I Have PTSD (MTV's True Life)
November 30th, 2008 by White Rose
UPDATE– I received a call from Kenny today. The show time has been changed from 1700ET(5pm) to 1800ET(6pm)
Over the last few months, MTV's show "True Life" has followed my oldest son, Kenny, around from time to time. They are doing a show on soldiers coming back from Iraq with PTSD. When MTV left a message on my blog months ago asking for help in contacting soldiers with PTSD, I was a bit nervous. Kenny was living with me at the time and making progress in healing from his PTSD. After his being suicidal back in February and my knowing what I know about PTSD, I wasn't sure I wanted him contacting the show. But, he is a grown man and I have to let his make his own decisions about things like this. After MANY hours talking about this, Kenny decided to call them. He was making progress and actually having a good experience with the Biloxi VA. As we talked he expressed his desire to show other soldiers that you can learn to deal with it, that you can get better. He wanted to give them some hope and maybe help point them in the right direction. How could I argue with that reasoning? I, myself, have put myself out there to show others that you can overcome and heal from the bad things that happen to you in your life. It's about deciding that you are a survivor instead of a victim.
So, after having a camera in my house for several days and them following Kenny back to Arkansas and months of filming, the segment is going to air next Saturday, December 6th. The show will spotlight two soldiers that are still struggling with their PTSD and Kenny as the success story. I don't know the exact time the show will air, but Craig, the producer and person that followed my son, says he will call me and let me know the exact time later this week. When I get that call, I will let ya'll know. I do hope that ya'll will watch the episode and that his story is told as he wishes it to be.
side note: Thank you Craig for the get well package! It was very kind and thoughtful of you!
Posted in Military Perspective
hey there,
The show airs at 5pm central time. I was another one of the vets followed for the show and am glad that your son Kenny has had such success
The best thing I can say to you is THANK YOU. I saw the show, even though it's a show my 17 year old daughter records and I don't normally watch. I am SO GLAD I watched this episode. I suffer from depression which I have never admitted to anyone. It's not military related, but you provided me with courage and hope. I commend you for starting Save A Vet – saw your website. Will support in any way I can.
Adam,
I will be watching for you on the show. I wish you all the best on dealing with you PTSD. I know it isn't easy. If you ever need some to talk to, PLEASE, feel free to email me. I know what you are going through. Not only is Kenny suffering from PTSD, but I deal with my own. My prayers are with you.
thanx to everyone who has wished me the best, thanx for backing me up with my struggles. Adam, glad you signed up for this mtv thing. take care, as I say to all my brother's and sister's (in arms) thanks for serving, and keep your butt down, and above all else C.Y.A. (you should know what that means….scouts out
[...] 2, 2008 by Erich Simmers On "A Soldier's Perspective," an Army mother discusses her son's reasoning for going on MTV's "True [...]
my son declined the offer… said he didn't trust MTV to give a fair and honest appraisal of vets with PTSD… figured it w/b all "blame game" and BDS so it will be interesting to hear if it was a balanced portrayal…
I will be watching your show. I am doing a research paper on soldiers with PTSD. My son in law served in Iraq and suffers with PTSD among other issues. I want to thank all of our armed service men and women for fighting for our country. I am happy that your story is a secuss story.
Have you ever considered music therapy for PTSD? I have done a lot of research on the subject and there are music therapists who use classical music to help relieve the symptoms. According to my research, it really does work.
[...] — This is a good site that writes about issues affecting veterans and soldiers. The most interesting post is about how an MTV show "Real Life" did an episode on PTSD that shouldn't be a [...]
I'm watching the show now. I just googled and found this blog. I can't imagine what you guys have gone through and continue to struggle with. I wish you all the best of luck. Thanks for putting yourself out there so people like me can attempt to gather a sense of understanding.
Id like to thank MTV for dedicating an hour unlike other networks to the issues surrounding todays combats veterans.. The issues are real and should note the numbers are of the thousands… Its great that they all know there not alone and help is here.
great job MTV. Im a nurse and a veteran
also working to the better good for todays dept of veterans affairs rome ny
I just saw the show tonight. War is a truly horrible thing and I think it's awful that anyone should have to deal with that garbage. I wish all of you the best of luck.
I came upon this show while I was flipping through channels last night.
It took my breath away. I am impressed with the courage these guys show in dealing with this terrible condition and I'm grateful that they were willing to share their experiences.
They have given their best in service and they deserve the best in appreciation. Good medical care would be a good way of showing respect and thanks.
Best wishes for continued recovery and thank you for sharing this important story.
These guys should contact Dr. Michael Mithoefer the Principal Investigator of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for subjects with
treatment-resistant PTSD.
maps.org/mdma...r_poster.pdf
I am working with a physition who is looking for soldiers with PTSD. He offeres a new treatment. Please let me contact you to share some information and let you know what else is available.
Dear White Rose,
I am doing a project on PTSD and I need to talk to people with experience on the subject of PTSD and since you seem to know alot because of your son I wish to interview you on the subject I know it is asking a lot but I would deeply appreciate it if you allowed me the honor of interviewing over e-mail.
Sincerely,
Seth Baker
hello i came across this website if you would still like some info please contact me. I am a female soldier with ptsd i think you could get some info…
Offtopic QUESTION: I watched the MTV program yesterday. Can someone please tell me what motorbike the "Red-hair dude" is riding?
(I think ist's awsome!)
Thanks
Best wishes for recovery every one!