Look Past the Headlines and See the Person

By Navy CAPT Paul S. Hammer, DCoE director

Today as we recognize National PTSD Awareness Day, let’s seize the opportunity to try and better understand PTSD and shed any pre-conceived notions we may have about those who live with PTSD (or any other mental illness). He or she could be anyone — your neighbor, a family member, a close friend, an employee, a colleague, or the person in front of you in line at the grocery store.

We have all read the media headlines surrounding PTSD over the last decade. “War damaged vet kills girlfriend; PTSD to blame?” “Soldier accused in firefight with police is prisoner to PTSD.” “Afghan Massacre: US Soldier ‘Snapped’ Lawyer Mulls PTSD Defense.” “Retirement might unleash PTSD symptoms in Vietnam veterans.” Headlines like these are not helpful. I think they actually contribute to promoting stigma because they call to mind dramatic images that generally aren’t true.

It’s important to recognize that not everyone who has been in combat or who has experienced a traumatic event will develop PTSD. In fact, the vast majority doesn’t develop PTSD, and even those with PTSD symptoms tend to get better with time. Those who do develop PTSD, or who do well in the short term and have symptoms arise later, shouldn’t be feared or viewed as ticking time bombs. They are people who are suffering, often quietly, and deserve help and support. They should never be pitied nor should they be marginalized or turned into a grotesque caricature or cartoon character.

We need to care for them just as we would for any other injury. The more awareness we can create concerning PTSD the easier it will be to help those coping with it and those who may be suffering in silence. This applies not only to those of us in the health care profession but to everyone in our communities.

There are numerous resources available to better understand PTSD. The National Center for Telehealth & Technology has developed a Virtual PTSD Experience where you can learn about combat-related PTSD symptoms, triggers and specific ways PTSD may impact a person’s life. Another good resource is DCoE’s Real Warriors Campaign that highlights service members, veterans and their families’ stories in their own words and how they have learned to cope with PTSD. The National Center for PTSD also has a section specifically designed for the public and health care providers to learn more about PTSD.

I would encourage everyone to check out these resources, share them with others and learn how to support your friends, family members and those in your community with PTSD. As a grateful nation, it’s our duty to try to better understand those who have sacrificed so much for so many and to honor them by not forgetting those sacrifices.