PTSD, a silent battle | Meg Rintoul | TEDxTownsville

Many of our returned servicemen and families are fighting a silent battle back home. When a soldier develops Post Traumatic Stress Injuries from defending our country, it does not affect just him, it affects his family also, and a soldiers family fights mental illness with them. In this emotional TEDx Talk, Meg Rintoul shares her story about how families and soldiers can recover and build the skills that will make them mentally stronger to help them take back their lives. She urges the world to promote awareness and support for these families and soldiers so they don’t have to fight this battle in silence any more.
Meg is a Townsville girl born and bred, and has lived and travelled all over Australia. For some unknown reason she always return home. As a mature age student she completed a Bachelors Degree in Speech Language Pathology and from there has worked in private practice, community services in rural and remote areas, and now in the field of mental health. She maintains a work life balance by practicing acro in a circus group, crossfit, yoga, and walking the strand at every opportunity. Meg is currently studying to be a yoga teacher. She has a deep passion for mental health and plans to complete further study in this area. Meg gets great satisfaction out of helping people, and finds inspiration in many areas of life.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at ted.com/tedx

[@zeke8701]

Like many, I am tired of PTSD only being associated with war. By doing so, we are ignoring countless rape victims, abused children, cops, firemen and many others.

[@badnewsfairy1]

eugene literally my first reaction to this video within 5 seconds. I’m not trying to invalidate veterans here at all, but I’m sick of being invalidated myself.

[@abigailkoshy89]

Same, I was hoping I could find something to relate to.... But I'm not a war veteran.

[@Squall576582]

@@abigailkoshy89 most of these are targeted towards veterans because it's a demographic thats suffers from PTSD and the causes are generally more similar than those who aren't veterans. Scientists and doctors can study and try to treat this strain of PTSD because the causes are more common in the veteran community whereas the causes can be more individualistic. - Veteran to whom this video applies

[@ericpeysar2593]

Just because she talks about soldiers with PTSD doesnt mean she is excluding the struggle for others. As a person with CPTSD (multiple brain injuries), I do not take offence that she discusses it in terms of soldiers. In fact I am just thrilled she is talking about it. I am thrilled that she is encouraging others to talk about it. And i am thrilled that she advocates for the name change to Post Traumatic Stress Injury … because that is exactly what it is.

[@elinoreberkley1643]

PTSD is different for each person. Real ptsd lasts a life time. It really varies so much. It can also happen to a person more than once. But most people do not understand ptsd or care much.

[@meganmcpherson3292]

Doesn't always last a lifetime. Some do recover.

[@Lilpanda222]

I have ptsd from childhood truma and an abusive relationship, I feel like our ptsd group ate highly underrepresented sometimes I think I am alone in this, like theirs no support it makes me sad, mad, alone

[@battlehymnoftheempath3610]

Infact, many people do not understand that growing up in a disordered family is terribly debilitating if not treated.

[@prokonig884]

I think this is one of a stepping stones to making it a more discussed subject. This 'man-up' mentality over mental health issues is best contrasted against soldiers, who are meant to be the embodiment of 'toughness'. People who would die for some lofty, moral, patriotic reason suffer... if we can accept they are vulnerable, maybe we can accept it anywhere. Maybe this is wrong though. I think the problem with this example is that by using a warzone example, the message is, 'you can have PTSD if you've been a soldier'. The debate needs to be expanded. I also agree that PTSD isn't an apt term. Maybe something like Post Traumatic Mental Injury. I watched another TED Talk that highlighted the word 'stress' isn't accurate either.

[@artbyklaudiajozwiak]

LilPanda Red you're not alone.I have PTSD after domestic violence.When you are soldier you're an adult person and you choose your path,but what about children who were born in wrong family.Our brain is growing complete different than regular child,but still PTSD is reletate to soldiers mostly.Also they have better care.That's the reason why you can feel alone,but you're not.You can find some videos about PTSD and people are talking about many different traumas.Lots of love and strength ♡

[@Lilpanda222]

Klaudia Jóźwiak Thankyou so much! I really do appreciate your kind words, it's good to know there is so much support out there. Sending you lots of love as well! :)

[@SuperBlakes2]

I just posted about this to cherie. go on youtube and search pete walker or and richard grannon. Also search for narcissistic abuse. It is so amazing, the knowledge shared on this subject is mind blowing, in a great way. WE are so, not alone, there are huge communities of people with Chronic Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from childhood abuse, neglect and trauma. And their is now brain scanning that show the part of the brain that is weakened from this phenomena called CPTSD. It also shows brain scans of brain that have and are healing fro this. The brain is an organ that builds new cells. There is healing for this. Seek out knowledge, start or join a support group online. We can and will heal.

[@closethebook]

Why is this subject matte focused on Soldiers? The biggest cause of PTSD or CPTSD is child hood abuse.

[@PHanomaly]

Same comment. It adds insult to injury to be unacknowledged.

