big success. However, although I have never been a regular viewer, I totally quit watching his shows a long time ago. He sensationalizes for his ratings, shows a limited knowledge of the field he presents, relies on his researchers to give him a superficial understand of the topic being presented on any given show, and presents himself as being all knowing and omniscient when he gets in front of the camera. I assure you. When I work with soldiers who have bona fide PTSD on a daily basis, I never ever refer to them as being "monsters." I am a civiian psychologist who has never served in the armed services. Although I do not know the hell that our soldiers have been through, I do know how to help them recover from or come to terms with the pain and trauma from the whole ordeal. I don't know if Dr. Phil can say the same thing.
Thank you, Bob, for all that you do, and for acknowledging the fact that you may not know everything, but in addition to your wealth of knowledge from your education, and experience, you know that we are humans, and that helping veterans is worth more than some TV show rating.
I have so much to say…I can't say anything. WHAT I AM IS TOTALLY OUTRAGED. IF these statements would NEVER HAVE BEEN made about a HERO that came back with physical wounds, why do we feel justified is saying them about wounds we can't see and DON'T UNDERSTAND. I AM OUTRAGED!!!!
Someone finally said it! How can you say ANYTHING about SOMETHING you know NOTHING about! I don't know your back story or if you have one, but am glad someone is saying something for those who suffer from and live with someone who has PTSD. My husband is 100% disabled because of PTSD and to look at him you would say, oh he is faking it for the money or so he doesn't have to do the job he signed up for, and people have, but to live with him is the only way to understand what PTSD is or what it does to someone. So, with that said, thanks for the exact way you stated your frustrations, people should listen to what you said and become educated on things they know nothing about before they talk their smack!
I am the wife of a iraqi freedom veteran and yes at times he is a loving caring man and then with a blow of the wind…he turns into a monster the fear and rage and abuse me and my children lived through. I am now out of the situation but i still live on edge. I think the tittle describes what i lived through and i am sure not everyones case is not this extreme but mine was.
I am ONE out of so many soldiers who suffers from severe PTSD. How dare you discredit us!!!!!! We have busted our asses to ensure that the freedom that we have, that was GIVEN TO YOU by the blood, sacrifice, and lives of my past, present and future brothers/sisters in arms – DOES NOT DIE. You're calling us (my brothers and sisters) who suffer PTSD Monsters???? Do you think that we asked do be blown up, shot at, ran over; in a time of fire fight, put our lives on the line for one of our own to make sure that he or she goes safely back home to their; wives, husbands, children instead of in a box 6 feet under the ground. Unfrickin real!
i 'am a Proud mother of two boys who served their country, i would be there to love them and do whatever it takes to help them. Dr. Phil needs to see what the had to witness everyday and night,instead od condeming them help with the problem, i'am sure he can afford it, and by the way is he's such a good Dr. why doesn't he donate some of his time to HELP . I WILL NOT WATCH HIS SHOW ANY LONGER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m just going to say one thing to ANYONE who thinks us veterans with PTSD are monsters: most people wake up every morning and take for granted the freedom they have been given by people who sacrifice for others they don’t know. Others, wake up, stretch, and defend it with their life, so others may call them names and **** on the fact that if it wasn’t for veterans, they wouldn’t be able to speak their mind, drink their coffee, wear what they want or live in the free world. It’s ok though. Being a military member is something that comes from the heart. You can’t teach it to anyone. It’s a calling, and anyone who looks down upon it is just ignorant, because they are truly blind. I know what I did for my country was good, and anyone who has ever worn a uniform, and will in the future, always has a plate at my table and a place to rest their head.
I’m just going to say one thing to ANYONE who thinks us veterans with PTSD are monsters: most people wake up every morning and take for granted the freedom they have been given by people who sacrifice for others they don’t know. Others, wake up, stretch, and defend it with their life, so others may call them names and **** on the fact that if it wasn’t for veterans, they wouldn’t be able to speak their mind, drink their coffee, wear what they want or live in the free world. It’s ok though. Being a military member is something that comes from the heart. You can’t teach it to anyone. It’s a calling, and anyone who looks down upon it is just ignorant, because they are truly blind. I know what I did for my country was good, and anyone who has ever worn a uniform, and will in the future, always has a plate at my table and a place to rest their head.
I have been diagnosed with ptsd for years. Yes it is hard every Day to go on. My youngest daughter told me yesterday 4/20/12 that her mom told her that my sweet little heart couldn’t take the war and changed me to this guy who can’t stop,thanks **** is home,thinks that Marines put order to the chaos. ********! Try going to jail over and brand not getting the help I need!The VA telling me to just take this pill and when this one and this one till I’m over mediated and act like a breaking zombie. Can’t concentrate work unable to go to work some days! But yet we get told to ****** up be a man do your job and we do! But at what cost?I’ll tell you I’m going through a divorce with 4 kids who don’t understand why a soon to be exwife (# 2) only to be told well I don’t know what to do for you bit tete this medication. I’m done taking all these pills.
So glad I DIDN’T WATCH! I knew it was going to be negative just by title…..but if the show happened to help a Veteran then great for them.
Im a Vietnam combat vet . Theory some years ago. Vietnam vet were subject to the same crap. You would think the people in this country would have learned to understand PTSD by now. There are people out there that think that PTSD isn’t real and that people that have , [like myself 100%ptsd]are fakers.
