EDITORIAL: THE WAR THAT GOES BEYOND THE BATTLEFIELD
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an issue that lingers long after an individual returns home from war. PTSD leaves veterans struggling to overcome the horrific events they witness overseas while working to transition back to an everyday life.
While some may consider some noises to be mundane parts of life, these same sounds can prove devastating for veterans suffering from PTSD. Some with this traumatic disability constantly picture hearing bombs erupt, shots being fired or even combat members being killed. These memories build up to the many symptoms seen today – depression, anxiety, guilt or the feeling one’s life is in danger.
The continuous problem at hand is that many doctors view PTSD as an issue all in the heads of veterans. In essence, these physicians assert that there is nothing mentally wrong. In fact, some suggest that these former soldiers have no need for psychiatric or psychological guidance.
As continued research shows us, though, there is a clear necessity to provide trained psychiatrists for our veterans. As a nation, individuals must draw awareness to the problem PTSD has become in recent years. Honoring veterans and continuing to acknowledge their medical needs must go hand-in-hand.
Commonly, the public views individuals with PTSD as “going crazy” or “losing their minds.” However, this could not be further from the truth; they simply have a problem that requires attention.
As the U.S. becomes more aware of the impact of war on the lives of veterans, the importance for increasing aid for these individuals has never been higher. Due to the lack of benefits they now receive, PTSD persists and will continue to do so. Most cannot afford to see specialists after returning from serving, forcing them to visit free clinics for yet another waiting game.
Without a doubt, PTSD has become an epidemic in the U.S. As a country, it is the responsibility of each individual to assist veterans in any way possible, as this nation would be nothing without them. Veterans have fought for this country, and it is now our responsibility to fight for them.