[@satguy27]

First off, the fact some of you are trying to separate veteran versus civilian PTSD is the biggest problem with this country. She's not belittling anyone outside of the veteran community. The entire purpose of her video is her speaking of her own experience dealing with a veteran spouse with PTSD episodes. One other misconception that no one is hinting or even discussing about is that a vast majority of people with PTSD regardless of military background or not, have had childhood trauma. Those of you that are "sick of the soldier talk...", you have the option of you hear where the conversation is going and you don't agree with it, you had the option to simply pause and exit the video, instead, you decide to try and separate the cause factors and write asinine comments making yourselves sound like complete idiots. PTSD isn't something someone asks for, it isn't about a choice that you made or something you didn't sign up for, it is however being forced into a situation against your free will. There's no difference between civilian or military PTSD, in fact, any trauma that forces you to be in a life or death situation, the person in subject will react almost the same after the abuse or situation. If your sick of the "soldier talk", then don't listen to it, instead, find another video or channel that reads up on the issues that relate to you, instead of causing even more separation with the military members and spouse's. In the end, we're all dealing with the same disease every day, the way you or said person comes about it doesn't change anything or make the injury any less important. I get the way non military people think about how they might seem less important, it's the disease that makes one feel like a lesser instead of feeling important. We're all in this together though, no one side over the other. If you feel that way, then your adding to the problem, not being the solution or backbone to fellow members of society with the same injury you also suffer from daily.

[@silascochran9705]

Try having both

[@silascochran9705]

It is sad that you would be so quick to judge

[@SuperMichelleDJ]

Carolyn Tamm because that's just how it is if you don't like it stop watching the video!

[@Dunning.Kruger]

I was sexually assaulted and abused as a child. Many many times. And I WAS at home. I WAS "safe" Now I'm just a ruined adult. C-PTSD

[@satguy27]

First off, the fact some of you are trying to separate veteran versus civilian PTSD is the biggest problem with this country. She's not belittling anyone outside of the veteran community. The entire purpose of her video is her speaking of her own experience dealing with a veteran spouse with PTSD episodes. One other misconception that no one is hinting or even discussing about is that a vast majority of people with PTSD regardless of military background or not, have had childhood trauma. Those of you that are "sick of the soldier talk...", you have the option of you hear where the conversation is going and you don't agree with it, you had the option to simply pause and exit the video, instead, you decide to try and separate the cause factors and write asinine comments making yourselves sound like complete idiots. PTSD isn't something someone asks for, it isn't about a choice that you made or something you didn't sign up for, it is however being forced into a situation against your free will. There's no difference between civilian or military PTSD, in fact, any trauma that forces you to be in a life or death situation, the person in subject will react almost the same after the abuse or situation. If your sick of the "soldier talk", then don't listen to it, instead, find another video or channel that reads up on the issues that relate to you, instead of causing even more separation with the military members and spouse's. In the end, we're all dealing with the same disease every day, the way you or said person comes about it doesn't change anything or make the injury any less important. I get the way non military people think about how they might seem less important, it's the disease that makes one feel like a lesser instead of feeling important. We're all in this together though, no one side over the other. If you feel that way, then your adding to the problem, not being the solution or backbone to fellow members of society with the same injury you also suffer from daily.

[@dicksonmeister1992]

satguy27 that’s easily got to be the most sensible comment I’ve seen regarding this

[@noirellee]

Brilliant. Please give a TED talk on this and send me the link.

[@lisahall1989]

AMEN! Support is what's key here! My daughter was on the streets for 2 years during Covid with no help! She has PTSD from all that has happened to her prior and during Covid. Please keep Char in your prayers. 🌻

[@Vacaverde787]

Hace unas semanas fui diagnosticada con PTSD. Hora estoy recibiendo tratamiento y me siento que peleó sola con algo desconocido y doloroso. Es excelente escucharte porque todo suena como que hay esperanza. Actualmente me siento en crisis. Escucharte me da paz. Actualmente lo único que tiene sentido en mi vida es mi terapia y mi perrita toy poodles. Espero algún día poder ayudar como tu lo haces.

[@WendySeymour]

Thank you for sharing your story Meg and telling us how it is. I will be sharing your presentation people need to be educated about what the families of today’s defence personnel deal with.

[@chersmith7441]

cant find anyone talking about PTSD that isn't war related, not that that isn't a horrendous reason to have to suffer from this but there are SO many other reasons that people can struggle with this

[@petracarolinanilsson]

Yes. I've been looking all over for PTSD related talks that is not mostly focused on war. I agree that it is a horrible reason to have to suffer from it due to being exposed to war. But many people are suffering from PTSD for other reasons.

[@TheEeglutee]

Then you need to search for talk about complex posttraumatic stress disorder

[@petracarolinanilsson]

Thank you. Will look it up!

[@beautyforashes8964]

That's so true as am suffering I wasn't at War poor soldiers is it worth it may as well die than suffer like this crazy

[@livinlifedaily4208]

cherie andersen i ain't never served, im a civilian and yes I have chronic ptsd, acute ptsd an it's hell

[@k.r.murphy4301]

PTSS does not just affect our military heroes!!! I wish someone would recognize what I've been through. When mental health professionals do diagnose me with PTSS or CPTSS, its always for what is obvious : that I was shot 3 and paralyzed by my first husband. But that was 40 years ago. My trauma started 59 years ago and only stopped two months ago when I cut toxic ppl out of my life. It's lonley not having blood relatives but it's better that being tortured and manipulated by the person who was supposed to love me the most. Remember, it's not just our heroes.