Dr. Phil is a 100 % POS FOOL and so is CBS. I do not watch either for this very reason
Ron, I too am a Vitnam Vet. Vietnam was different than the last 2 wars, we were 95% combat Vets not as the Military of today! I spent my year in that Hell hole, incoming mail every night, probing our lines and being shot at, it (war) changes each of us. I learned to remodel homes by repairing the walls I punched or kicked down, rather than hit my wife, we are still together 46 years now but it has taken a toll on our lives, thankfully my wife stood by me and has saw me through back surgery and 5 cancer surgeries, Love can do wonderful things if you let it, 3 kids and 8 grands that my son and 4 grandsons have served but they did not see and do what we did. Give yourself a break and take care, WELCOME HOME BROTHER! 1st Cav 66/67
I am the Mom of a Wounded Warrior who suffers from both PTSD and a severe TBI. We almost lost him, yet he fought back hard, and continues to do so. This Dr. Phil's headline hit my iphone while I was at work as I USED to track his show. I had to hold my emotions in until I could get to my hotel room and cry my eyes out. All of the pain of receiving "THE CALL" telling me my son was hit by an IED, all of the wait to find out if he would survive, all of the sitting by his bedside at Bethesda for almost a month watching him cough up blood and breath through a tube – unable to talk as shrapnel had ripped part of of throat out – all of this came running back with yet more pain – "Dr. Phil calls our boys monsters". My son is not a Monster. I am not a monster either – as I too suffer my own form of PTSD for flashing back to the horror of THE Call, the blood, the pain of seeing my son – my hero – fighting for his life. SHAME ON YOU Dr. Phil for labeling our boys monsters! Pam Hayes, from the Arms Forces, bless her heart, helped calm my son and continues to do so, and helps me gain perspective and work through all this pain. That is the type of expert Dr. Phil should have had on his show, and perhaps run this stupid headline through. Dr. Phil is O-F-F in our house now. Perhaps he will one day do a show titled "From Talk Show Host to Jerk".
I am a Marine Infantry vet that served in both Afghanistan and Iraq. I have been diagnosed with severe PTSD. It changes you greatly and in many ways. I did things that I can't recall saying or doing that had a cost of losing my wife, my job and almost my life. But to call me a monster for aspects that were beyond my control because I fought, which enables you to have the right to call me and my brothers and sisters in the military this horrible word, is grossly disrespectful. Who are you to judge others and always treat them as they are beneath you??? That stigma and label is one reason it took me so long to get help in the first place. Thanks for adding to it. It is very much appreciated. Coward!
Thank you.
I was n Private Military Contractor in Iraq from 09 to 2011 and if got ptsd. If he hade the bolls to go to Iraq he wount say **** like this. We al lost Friends and got hit so stay the **** away from vets
This is a perfect example of why so many Soldiers do not seek help if they need it for any issues they may be having when they return from a combat zone. People, like Dr. Phil, who put out the idea that those with PTSD are "monsters" or "damaged" just add to this stereotype that Soldiers with PTSD are going to fall apart or be violent at any moment. Why would they want to get help if they are going to be looked at that way? When my husband came back from Iraq, his family was constantly watching him for any signs of violence or anger. It was like they expected that since he had been in a combat zone, he was going to act this way and it was very frustrating. Because of this, he wouldn't tell anyone if he was having problems. He finally did talk to me and with encouragement he spoke to his doctor. This show did no good to help our service members and correct that misguided view of those with PTSD.
Dr Phil is a fake and a moron why is this an article your just promoting him more.He does this for ratings so the more shocking the better the ratings bottom line MONEY.
How can someone that is not a doctor in anyting, has no degree in any mental health issues know anytihing about PTSD. And when will the world wake up and see this fraud for what he is, another O channel quack. Will someone pull the plug on this show and get this man off the air before he really does more damage to peoples lives than he already has.
Kristie, I understan that Dr Phil is not a liscened clinical psychiastrist. Is this true? He has no credibility except Oprah endorsed him. Most people that I know do not believe a word he says
I have lived with PTSD for 42 years now. It does not get better.I am not a monster! I live on a hill and dont bother anyone unless threatened. Then its get some.DR Phill needs to engage the enemy then run his @#$@ mouth!
Our country has too many problems with our war-fighters, largely because of ignorance and arrogance. (close coupled, the combination is referred to as stoopid) Is the pathetic situation across the country really a symptom of the military veterans? Dr. Phil would be better off if he represented the statistical impact that a 14% minority represents in our country.
Half of the 14%, represent over half of the nation's prison population, probably for a reason. In several black majority cities, they are responsible for 90% of the crime and a like numbers of the murders. Fortunately? the vast majority is the crime is not racist. The black community is also the victims to the tune of 8 to 9,000 murders a reason. If he investigated this unfortunate situation, he would have exclusive rights.
First credentials. I am a combat wounded former Marine, dx'd with PTSD, and I am also a psychotherapist with a focus on trauma, especially combat trauma. This is my take. Dr. Phil is a dolt. He has less understanding of PTSD than anyone should be allowed to have. Combat trauma (PTSD) is a life changer simply because that person is changed. There is nothing negative about the change. We have taken the identity of Warriors, therefore it becomes an existential issue. Honor who you are, do not try and revert to your former civilian identity. Educate yourself about symptomatology so you can understand what is happening. It is not necessary to live in fear, rather embrace the Warrior identity. Live your live with honor and focus and screw idiots who tell you that you are damaged.
Good On Ya Michael I couldn't have said it better myself!! Al Brewster (see my comment too)
This is about the way the public considered all Viet vet Marines after the 70′s Tower shootings in Texas. We were all considered someone to “look out for” after one man goes berserk and he happened to be a former active duty Marine. yes we are damaged goods but that doesn’t make us anymore potential killers and “monsters” than the gang banger running the streets everyday who Never served anything but time in jail. If anything, those of us who have gone through the program, as wnting as it is, know better than most that we do have probelms and we at least have some info on how to handle it in most situations. Dr. Phil, BTW he is not licensed or certified by anyone but Oprah, is so full of himself he should be running for office on the Democrat ticket. Ratings are all he knows. Yes I have watched his BS program but not within the past 18 months since I am on digital free air and thankfully can’t get him anymore. All watching him did for me was get my blood pressure up, except for the realization that there are far more non-vets out there who really need watching and most are of the female variety.
Dr. Phil, who never served in the military, is an ass and a ratings whore plain and simple. I have PTSD. I openly admit that my struggles in coping with it and the associated anger I felt, among with many, many other reasons, helped lead to the dissolution of my first marriage. I was a self loathing monster, but most of it was directed internally. It has had a very negative impact on my second marriage but having had the opportunity to attend some PTSD and anger management counselling sessions at the VA I am better equipped to deal with it. It is horribly unfortunate though that a man who has no understanding of the issue would not just comment on it but would also be viewed as an expert by so many ignorant people.
Everyone knows Dr. Phil is a bag of hot air. He has no idea on what it is like to live with this debilitating condition. If, and i stress if, he were to get his fat ass off of the chair he sits in and go do our work. Then he would find out that his comments hurt and destroy the image OIF, OEF, and Ond veterans. I for one am a veteran of OIF, and also a Marine. I find his word and comments irresponsible and naive. I suffer just like all other veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD. I am deeply offened and appalled by his story. I salute all the MEN and WOMEN that are serving or who have served to protect his ignorance. Semper Fi
Patricia Chavira
soldiers are not monsters nor they turn into a monster you are so wrong telling people this Dr.Phil they are still human and just because you need help with PTSD don't make you a monster ether !!!
