Once a Warrior Always a Warrior: Chapter One Review

It has taken me a little over three weeks, but I have finally finished the first chapter of the book Once a Warrior Always a Warrior by U.S. Army Colonel Charles W. Hoge, MD (retired). Sorry it has taken so long, the chapter itself was not incredibly long, but we've been busy lately.

So, what did I learn? This chapter is an introduction to PTSD, the effects on our lives, and a pretty detailed breakdown of the symptoms. There is a description of the DSM criteria for PTSD, and a sample of the checklist used to screen for post combat emotional problems. There is description of the PTSD criterion A, B, C, and D. All of these add up to a very informative chapter. I cannot honestly say that it opened my eyes to a world I never knew, but I can definitely say that it helped me realize that I do fit into a certain group after all. I felt that the book was speaking to me specifically at times. There were also quotes from actual servicemen and women beautifully woven into the chapter. They are not named, which makes the quoted much more relevant and interesting, because you know that it is not someone trying to tell a war story to get their name out there. While reading these quotes, I found myself wondering how these people knew that, or I found myself asking "You too? I feel the same way!"

One of my favorite parts of chapter one was a description from the author of PTSD as a "paradox". He explains that medical professionals look at PTSD as "the specific set of symptoms and impairment" (pg. 9). He then goes on to explain that PTSD "can also reflect normal responses to life threatening events or the normal way the body responds to extreme stress" (pg. 9). In this way, according to the book,"Reactions that mental health professionals label 'PTSD' may be entirely expected for warriors who have trained and prepared themselves to deal with serious traumatic events"(pg. 9). In short, what is considered to be abnormal by mental health professionals is actually quite normal under the circumstances for most of us combat veterans.

I put the book down better informed, and relieved that other veterans are having similar experiences to my own. It was refreshing to see that the book was written for those of us who do not know medical language, anyone can pick up this book and actually be able to understand it. When you mix all of this with the symptom explanations, and the fantastic quotes from anonymous warriors, it is a great read. I am excited to read further into this book, and will continue to review the book as I get further along.

~J.R.

Once a Warrior--Always a Warrior: Navigating the Transition from Combat to Home--Including Combat Stress, PTSD, and mTBI

Originally posted on PTSDdiary.com, 6/11/10