[@ericpeysar2593]

With all due respect for your struggles (they do sound horrific) just because she talks about soldiers with PTSD doesnt mean she is excluding the struggle for others. As a person with CPTSD (multiple brain injuries), I do not take offence that she discusses it in terms of soldiers. In fact I am just thrilled she is talking about it. I am thrilled that she is encouraging others to talk about it. And i am thrilled that she advocates for the name change to Post Traumatic Stress Injury … because that is exactly what it is.

[@phoebeplayz199]

beautifully said well done

[@juliebutler8241]

I have caregiver PTSD. It's not just soldiers. This society is brutal.

[@miahleissa9599]

Thank you, Peg.

[@istiaquefirdous]

Nice words…no one understand ..and everyday is a battle for years

[@wilmajeanfrench7764]

well done Meg! Wma.. French ET1 USNavy Viet Nam 69 chronic and delayed PTSD, again well said and well put!

[@tc7782]

Reaally cause my life is a nightmare right now, you know how hard it is to find ACTUAL help for MPTSD.

[@oeldran]

Mooi uitgelegd hoe de vork in de steel zit bij PTSS!

[@SuperZenaida1]

thx for sharing this video......I myself suffer from complex PTSD...I miss the person I use to be and hope I will see the person I ones were will shine out in the end..ALTHOUGH I HAVE NO TRUE HELP FOR PTSD OTHER THEN MEDICINE;AND IT DOES NOT HELP;THE ISOLATIO THE CAONSTANT LIVING IN THE MOMENT OF WAR::::::THE CRIES NEVER ENDS::::THE SILENTS NEVER STARTS

[@michaelkarlsson3984]

I like her Voice.i suffer from ptsd and i know What she talking about.hope she replays ?

[@levihershberger3745]

I know now how it is to have ptsd

[@tuggy3589]

this woman voice is smothing Relaxing who is she and how do I get her page thanks

[@gigischuster3078]

CPTSD and PTSD affects women and its not just Veterans that have it, yet people want to put a War Vet to PTSD and not accepting of those who have not served in war, but through other situation since childhood. The cost of a Trained PTSD is out of reach for those suffering, but not out of reach for Veterans of War why is that?

[@silascochran9705]

I am considered a noncombatant but I deal with this every day some of us were there some of us were here we fight everyday for a will to survive and jump every time an unexpected noise I don't sleep right I don't eat right I don't respond to situations when I should and condemn myself for it later

[@marythr2617]

I am jumpy all the time and i do not know how to fix it.

[@livinlifedaily4208]

:(****** the pain

[@patrickglennon6834]

is there any support groups for people with c- ptsd-?

[@stephenhenry4596]

Why don't they have PTSD prevention taught to them before going to war or in kids classrooms for that fact! What kinda leaders do we have!!!!!

[@slaygirl4eva]

Are there any good ptsd support groups out here in ny

[@SuperMichelleDJ]

I can't agree what's said about suicide.

[@miahleissa9599]

I'm sorry. I mean thank you, Meg. ;)

[@voidvox]

This is good, but she should not use “mental illness” in the context of PTS. Many other psychiatrists are saying that is not the proper term to be using.

[@dangermouse2977]

ptsd isnt 'mental illness' it is psychological INJURY Our

[@charlesgreathouse7376]

Injury, not a disorder, thank you.

[@sroberts4797]

i call it ptsc, post traumatic stress condition

[@lesleysmith9122]

And also, many go for help. The stigma isnt the problem- when you have PTSD your dignity is stripped anyways. It's the fact that the help isn't there when they reach out or they need to be on their death bed.

[@silascochran9705]

Leslie Smith did you serve did your husband serve how dare you talk bad about this woman your mouth would be better if you shut it

[@lovelyjabree]

Everyone please join my Facebook support group...its Called PTSD FROM THE WIVES SIDE..men and women are welcome it's from every perspective

[@toysoldier46552]

Imagine getting beat from age 0 to age 12 by an alcoholic parent, at least going to war you had the option not to join the military, abused children had not choice in being beat on. Raped women had no choice but to try to survive, sick of the soldier talk.

[@avataranonymous]

some people join the military to get away from that.

[@danielbtwd]

Many are conscripted.

[@centralmetalex2002]

Why go to war at all? Is there no other way.

[@arthurrafferty4102]

I wonder how many innocents they slaughtered?

[@apacur]

Why do these speakers so often focus only on PTSD of soldiers..... They're perpetuating a myth and a grave misunderstanding about PTSD..... Anyone in any walk of life can be experiencing PTSD... Emotional Trauma occurs in all sorts of ways...not just on the battle field of war. Mike

[@user-un7bf7xc6l]

شهل مضرطه يولو

[@lesleysmith9122]

awe poor you. what about your husband ughhhh