My diaries here are not pontifications. I am not trying to persuade; I like the exchange of ideas. Consider my mind open. Now, that being said, I heard on NPR this morning that the Pentagon has reviewed its rules for the awarding of the Purple Heart and has decided that no award will be given for PTSD. I think mental health advocates were really hoping for a policy change to bolster the legitimacy of PTSD as an actual condition.
I also believe that with advances in brain chemistry, there is mounting evidence that PTSD (and most mental disorders)are indeed physical. Given that this is the case, I do not understand the decision. How does it differ in terms of disability from Traumatic Brain Injury? Is it that one can result from simply witnessing violence? Does that make the injury any less real? Does this stem from vestigial stigma associated with mental illness?
Perhaps it is deeper? Maybe it is part of the Platonic mind/body split that pervades the western mindset? Is it just a budgetary concern? Legitimize PTSD and give the sufferers hero status and you automatically insure more of it? What do you kids think? School me.