Saw Dr. Phil in Las Vegas. He is a drunk and an idiot. If anyone needs help, it is him. He has a definite drinking issue and was such a prick. How anyone could listen to this ego maniac is beyond me. I just hope he wasn't driving that night. What a birthday present to his family.
"Dr" Phil just perpetrates the crazy ex combat vet and he damn well knows it. Is he a Ph.D from a legitimate university or college? Is he a vet? I doubt it. Yes, after WWII there were horror stories that had minimal coverage…vets getting drunk in bars, fighting, raising hell in their homes with a wife and/or kids, etc. One of the worst was the vet, age 28, who walked in Camden, NJ, killing 13, including 3 kids in 1949….he was never tried but died in a mental hospital in the summer of 2010. He was a psycho who planned the spree for a year. His name was Howard Unruh. Name in wikipedia. As is Charles Whitman, the noncombat marine in the tower at the U of Texas, Aug. 1966. Shot over 16, I think.
One show about PTSD on veterans does not educate, or demonstrates to the world how every single veterans and their family members goes through in daily lives. I am a military spouse, with two children whose husband had deployed twice to Afghanistan; seeing the changes in my husband and in our marriage are surely not smooth sailing ones, but hoping that each day it might get better. I wish there was a better way in helping them cope with the pains and readjustments, instead of burying the emotions into the use of pain medications or alcohol…Instead of wasting money on junk, stupid reality show that has no meanings, they should focus more reality show on our soldiers and veterans who risked their lives for our country….
I wouldn’t say that the Iraq Afghanistan Vetran Is not a Monster. I’m an ex-spouse and thank god!
But once any man or woman serve in war will never be the same no matter what, Medication only
makes it worse, In all actually the brain has been traumatized. And that’s not easy to repair.
My prayers go out to any one who’s facing this Disorder.
I wouldn’t say that the Iraq Afghanistan Vetran Is not a Monster. I’m an ex-spouse and thank god!
But once any man or woman serve in war will never be the same no matter what, Medication only
makes it worse, In all actually the brain has been traumatized. And that’s not easy to repair.
My prayers go out to any one who’s facing this Disorder.
ohhhh dr. phil ive been diagnosed with PTSD and YOU probably just woke a monster…….im Thinking about sueing you for slander!!!!!!! how dare u you anti american prick!!!!
semper fi
Words like hero are thrown around far too freely to start with. People are now however getting overly sensitive whenever anyone says something that might put a little tarnish on their chosen heroes however. Another term which I think gets over user is PTSD. I suspect, like so many other issues this is greatly over diagnosed and what we are seeing is a lot of people who would normally recover from their deployment without too much difficulty being told again and again by the medical profession how sick they are so that Viola! Before they know what is happening they really ARE sick.
As for Dr. Phil? He's an hour a day Psychologist, why do any of you take what he says seriously let alone get offended by the title of his show which CAN be justified because it HAS happened.
What, this chick has PTSD my ass. Was burger king out of beef patties to long. Wars hell, every Infantryman (real soldiers) go to combat wanting to close with and destory the enemy. Sometimes people die it is NOT the best part of the job trust me. Now I don't agree with Dr Phil but I have seen plenty of people like this author who claim PTSD when the nearest to combat they saw was just outside the ECP (exit control point).
Depending on the level of PTSD a person is suffering from, I could almost agree with the 'monster' statement only because I personally felt myself a 'monster' when I came home and for years, 11 years to be exact, I felt like a raging monster within myself and the3 people around me. The rage I felt was undescribeable. It took me to this point to realize the monster I was and what I needed to do to become a functioning member of society and I couldn't have done it without the help of the VA and the attentativeness of the staff that seen my issues and put me on the path of healing.
Dr. Phil is and always been a phony. Check his history of fraud in Texas and Kansas for more insight into this tv star's outrages. Why does anyone watch this blowhard?
I am a combat Vietnam Veteran who suffers from P. T. S. D. I go for counseling twice a month at the V. A. clinic in addition to all the medication I take to help me cope with everyday life. I have been through divorce, lost relationship with my son, and isolate myself from crowds, and prefer to be in my own surroundings where I feel safe. I am sick and tired of people like Dr. Phil who feel they are experts, and have no idea how those of us suffer from the darkness that is present in our everyday life.
regarding this partcular subject, dr. phil is a jacka$$. go back and interview the typical white trash families you have on the show everyday!!
I would not trust Dr. Phil nor his crew, to be Tupperware Sales Consultants.
Dr. Phil is right. PTSD has sadly created monsters out of some of our military heros. I witnessed this first hand. I dated a former navy medic who saw things that haunt him til this day. I was with with for four months and he made me believe that he loved me and persuaded me to join the military. He received $10,000 for my recruitment. When I returned home from training he told me he never loved me and this was all a joke to collect money. I have never felt so ashamed or embarrassed in my life.
He has severe PTSD that I would see mainly when he was drunk. And I accepted his behavior which hurt me physically and mentally bc I used the excuse of the fact that he is a hero. Well that hero is a monster and he will hurt more people as the years go on. Sadly the hero lost himself in the horrible war he fought and the hero died over there in Afghanistan and the monster returned to
America.
Dr. Phil is talking about less than .1% of veteran combatants. Those of us that have been diagnosed with severe ptsd have not turned into monsters. But, we do live with monsters inside us. I sought out help within 4 months of returning from my third tour of duty, but no one knew what ptsd was. I lived with it for 30 years before help was available. Went thru 5 marriages, 26 jobs, and have a daughter that won't acknowledge me (and that breaks my heart). The VA helped me to understand my symptoms and have changed my life for the better now. I just wish it had not taken so long. I'm sorry you were victimized by this jerk and hope that you are proud to serve your country. No one deserves that kind of treatment from anyone. I will say a prayer for you tonight.
