Combat PTSD soldiers asked to tell their stories

10/10/2007
Affected By Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?

After military combat, it is not uncommon for soldiers to develop an anxiety disorder which can cause sleep problems among other physical and emotional symptoms.If you're a returning soldier or family member deeply affected by Post Traumatic Stress Disorder - and you're willing to share your experiences with us - please send an e-mail using the link below
.Don Jorgensen
© 2007 KELOLAND TV. All Rights Reserved.

You know how I feel about doing something like this. If you have PTSD please, think of talking about it. The more this is talked about, the sooner the stigma will end and the sooner the government will be pushed to make real efforts to help others heal.

25 years ago, no one was talking about this. 15 years ago the media wouldn't even pay attention to it. I know because I tried even back then. But now, stories about the wounded warriors are coming out. This is a chance to show that a next door neighbor can be suffering with wounds they cannot see. Show that you are not all "dangerous" or "criminals" of a "bunch of drunks" as so many have been believing for far too long. You are all very rare in this nation of over 300 million people. Veterans are only about 25 million in numbers now and combat veterans are only 17 million.

People have a hard time understanding what they know little about. They can understand someone being changed after a tornado or hurricane or tragic death, but they can't understand someone being changed by the constant trauma of combat. They forget just how human you are and that you are having a normal reaction to an abnormal event. Combat is not normal. What you live through, what you have to do and what you have to survive is not part of normal daily life.

Please, if you can tell your story, contact the link above or contact your local media. End the silence of PTSD so we can end the stigma and help all of you heal. You are nothing to be ashamed of and have nothing to be ashamed of. You are all very rare. Remember, PTSD had nothing to do with your courage, your bravery or your love of country. Think of the wounds you carried while in danger, and did not even begin to think of getting help until you were no longer in danger. That's bravery! That's courage. Use that same courage to fight for others dealing with PTSD.