As of 2011, there were approximately 21.5 million veterans in the United States. However, many of them live every day with severe effects from their time at war. Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a paralyzing illness caused by shocking and disturbing events, such as the death of a fellow soldier or the witnessing of a terrorist attack.
With all that our brave men and women have witnessed, it isn’t surprising to learn that PTSD is among the leading mental illnesses for veterans in the U.S. Just try to imagine what they have seen, heard and felt on the battlefield. Running across deserts filled with the limp, lifeless bodies of their fellow soldiers. Driving under barricades and into ditches, praying the bullet aimed in their direction misses them. How could one not remember such scarring events?
In fact, in 2003, those who served in Iraq said that out of all the stress they were put through, the most triggering memories were [seeing dead bodies, and being shot at](http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/pages/overview-mental-health-effects.asp).
Once a soldier returns from war, he or she must face the difficult task of assimilating back into a society very much different from the one they were just living in. For some, this may be easy, but for others, the sights they’ve witnessed have grave ramifications. From reliving the past, to depression, anxiety and substance abuse, PTSD can present a real problem in re-entering American society.
Reliving the past can be difficult for veterans for PTSD, as it often takes on the form of nightmares. This makes sleeping very difficult because they quite literally believe they are back in a traumatic scene they once experienced. With the stress that reliving these events may cause, many veterans also experience symptoms of depression and anxiety. While every case is different, these symptoms can sometimes lead to more serious issues with substance abuse and relationship problems with friends, family and significant others.
So if all of these issues with PTSD are so debilitating for our soldiers, why do we, as a society, not treat PTSD as the serious illness it is? Especially in light of recent events involving numerous mass shootings and bombings, isn’t it obvious mental health is a factor in how a person acts? If it really does, why aren’t we treating our veterans the way they should be treated? Yes, there are programs that these men and women can utilize, but shouldn’t they be more accessible and affordable?
Just think of, out of 21.5 million veterans, how many could be suffering from PTSD right this minute. They can’t live the life they had before they went off to serve our country because they aren’t receiving sufficient treatment and rehabilitation programs from the government they deserve. Especially in this struggling economy, so many veterans could be part of a productive work force that enables our country to thrive and grow. However, because this disorder is so debilitating, a simple task like preparing for a job interview can be full of anxiety and very challenging for these individuals.
For once, our government needs to take a stand to do what is right, instead of doing what is cheap and easy. Shouldn’t we at least give back to those who have risked their lives protecting our freedom?