Gosh, if Dr. Phil say's it on National TV then "It" must be true, right? After all, Dr. Phil is a proud and noble member of the medical profession! He would NEVER label millions of veterans of the Vietnam, Iraq and Afghanistan wars as monsters merely to improve his TV ratings and standing among the kind and gentle liberal viewers who worship at his feet. With all the monsters unleashed on this nation, from the War of Independence (1776) to the present, how has America managed to survive, prosper and HELP the nations of Europe, Asia etc. through two World Wars and the Cold War? Dr. Phil, PTSD__isn't a new affliction, is it? Wasn't PTSD known to other generations as meloncholy, shell shock and combat fatigue (to name a few)? I never heard the phrase "PTSD" until after Vietnam. Wasn't PTSD FINALLY determined to be a medical condition associated with Depression and possible brain trama? Anyway Thank You Dr. Phil, thank you for making all us veterans feel better about ourselves and the prospects of our lives.
Dr Phil ok he is a non serving joke and un-patriotic. the problem is not enough have sacrificed in this war.in other wars we had rained goods, you either joined or got drafted, those tgat didn’t serve were labled aa draft dodgers or lazy malingerers. i did two tours wounded warrior PTSD TBI Im no monster ans think we should get together and do a class action law suit on Dr p.
Dr. Phil has crossed the line and needs to be dealt with in a major ratings drop. But of course what do you expect from someone from Texas. Look what we have dealt with from Texas. Bush Sr., Bush Jr. Perry, Ron Paul, and now Dr. Phil. What a bunch of despots.
For a supposedly educated man, Dr Phil sure shows his ass on a lot og subjects. I didn't watch too many shows before deciding that I couldn't stand his holier than thou attitude.
Dr Phil should be beyond embarassed !
My husband -my hero. Not only is not a monster ….. His grandkids call him ” the monster slayer” !!!!! And that should sum all that up …… except for what a true ignart dumbs .. Dr Phil is ….never never again will I watch his show never !!!!!!!
When I joined the Service I swore to uphold the Constitution, and Obey all the Commands from the CIC on down. I fought in Vietnam only to have been called names coming home! Now I feel even more Betrayed by Congress and our CIC! I cope everyday with PTSD and used a Fifth of Old Grandad every night for 20+ years to be able to sleep at night!
Our Lawyer CONGRESS and CIC's have Lied to us and Sold Our Country down the Drain for MONEY with the TRADE AGREEMENTS that sent Americans jobs to the ENEMY!
I have PTSD and having a CIC that doesn't trust us to live with weapons is shameful. Once you swear that Oath to your Country, it TEARS at my Soul to think I am Part Monster that would HANG everyone of these Traitorus SOB's if I could! These members of Congress and former CIC's would bring me pleasure to see HANGING all around the 495 by pass around DC! If this makes me a MONSTER that happens to have PTSD so be it! Dr Phil would you like to be part of that crowd?
I have enough to deal with everyday let alone having my Goverment kick me while I and this Country are down. For once in your life WAKE UP AMERICA WE ARE AT WAR WITH THOSE WITHIN OUR OWN GOVERMENT!
Dr. Phil is a moron! It shows the level of ignorance of the citizens of this country that they watch his drivel and actually believe it. Between this crap and every sport known to man, including Curling, being broadcast 24 hours a day, it is no wonder that half of the people in the United States can only read at an eighth grade level. And that is on a good day.
I do not watch Dr Phil, I do not believe he is trying to help people. Maybe he did at one time, but not anymore. Now it is about how do I get people to watch my show? I was appalled at the title of the show and would not even give it my time or ANY publicity. This is the first place I said anything about it.
We have to know why the media turns out such garbage for the general public. Yes, there are victims of PTSD, but this condition affects fewer than one in five veterans. After a series of employment discrimination lawsuits, the evidence I have collected has convinced me that our politicians and civil servants want to see as many veterans as possible dead so that several trillion dollars can be saved for their own use. Aged veteran who have never been given a chance to start a civilian career are simply too expensive to keep alive. Naturally, our government officials want the general public to believe that the veterans without jobs who become homeless and destitute are failing to find employment because of psychological problems. That is why every article in the mass media addressing the massive number of homeless vets also brings PTSD into the picture. In fact, a veteran with a PTSD pension is much less likely to become homeless than a veteran without such a pension because he has some income. He does not have to beg for quarters at freeway exits and can keep a roof over his head permanently.
I have always seen Dr Phil as a phony and an opportunist; this type of garbage from him proves it. It's all about his ratings and no intention to help anyone. For a doctor that gives advise for a living, why is he so blind to see the damage he does to Soldiers that continue to fight these demons? He is not qualified to analyze or judge something he knows nothing about. As a Service Connected and Disabled Veteran, I care for him even less now.
This is irresponsible journalism intended to increase ratings, not inform. I have worked with combat vets for over 30 years as a counselor and found the major obstacle to vets with PTSD getting the care they deserve is a fear of being stigmatized as "weak" or "needy". Bull sh*t. Emotional wounds of war can be as debilitating as physical wounds. If "Dr. Phil" is licensed by the American Psychological Association, he should be reported and his license revoked. Hereafter, he should only be referred to as "Mr. Phil", or just Phil. What an idiot.
what does Dr. Phil know about PTSD, why don't he work with the Vet's that come back from war and have first hand what it's like dealing with this condition. having nightmares, flash backs, you don't
want to socialize.
Dr. Phil definitely needs to go into another line of work because he definitely is not a doctor. Our military heroes and heroines are definitely not monsters. War is the most traumatic event that a person could ever witness and the violence and bloodshed in Iraq and Afghanistan have left many with a psychological injury that can rival any physical wound. To call these people monsters is an afront to all of these men and women suffering from PTSD. The fact that many of these men and women continue to serve shows their resolve. They're HEROES, not monsters.
Everyone is missing the main point here about Dr. Phil. He may be a "DR.", but holds no degree in psychiatry or psychology. For all I know, he could have gotten his degree in Liberal Arts. "Would you like fries with that order?"
I have suffered with PTSD many years, no one knows unless you experience what it is like. I assure you I am not a monster. I am doing much better after seeking help from the VA. They are a true blessing, they have helped me tremendously. I certainly can agree they are trying their best.
Dr. Phil is a great guy with his opinion but is speaking without experiencing. I'm not surew I could put PTSD into words anyone could understand. My wife has been super to put up with me all these years.
Never be afraid of a soldier who has been deeply wounded, just treat us with the same respect you would want. War is awful and should be a last resort.
