Quote:
Originally Posted by Ducimus
I think Shell shock is better. I reference Carlin a lot, particuarly when it comes to language because i think he makes a good point. When it comes to this condition, he makes an EXCELLENT point. Shell shock, almost sounds like the guns themselves.
The language we use has toned the meaning of this condition under complete jargon. Say it to yourself: (or listen to
go through it.)
Shell shock!!
Battle Fatigue....
Operational exhaustion...
Post-Tramuatic Stress Disorder...
And now.... its' been reduced even further to an acronym.
PTSD.
With "Shell shock", you hear the words, and you can pretty much figure out the meaning without the aid of a dictionary or wiki. With PTSD, the pain of the condition is completely buried under jargon, which in turn has the side effect of people not taking it as seriously as they should, and vets not getting the help they need.
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I think the medical term its ended up as is that way because it applies to a disorder that anybody can suffer, not just military personal. For instance, if you were traumatized by a bad car accident, you wouldn't refer to this condition as shell shock or battle fatigue right? It is a stress disorder that is caused by some past traumatic expierience. Medically, the name makes perfect sense. The disinction will only help to further develop treatments for it in peace time and in times of war.