Life Insurance for the Walking Wounded: People With PTSD
People with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are among the walking wounded. They have been through a lot. They are survivors. In my work helping them to purchase life insurance, I have developed an affection and admiration for many.
When you find out what these folks have been through, it makes you cringe. Some have experienced horrible abuse, sexual and otherwise – at home. At school. In a place of worship. In prison.
Some have survived horrible accidents – plane crashes. Car crashes.
Some have been traumatized simply through trying to help others survive terrible events. I have met a number of first responders to the Twin Towers on 911 who were greatly affected by the ordeal.
And then you have the many returning warriors. Veterans who served their country in battle and came home battered and bruised, both inside and out.
I know life insurance underwriters who want to help these people. They want to make offers. What will give them a comfort level taking on the risk, and at a reasonable price? Here are a few of their primary concerns:
Diagnosis and treatment
People with PTSD can have all kinds of symptoms. Their emotions can be so out of wack. They can experience great rage, but also severe depression. Trouble sleeping.
They can have numerous psychological and neurological problems. Nightmares. Flashbacks. They can jump at the drop of a hat. It’s as if you can take the man or woman out of the battle, but you can’t take the battle out of the man or woman.
Medically, there can be many conditions. There can be complications with many organs. Bad stomachs. Headaches. The stress level they have experienced can overburden their system.
In all these cases, an underwriter wants to be sure the potential applicant has reached out for help. Has received the proper medical attention. Has identified the problem and been prescribed a course of treatment. And is compliant with that prescription.
Support system
I have found that people with PTSD can attempt to treat themselves before seeking professional help. They can try to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. In a way, I guess they are trying to escape, and to numb the pain. Who can blame them?
But the drugs and alcohol just create additional problems. We all know that. An underwriter will pay special attention to any drug or alcohol history, to make sure it is indeed history. A major factor in the potential applicant’s favor will be participation in a support group. Strong family backing and communal involvement also help.
Functionality
Sadly, people with PTSD can have a really tough time managing their relationships, both personal and professional. Marriages get severely strained. As do relationships with kids. And parents.
Jobs can be hard to keep. Careers can be difficult to restart. If the potential applicant has managed to find stability at home and also at work, these are big plusses from an underwriting point of view. They also mean that odds are against the potential applicant taking drastic action, like contemplating suicide.
Let’s help these folks!
I like to help anybody and everybody buy life insurance. Every man and woman deserves a shot at the coverage they need at the price they can afford. And as a professional salesperson, I have to be respectful and sensitive to the unique circumstances of each and every client. Sometimes, though, the plight of a particular people strikes you really deep. Folks with PTSD affect me that way. They have really been through a lot, and I really try hard to help them.
Along these lines, I want to direct you to a fantastic story about a Ukrainian teenager who helps the veterans of her country deal with their PTSD. Her remarkable efforts have been reported by Nolan Petersen of the Daily Signal. Reading it will make your day.
Please feel free to comment, or to contact me directly with a specific question.