VA THERAPY HAS HELPED ME WITH MY RAGES INFLICTED ON PEOPLE. LIVED WITH PTSD
FOR YEARS WITHOUT MENTAL HELP. WHO KNEW ??? MARINE KOREA VET.
How can peoole be so ignorant. Ive been diganost with TBI and that I have PTSD qualities but I cant be diagnost with full blown PTSD beacuse you can have both, among a lot of other issues. None of us asked for this to happen. We just did our part protecting this country and we drew the short straw. Now somepeople with PTSD may do some bad things but is it right to throw the rest of us in that catagory because of a few bad apples. No it’s not. These invisible wounds seem to be the worst ones out there but I could be wrong since I don’t have everything. Sometimes it seems like I would have better off losing a leg or something like that. Not to say that those injures aren’t bad also. I’m just speaking from my point of view and mean no disrespect or to say someone else’s problem is not as bad as mine. Fourtunitly my wife as stuck with me and I don’t know where I would be with out her. Yeah we have good and bad days but we get through it together.
How this Oprah manufactured fake is still allowed to pollute the airwaves is beyond me!!??? The Jackass has some nerve calling us monsters…..This BS just Boils my Blood!!!!
What an ignorant idiot! One, to pose as a doctor. That is just ridiculous. But to call Americas Heros MONSTORS because they have a condition that they did not ask for is OUTRAGEOUS! I'm a Vietnam Vet and its been 40 years not that I have fought with PTSD. Remembering the true horrors of war and the uglyness of what I saw. This man has no business being on television comparing the true HEROS of the country with a monster. Lets see him go over and put in the time in battle and not come back a changed person. I listened then to being called a child or woman killer. Spat on for doing what I was sent to do. All when I came back. SUPPORT OUR HEROS OR JUST SHUT UP and their silent fight.
I made a mistake. It should read "its been 40 now" Not the word not.
i have been dealing with PTSD for47 yrs. what troubles me is the lack f understanding from the councler's at the cleveland VA. i was reacently told i could not be seen at the Akron VA because i raised my voice when i found my records were falsefied. i was lied to, and told not to get upset. for the past 2 year,s after they shout down the clinic at Breacksville i paid out of my pocket to go with the councler i had been with for 18 year's, and trusted her. When the clinic was closed i was never offered eny counclin at another clinic. until i demanded it, but because i raised my voice i can no longer get the counclin i need. Talk about understanding men and wemon with PTSD the cleveland VA dosent.
Dr. Phil was made an "expert" by his affiliation w/ Oprah who also gave us the likes of "Dr. Oz" & Suzie Orman. Jeff Kane, MD has written a wonderful book on HEALING & I urge all of you who suffer from PTSD to read it. I don't "treat" veterans but for some reason I cannot fathom they find me & I LISTEN to what they have to say. Many times I am decimated for days by what they have to tell me but a nonjudgmental listener is far more beneficial to them than the multiple prescriptions the VA dumps on them.
Dr. Know-it-all is just like the rest of the people in this country, they forget so quickly about all of us fighting a war overseas to keep it from coming over here. I have just being told by a doctor that have what they call PTSD and that he was sorry that I had to go through this all this years after returning from vietnam. There really is a problem their, it is not a big joke like Dr. Phil thinks it is, but of course rating is very important so he has to do what it takes to get it. I think he and the rest of those people in Congress and every body in the house should be send to war them self so they can see for them self what we went through, they have no idea.
Dr Phil is the new Jerry Springer. It's all about his ratings. His show is pure bovine scatilogy. He needs a swift kick to his nether region.
I had a similar experience when I first went to get help from the VA. They tried to shuffle me off as a personality disorder so not to have to treat me or give me my benefits. Only through my presistance did I finally receive the help I needed and received my PTSD rating all-be-it a low one. I received a Bronze Star and a CAB, pulled many a body off the medivac. I'm still fighting the demons that haunt me each day. I turned to the SIPU (PTSD) Unit a 6 week in patent care at the VA Hospital in Salisbury, NC for help but was kicked out after two weeks for saying "#$%&!" to the staff and almost killed myself on my way home because I couldn't handle the PTSD in my life. I turned to a civilian therapist for help and now I'm somewhat stable. The VA is suppose to help us, but for many it is a WAR just to get that help! Dr. Phil is an ass and knows nothing of what we have been through or what we are dealing with each day. I hope he sleeps well at night knowing we are the ones on watch protecting his sorry ass!
As a licensed mental health professional with way too much education including a doctorate and a military veteran with over 26 years service including service as a teenage US Marine in Vietnam then after a formal education (courtesy of the GI Bill and your tax dollars – thank you taxpayers!) service as an US Air Force clinical social worker I'd urge anyone concerned about PTSD to make it a strict rule to avoid the TV personality Phil McGraw. Instead, seek out someone in your community who has a reputation for providing compassionate effective treatment for both vets and their families. Please do expect that with the assistance of a good therapist that truly "gets it" the experiences you've had will make you a stronger more compassionate human being and a better spouse, and parent. For more ideas on how to help our returning veterans especially those coming home to rural areas far from VA resources check out our rural communities completely free entirely non profit approach to helping our vets at: http://www.battle-buddies.us Dr. Al Brewster
Hey guys let me tell yous guys something i been there.2004-2005 front lines over 150missions out of the camp started in bagdhad and end in mousul Iraq. got hit with motar rounds and roadside bombs let me tell yous some made it some got injury pretty bad and some will not be forgotton so id tell you all this!! We fought for Everyones freedom It beats them coming Here! so ill tell yous this id serve this mans army for 26 years.. camE out so dont talk smack abouts Veterans cause we saw so much shit if you fools only were there.. peace out
It angers me greatly to see folks that havent "been there" and "done that" too pass authority on such problems of a uniquiness as PTSD. I dont care what school taught knowledge they have or paper degrees they have there name on, they DO NOT, WILLNOT, and CANNOT, know what the serviceman or woman knows about, him/herself, human nature/pysche, and the rewards/moral punishment the individual has or is enduring. I would like to point out put that I am referring to the type of PTSD that is related to military conflicts. I know there are a great many people that report they have or experience PTSD ffor other reasons like car accidents or house fires. etc… i havent been involved in any of those ouside of my military career so i cant comment on the validity of those claims. But those during conflict i know well. people may ask why every tumulous Vet doesnt seek help; and it is exactly for the reson of this argument: you become "monsterfied". I like many other Veterans cherish my right to keep and bear arms; but due to circumstances out of my control , most specifaclly the virginia tech shooting, i woundlt ever consider seeking help for any emotional or pyschological problem, even to go as far as marriage conselling, due to the fact that asfter the Vtech shooting, legislation was introduced that required doctors/professionals to snitch on there clients if there was a possiblitiy of mental illness/instability. and with the threat of legal punishment if the care provider did not report them, buttloads of reports were made erroniously. the doctors covered their asses by putting the freedoms of there clients at risk, and in many cases those clients found themselves unable to purchase a firearm due to having seen a metnal health professinal or couples counciller.
