Big Brother 19 Houseguest Cody Nickson Claims Media Glorifies PTSD

If you've watched any of Big Brother 19 on CBS this season, you know it's a house full of drama. A lot of that drama has been centered around houseguest Cody Nickson. On live feeds this week, Cody made the claim that PTSD is "exaggerated". 

According to the Inquisitr, Cody claimed on live feeds that PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome) only effects 10 percent of the military that returns home:

Cody added that he thinks that the media has exaggerated the combat risk, implying that most people return home “perfectly fine.” Cody seems to think that it’s ridiculous to assume that just because a man (or woman) serves in the military, that it would affect their emotional state."

Cody went on to admit he killed at least 10 people, if not more, while in action. He explained to his "showmance" Jessica that he came back from the war exactly the same as he left. Here's a video from the conversation between Cody and Jess. While Inquisitr made it seem Cody didn't believe in it, that's not what appears what he was saying. They made it seem that he was saying PTSD doesn't exist. His point was how the media influences peoples minds on PTSD. Also this author would say he was trying to show how diagnosing someone with PTSD is flawed.

Wounded Warrior Homes reports that one in five veterans of the Iraq or Iraqi war came home with PTSD. PTSD can happen to anyone, and by no means is it a sign of weakness. The U.S. Department Of Veterans affairs explains not only is PTSD real, there are at least 4 types of it:

1) Reliving the event (also called re-experiencing symptoms). You may have bad memories or nightmares. You even may feel like you're going through the event again. This is called a flashback.

2) Avoiding situations that remind you of the event. You may try to avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic event. You may even avoid talking or thinking about the event.

3) Having more negative beliefs and feelings. The way you think about yourself and others may change because of the trauma. You may feel guilt or shame. Or, you may not be interested in activities you used to enjoy. You may feel that the world is dangerous and you can't trust anyone. You might be numb, or find it hard to feel happy.

4) Feeling keyed up (also called hyperarousal). You may be jittery, or always alert and on the lookout for danger. Or, you may have trouble concentrating or sleeping. You might suddenly get angry or irritable, startle easily, or act in unhealthy ways (like smoking, using drugs and alcohol, or driving recklessly."

Now maybe Cody is trying to put on a front in the house. His friends on social media have come to defend Cody time and time again this season. One friend posted on this isn't the real Cody:

He revealed that the Cody seen on Big Brother is not the real person. He added that Nickson is warm, funny, and a great friend. His friend had to speak on Cody’s behalf after learning that a few of the houseguests’ questions whether Cody served in the Marines. He stated that he served with Nickson for eight years and it’s a shame that anyone would doubt his military experience."

For more information on PTSD, and how to treat it, you can find help from the VA.

Cody is known to support PTSD charities. Back in 2015, Cody took part in the "22, with 22, for the 22" event which was a grassroots event. This event concept gets combat veterans together who hike 22km, while carrying 22kg (48lbs), to raise awareness of, and prevent, the 22 veteran suicides every day. There is a photo from him at the event.

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