PTSD... Four little letters which can dramatically change a person’s life. PTSD stands for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. Its definition tells us it is a mental health condition that's triggered by a terrifying event. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety, as well as uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
While much of that definition seems true to what those who suffer through PTSD endure, the word disorder doesn’t quite seem to be appropriate. A disorder is defined as an irregularity, while a wound is defined as an injury. United States Army General, Peter Chiarelli recently said in an interview that he would like to see it changed from PTSD to PTSI, Post Traumatic Stress Injury.
Some may ask and even argue, why does it matter what it’s called? The answer is simple. It helps remove a stigma that sadly many associate with PTSD. We have some of the bravest people in the world volunteering so much of themselves and answering the call to duty. Even the most courageous of warriors are still human though. They can hurt and feel pain just like you and I do.
“Few sights are quite as heartbreaking as an ordinarily powerful man, broken, devastated, and reduced to wordless grief.” - Retired U.S. Navy SEAL, J. Robert DuBois - from the forthcoming book, Powerful Peace.
One of the hardest decisions someone suffering through PTSD can make is to take that first step and ask for help. Many may feel they can handle it on their own, or simply believe it will just go away in time. This is not the case. Just as one cannot perform surgery on oneself and take the place of a medical professional to cure all that ails them, the same holds true for PTSD. Even the strongest, bravest, selfless and most valiant warriors need help.
That need for help is where we all come in. There are numbers that they can call if they are in crisis or just need someone to talk with, but it is up to every one of us to make sure that all of our men and women who suffer know what their options are. Data released last year tells us that a staggering 18 veterans commit suicide every day and that over 950 suicide attempts are made every month. The information obtained also revealed that they were able to rescue approximately 7,000 veterans from the act of suicide after they called the Veterans Crisis line at (800) 273-8255 (TALK), Option 1.
That need for help is where we all come in. There are numbers that they can call if they are in crisis or just need someone to talk with, but it is up to every one of us to make sure that all of our men and women who suffer know what their options are. Data released last year tells us that a staggering 18 veterans commit suicide every day and that over 950 suicide attempts are made every month. The information obtained also revealed that they were able to rescue approximately 7,000 veterans from the act of suicide after they called the Veterans Crisis line at (800) 273-8255 (TALK), Option 1.
The most important thing to remember is that all those who suffer must know that we are here for them. We do not judge, we do not question, we do not ever falter in our dedication to help them cope with all they’re suffering through. If that means they need us to sit and hold their hand, then we sit and hold their hand. If it means they need us to listen to them, then we will listen to them. If that means they need us to hold them tight while they cry, then we hold them so very tight so they know that we won’t let go. We must be there for them. There is simply no excuse not to be. We must be there to help them find their way back.
Do not let their grip loosen, place your hands over theirs and give them the strength to hold on.
Do not let their grip loosen, place your hands over theirs and give them the strength to hold on.
We know you will make it through! We owe so much to you!
This post was a collaboration between the Honor Them
and SEAL of Honor pages.
Please share and spread this blog in hopes that our veterans and active duty
know that as long as we are here, there is hope and there is help.