I have drawn this out long enough, and i insincerely apologize for that.
I would like to end with a quote from an unknown source, that i think may sum up sum of my feelings and maybe others:
"The veteran knows that he knows incredibly valuable things,
And now, in civilian life, those things may not only be useless,
they may be looked upon with horror or fear.
The veteran is not valued by the setting in which he finds himself."
Boy, is this Oprah creation misguided!
What do you think his doctorate intelligence would have him do when there are no more people willing to do his dirty work and fight for his freedoms? Hide like a coward?
PTSD, which from now on I will call PTS, is a terrible thing that most people who are NOT monsters get when the experiences of war.
Instead of categorizing heroes with PTS as something as despicable as monsters, he should be thanking them and contributing immensely to charities that help them.
I too have PTS and I am married 37 years (not always perfect) and I get wonderful help from the VA.
What has this BUM done to improve our society and way of life but get rich at telling others how they should live. Obviously at the expense of our men and women that sacrifice so much.
I would like to see him and others like him kicked off the air for being so insensitive to our military.
We don't want money or medals !! All we want is honor and respect !! We want someone to tell us " Thank you for your devoted service to your country. We want to be treated like human beings. That is all. Peace to all my Brothers in Arms. God Bless You All !!
I have lived with PTSD for 40 years, VN 70-72. I did not know that I suffered from any ill effects from VN. The isolation from everyone, not allowing anyone to be close, several failed marriages, the rage and destructive thoughts, the alienation of my children, I thought it was part of life. I thought the only answer was to work 12-16 hours a day, stay immersed in my work, until I had a flashback while on field exercises with the ARNG in S. Carolina. And even then I reverted to self medication, because it had worked in the past. The VA was not part of my life, I did not know that their once very restrictive guidelines had been loosened. Hospitals and support were NOT part of any conversations. If a buddy had not called me in 2010 and told me about the "Agent Orange" physical I would have continued to trudge on with my physical and mental ailments. The only reason I went after months of denial on my part was because he and several others who had been in Nam the same time as me had a variety of cancers.
I am still coming to grips with the PTSD, trying to learn more and understand. Perhaps, I'll seek some counseling but after 40 years, but I do not trust people, I feel it's a little late. I do not think of myself or any of the other comrade in arms as a Monster and totally resent the implications of people like this "dr. Phil" and others in the media who try and paint these warriors with a broad brush as damaged goods or deranged killers. It's "deja vu all over again", carried these tags when I came back from Nam. The only difference is, everyone wanted to believe it in the 1970's, at least now there are supporters to debunk these people who live in the free society that we (and not they) have fought for.
Dr. Phil is not ever a REAL doctor!!!!! Nuff Said!!!!!
First I would like to thank every vet from every conflict for the service and the sacrifice. Dr Phil has no clue about PTSD, if he does he sure has a negative way of showing it. The VA can provide help, there are also good civilian counselors who can help the vet and his family, I severed in Viet Nam in 67&68. I went a boy and came home a confused angry man. I to used the GI bill to get an education, I worked in the mental heath field and as an addiction counselor my focus was on Vets and PTSD I developed a better understanding to the condition and it is treatable and life can get better. I won't name call but I will say Dr. Phil is not qualified to treat any Vet.
Yes I have PTSD I also Graduated Colledge and I was a Plant Manager at a Manufacturing Co. and now I own my business. Yes I do strugle BUT I am not a MONSTER. That IDIOT Dr PHIL lives in a dream world. If it was not for OPRA he would still be a JOE BLOW that no one heard off.
Where do this EXPERTS get off knowing about PTSD, WAR since non of them ever served in the military. Just because you have a title it does not mean your are an expert. They are no better than OBAMA and PANNETA who make decisions for the military spending and benefits (CUT, CUT, CUT)
without ever serving.
It is to bad, TV is about Ratings, and Money, this program is no different !! Using PTSD as a ratings booster is unacceptable. I have PTSD and the offer of a "Cure" by anyone is stupid. We do the best we can with what we have to offer witch is better than most of the population. At least WE have done something for our country. All the rest of the population want's to do is Blow their Mouths Off and claim their rights have been messed with to try and get the HERO after their name without the PTSD. That is why their are 11 million ++ people claiming to be Viet Nam Vets when only 1.3 million served. Do the math !!
How about a class action lawsuit against the Dr. Phil show and the people who run it. How many jobs have I been denied in the U.S. because of media hype like the Dr. Phil Show? Well over 200. My employment history is confined to Southeast Asia, Europe, and South America. We all lose financially, and many of us become homeless, because of the stream of media slander against veterans. If the next person who interviews you for a job saw the Dr. Phil show, do you think he will hire you? We need a lawfirm for the case, which will make pleny of money, while we will at least get enough to take the family to the movies. The important point is to get this kind of veteran-bashing off the mainstream media, and then maybe some of us will be able to find decent jobs for a real salary.
He is a skirt chaser and if you watch him on Oprah or or anything else he say anything that he think a woman wants to hear. Any person that has to go to him for help has passed hitting the bottom of the berrel they went throught the bottom. Bob
To Dr phil tim hooey vietnam 71-72 Read TEARS OF A WARRIOR BY, JANET J. SEAHORN,PH.D&E. ANTHONY SEAHORN, MBD .I been liveing with this 40 yr.s PTDS I JUST TURNED 18 WHEN I WAS THERE. THE VA DID A shitly job with me,,,, I was told not to talk about this out side the VA!
