Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Takes Center Stage

Cape Girardeau, MO
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Takes Center Stage
Posted: April 23, 2008 06:16 PM EDT

By: Crystal Britt
CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. - Post Traumatic Stress Disorder affects more people than you might think, not just those coming home from combat. Thursday in Cape Girardeau there's an opportunity for people to learn more about PTSD and how you or someone you know can get help.

Chris Amacker doesn't know if life will ever be the same. In 2006 he returned from Iraq, where he says he saw a lot.

"Several people died. Soldiers got killed while we were there," said Amacker.

He says, IED's were everywhere.

"I probably got hit by six or seven, but when you get hit, you drive through them. It's just one that took my spine out," said Amacker.

He has a spinal injury, a brain injury, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

"The PTSD actually ran my ex-wife off. I don't leave the yard. It's real tough for me to go to public places, my roommate goes into grocery stores for me," said Amacker.

He suffers from anxiety, depression and anger, all symptoms Army Sergeant Lucky Sands knows quite well. She's also an Iraq war veteran.

"When we come back mentally and physically broken, where's the help?" she asked?

She works as an instructor, educating other soldiers about PTSD. She still struggles with not just the illness, but the stigma.

"(They say) You're just crazy. Some people can't hold a job. It affects families. You're angry all the time. You're suspicious all the time, always tense. You hear a little noise and what's that?" said Sands.
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