(IVAW) Kris Goldsmith on CNN. Oct. 24, 2008.

Walking through a crowded shopping mall can bring back memories of war. The shifting crowds, the jostle of passers-by and the din can all trigger Army Sgt. Kristofer Goldsmith's post-traumatic stress disorder.

"You get used to scanning what everybody's doing. Your brain just starts working so fast and it's purely instinctual because you want to know what everyone's intent is around you," said Goldsmith, who served four years in active duty.

"You want to know if anyone has the intent to harm you or the capabilities to harm you."

That hyper-vigilance is one common symptom of post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD, an anxiety disorder, can develop after a terrifying or life-threatening event, or a series of events causing extreme stress.

It's a complex disorder that displays myriad symptoms. People may become more depressed, aggressive, or emotionally detached. For Goldsmith, the chest-tightening anxiety attacks and trouble sleeping he experienced after returning from Iraq in 2005 indicated he was suffering from PTSD.

"With PTSD comes anxiety problems, depression problems ... I get flashes of rage, which goes hand in hand with alcoholism I've been fighting since I got back from Iraq," Goldsmith said.

Source:
http://us.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/10/24/ptsd.struggle/index.html#cnnST...

Category:

News & Politics

Tags:

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[angelbe88]

I support Iraq Veterans Against the War!!

[immortality72]

THIS was the deployment that meant something. You deserted the brothers in arms as we were boarding the plane. The only "support" you gave us was with your self pity and grandstanding. Any alcoholism is from well deserved shame. RIP the 18 men that gave their live for their comrades. I respect the Maadi we fought on March 29,'08 more. At least they stood tall together

[teambrant93]

This guy is Liar, none of the shit he is talking about is true. He has disrespected the great guys that was on that deployment, me being one of them.

[Mthelostboy]

I hear about your deployment to OIF 3 nothing really happened not firefights noting ... on track hit an EFP and burned down but no wounded if fact that track only had the Bradley crew in it and everyone was fine ... your complaining about nothing and you have brought great shame to the men you have served with ... you are a coward and a liar. Next time before signing a contract I hope you will think a little more about it before embarrassing yourself and your country.

[Mthelostboy]

OIF 5 was a tough deployment ... not only did we leave early as the surge but we stayed late ... shortly after I got to Goldys company A 3-15 it reflagged to A 1-30 and the way I understand it is that all the pics your complaining about getting passed around came from you. Your a grown man who did not finish out your commitment and another thing from what

[jhatchjr11466]

I Really like your T-Shirt !!

Where can I get one ,anyone Know ?

[network5]

Kris, hope things are better with you? It will get better, just takes a while. If you need somebody to talk to, we are fairly close, I am by Philadelphia. I am a good listener.

[immortality72]

who are you and when did you ever stand by goldy in a firefight?

[1lovegoldy]

Also wood, i think you should know that all the times i took you redbull on tower guard.well I will leave it at that so this does not get pulled off of youtube :)

[1lovegoldy]

most PTSD is not even brought up because it shows a sign of weakness to friends and family alike. Saying that, I have PTSD. The worst part is knowing it and not really having a way to fix it.  There is no profile to be put on until your fixed. I stand by Goldy in both a fire fight and on the street and it is different in every solider. i cant sit with y back to a door and when i am around people i have panic attacks.

[egmtex11]

CNN should have checked up on his story. Goldsmith FAKED a suicde. He did not attempt one. Those are two completely different things. 72 is right on. Kris is a coward who dodged Iraq and then became active once he found out he wasn't getting his college money.