Anyone who goes into a warzone and combat is a changed person. Not a monster…but capable of monstrous things. Things learned in combat that were necessary to survive. Spending such a long time in a combat area with your life under constant surveillance by people who want to do you harm is enough to change anyone into the Incredible Hulk. All it takes when you're back stateside is the wrong language used against you or maybe the wrong gestures and all hell could break loose. Whose fault is this? Not the courageous hero that willingly risked all to defend the freedoms of this country. Everyone needs to recognize this first and foremost. Give them and help and ALWAYS give them RESPECT!
Not to justify Dr Phil's promoters the use of the term "monster" in this case, but if people do not watch then no one who doesn't suffer PTSD or those near them will understand the problems. As I understand it, the rate of suicide of our returning heroes in up. I would think this is what Dr Phil was trying to bring out. I haven't watched an episode of Dr Phil in a very long time.
I served from 1978 to 1984 and contribute to the Wounded Warrior Project. I have no idea what combat is like and only a vague notion of what PTSD (formerly "Shell-shocked", formerly "Soldier's Heart") entails. Had I seen this ad, I might have made an effort to watch this one. Since I did not see it, I do not know whether he used the term within the show or not. I would doubt it unless it was first used by one of his "guests".
There are people who truly suffer from PTSD, but these days I see an overdiagnoses of PTSD. When veterans who never came close to combat but state they were in "fear" they may be in combat gets a diagnosis based on "fear" there is a problem and this is what is happening with VA. It is a slap in the face to people truly suffering.
This is just the type of uninformed information that is causing all returning veterans to have a hard time readjusting and finding work. I am disabled by TBI/PTSD but no one calls me a monster that knows me. My suffering is done in private most of the time. There are times when TBI/PTSD can cause a veteran or any else that suffers from them to "loose it" but in my experience it has been because proper care and screening and help has been hard to find or access. Can anyone who has been exposed to traumatic events be expected to just "forget about it"? The good doctor has put his foot in his over-sized mouth this time and way overstepped his knowledge of a real problem that real people have. By the way most of these people are fine humans who don't need to be judged by a hollywood doctor who is looking for ratings. CPO Mark Bell USN (RET.) I work with vets with TBI/PTSD here in Henry, Nebraska, a fine group of men and women!
further to the Dr. Phil Show: it is obvious that this is about ratings and Dr. Phil hit a huge hot button issue and his producers and directors need to step up to the plate and "own" what they have porduced. A hateful edition of Dr. Phil to gain access to the liberal interpretation of an "anti war message" espoused by the left wing media who feel that all war and warriors are somehow bent outta shape by the actions of their country when they are called to defend it. One cannot but help to see the pain in the message and the tainting of the wounded warriors who have paid a significant price in the redemtion of the american consicence when it comes time to pay back to those who wounded us so gravely….nuff said…dr phil eat sh** cause your full of it….Shannon H. Pennington Executive Director /Senior Chief North American Firefighter Veteran Network on behalf of the 343 and those wounded warriors who stood up for the Stars and the Bars when you hid in your suit behind a hollywood set with the lights a shinun upon your desperate I need Ratings Soul….ye who sold your soul to the networks……
p.s. spelling error old chap sorry bout that….produced althouth when you read it does sound somewhat like a southern racist bigot which we know has roots in the American civil rites movement of the 60's. One does suppose that had this been a Vietnam you would be with Hanoi Jane sittun on the stoop of the anti aircraft battery a waitun to gun down those horible airmen bombing the glorius people of North Vietnam. Yah Dr. Phil you earned this one….Hanoi Phil…again..more than enough said….firefighterveteran.conm
Dr Phil, here is a challenge for you. Go to Afghanistan and spend one month (31 days) with the Marines over there and see how you do. Once you experience taking fire and being scared spitless we will see how your mental state is once you come back.
Dr Phil has been on his high and mighty horse ever since he became a celebrity through the help of Oprah. This man has no clue about PTSD and never will. He once had a certificate to practice counseling, but let it lapse due to his fame. He is out of touch with the world. Unfortunately, as a civilian, he will never understand PTSD, and neither will the civilian community that has never been to war. His calling people with PTSD monsters, has only flamed the way people look at us, especially the police departments. Those that are killed because we are labled as monsters, will be on Dr. Phil's hands now.
I hate to read comments that suggest that there is no cure for PTSD. I know a guy that is much more knowledgeable about all of this than Dr. Phil and he has a great success rate for helping people find complete healing of theses and other traumas. He is a best selling author and has a great book out that lays out a plan for healing and restoration. Although it is a deep and lengthy book, I recommend starting with the chapter called Romans.
Dr. Phil, what a joke, is a complete moron! I've always suspected him of being a real jerk, now he's really proven himself in the matter….what I find worst of all is people listen to him and think everything out of his show is golden!! well, I find piss more golden than Phil and his minions!!! The scary thing to me is the people who idolize him, are no different than those who allowed Hitler to come to power and then stood by while he carried out his diabolical plot against those same people???!!! SMH!!! PTSD is a natural reaction to unnatural circumstances that our HEROES have had to endure!!! The only MONSTERS in the equation are subhumans like Phil and his ilk who toss words around like so much cheap popcorn to increase the ratings on their less than worthy shows!!!
He's an idiot….. Period….
What will happen to the dear dr is that the so-called monster will be staring him right in the face. Be it a grandchild, niece or nephew, neighbor, good friend….etc. Somebody close to him will become a sufferer. Then he will regret the usage of that word. It is a shame that a doctor no less cannot have a drop of empathy or even just dare put himself in the PTSD or TBI sufferer’s shoes. I work with vets and can tell you that most are very decent and soft-spoken individuals. The PTSD sufferer will respond to kindness, sensitivity and caring. Not in the way we may be used to but they do respond. We have no fricken clue what they have gone through. There is no "front" in these wars. Bombs can go off in a market, church, post office…..The horrors they have seen are indescribable.
The VA is criminal. The shameful tactics they use to "wear' down a claimant is unconsciousable. They round file or “lose” claims. They release ‘original med records to vets…..knowing that once release the record will be deemed “tamper able’ and not be admitted as an official record. They make the vets jump through hoops just to submit a claim. I am involved in an effort to educate administrators, teachers and students on the symptoms of PTSD. Sufferers are branded as troublemakers, freaks, psychos….etc. Because most people don't know how this insidious condition manifests itself. The time for stupid name calling and insensitive behavior by ignorant people is over. Dr. Phool !!
