THE UNKNOWN CASUALTY OF WAR – PTSD

These soldiers are injured. These soldiers do not receive Purple Hearts. These soldiers may or may not receive benefits. These soldiers are forever changed. These soldiers suffer from posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD.) These soldiers are the unknown casualties of war.

Posttraumatic stress disorder is an anxiety disorder that is triggered after witnessing a traumatic event. In a war-zone, traumatic events are not uncommon and the men and women serving in Iraq and Afghanistan must bear the stresses placed on them, mentally and physically, as a result.

PTSD may be more widespread than is often acknowledged. According to Jim Garamone from the National Center for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 15-20% of veterans returning from Iraq and 6-11% of veterans returning from Afghanistan suffer from PTSD. And these are only the reported numbers.

Symptoms typically surface soon after the traumatic event, but they may not happen until months or years later, or may come and go over a long period of time. Those suffering from PTSD may experience one or more of the four types of symptoms: reliving the event, avoiding situations that remind them of the event, feeling numb to daily life events and relationships, or suffering from hyperarousal—being constantly on guard, anxious and fearful for personal safety.

The illness can go untreated for a number of reasons, including an incorrect diagnosis or due to a perceived stigma associated with seeking treatment for mental health. A lack of treatment can lead to long term problems. Participation in daily life can become a challenge, creating problems within families or damaging careers. Symptoms of PTSD can worsen over time, leading to suicidal tendencies and increasingly destructive behavior.

Freedom Is Not Free has seen first hand the effects of PTSD on our service members and those around them. We have provided financial assistance to those unable to keep a job because of anxiety and an inability to focus. We have helped to support spouses whose marriages could not bear the strain placed upon them by an inability to deal with the stress of PTSD. We are committed to increasing our knowledge about resources available for treatment and to making sure it is made available to those in need.