If anybody is interested in helping, contact the Veterans Community Support Network headquartered in Sacramento, CA. http://www.sacvcsn.org/
What will happen to the dear dr is that the so-called monster will be staring him right in the face. Be it a grandchild, niece or nephew, neighbor, good friend….etc. Somebody close to him will become a sufferer. Then he will regret the usage of that word. It is a shame that a doctor no less cannot have a drop of empathy or even just dare put himself in the PTSD or TBI sufferer’s shoes. I work with vets and can tell you that most are very decent and soft-spoken individuals. The PTSD sufferer will respond to kindness, sensitivity and caring. Not in the way we may be used to but they do respond. We have no fricken clue what they have gone through. There is no "front" in these wars. Bombs can go off in a market, church, post office…..The horrors they have seen are indescribable. Dr. Phool!!!
Phillip – "you ignorant slut" – When I first came back from the South East Asian Wargames [RVN] – I was interviewed in a small office in LAX – Army CPT that told me that if it got to bad – just smoke a joint.
When I retired after 21 years in the military the VA specialist and was diagosed with PTSD – BUT I could work had a wife and probably should just carry on like I had been doing [on my own] for years.
I had the American Legion assist me with a re-eval and go 40% more disablity. I check locks over and over, I watch EVERY where I am for Whatever could happen. I am "hyper-vigilant" – and now you in your arrogancetell the masses that I am a potential serial killer. Thanks buddy.
I'm a Viet Nam vet, non-combat medic, who has lived with PTSD for the last forty five years. Even though I wasn't in combat, I still have PTSD because of the deaths I experienced. I even have trouble with some of the deaths I had to deal with after I left Viet Nam. (You never want to watch an 18 month old girl die after caring for her three days in a row, or young women in their twenties). This is why I get angry at my grandchildren when they do something dangerous. The only thing I was promised after my diagnosis is that there is no cure for it and it will get worse with age. I was not diagnosed until my early sixties. I knew I had problems, but for many years I didn't even think of myself as a veteran, because I didn't serve in combat. When I finally went to the V A for medical benefits, they assumed I had PTSD because I was a medic. (Not all V A Medical Centers see it that way. Some do their best to try to deny disabilities).
Fortunately for me, I have a very understanding wife who is trying to help me. I have night terrors one or two nights a week. Usually I am scared to death, but some times I am mad as hell and use language she has never heard me use when awake. Before I was on anti-depressants this happened four or five times a week. She tries to calm me down and is usually effective. I have no recollection of what I dream about. If I have an unusually bad night, I will wake up feeling like I haven't slept for several days. About three weeks ago, I had a night terror that lasted about an hour. That morning I had an appointment at the vet center for counseling. I wasn't feeling tired, but after driving about ten or twelve minutes, I fell asleep and crashed on the freeway. Nobody was hurt, but my pickup was totaled.
Many people with PTSD feel that their life will be cut short, but as a medic, I feel I need to live forever, because I have an obligation to keep people alive. It's something I can't let go of.
Hello all. I am retired British Army and now training as a psychotherapist in England. You all seem to have forgotten that you americans invented a very effective (and evidence based) treatment for PTSD called EMDR (eye movement desensitisation reprocessing). For anyone suffering that has not tried this, I implore you to google and find a qualified EMDR therapist to help you. The DoD use it, but a bit sketchy with the VA? I would be interesting to hear any of your stories involving EMDR – good and bad – at justin.havens@oeeuk.com
I do not agree with Dr. Phil referring to veterans as monsters. I believe that to get his point across he could have used a much better approach to get the point across that PTSD is real and that it is something that veterans are being afflicted with every single day. I believe that there needs to be an awareness and that people need to know what is going on with veterans who suffer from PTSD after they come back from combat zones. It not only affects the veterans but their families and we need to help preserve the families. I have seen first hand what this can do to a family. I am currently married to a man who has served in the Army for the last 22 years and has done 3 tours in Iraq, 1 In Afghanistan, and one in Bosnia. I have pleaded with him to seek help and he has not. He believes that seeking help is for weak soldiers and that he has it under control. I am not sure if he has PTSD or not but believe that he has to because it seems like he has the inability to love and has often times said it himself. He has seen such atrocities that I believe it has to have affected him in some way. He drinks all weekend long until he is out cold.. As a result his blood pressure is sky high 173/130 and he still cannot stop. He refuses to admit he is an alcoholic and although I spoke to his commander once and he reassured me that he was obligated to seek help because he had admitted to medical personnel that he did have a problem with PTSD. He only went to one counseling session. No one ever followed up. We married in 2001 and have had these issues from the get go. I am at the point of contemplating divorce and I have struggled with this because I feel like I am bailing out on a person who served our country but I am called whore, slut, useless, he withholds money when he gets angry, drinks himself to oblivion, constantly accuses me of cheating, pushed me once (bloodied my knees), assaulted me with a beer twice (got bruises on chest), and said in a drunken stupor that he would kill me and my kids (kids from first marriage). My 7 year old (his child) witnesses his drunken tirades. His thought processes are so way out there I am tired of trying to make him see that his behavior is not normal! I dont know what to do and all he says is that people are getting medically discharged for PTSD so that I will not make him seek help. In the meantime we just found he has left ventricle enlargement due to his high blood pressure and probably his binge drinking and I can no longer take the weekend drunken rages!! I am currently separated from him (last 3 years) and only because it was getting so bad that I was afraid for the kids. I love him but I cannot take it anymore. My self esteem has been chipped away little by little and I feel bad but I feel the system has failed me. The government has failed to protect my family after my husband served his country!! My friends ex husband attempted suicide 3 x and kept falling through the cracks until he finally got dishonorably discharged because he caused an accident in a drunken tirade!! I do not want to wait until that happens! So what do I do? I am living with someone who treats me like I am a piece of crap. I am writing this because I see comments from soldiers and not any wives who have gone through what I have gone through. Please seek help!! Do not lose your families!! I am a good wife!! I just cant take it anymore. You are not weak if you seek help please!!
Just as I though that we were starting to get a handle on mental health and IDIOT (Phil) opens his mouth :(
Wow, could not have said this any better. Kudos for your comment. Your husband has a very special wife. God bless you.