Stereotypes Of Leave Me Alone

One of the key factors that contribute to homelessness among veterans is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD affects a large number of military veterans from every war, though the rates differ depending on which war they served in, PTSD affected 30% of Vietnam veterans, 11% of Afghanistan veterans, 20% of Iraq veterans, and 10% of veterans who served in the Gulf War (How Common is PTSD). Half of veterans with PTSD do not receive the treatment they require and 20% - 50% of those who do receive treatment do not finish it (Robson). The lack of treatment is important considering that 45% of homeless veterans have some kind of mental illness (Paquette). The homecoming of a veteran has been related to that veteran’s degree of PTSD. Veterans with a negative reception upon their arrival tend to have harsher PTSD (Tull). It is no wonder then that, those who had the hardest time re-entering society, Vietnam veterans, among whom 30% have had PTSD, make up 47% of homeless veterans (coalition for the Homeless). These veterans had the hardest time out of any, when they returned public opinion was against them, and many were unjustly called “Baby Killers”. This critical rejection made it harder for Vietnam veterans to deal with their PTSD, because it held them back from discussing their experiences in war (Tull). Having

Over the last 6 years I worked with Veterans that have been diagnosed with PTSD. I have seen symptoms of this diagnosis play out in a variety ways. This experience has only fueled my passion to want to become more educated and experienced on the topic so that I can better service to Veterans. I also believe that becoming better educated on the topic will allow me to dispel some of the myths associated with PTSD. As discussed in class, before the accept into the DSM-3 in 1980 service member that experienced symptoms of PTSD were seen as unfit to handle the psychological casualties that came with the War. They were often viewed as weak and were forced back on the battlefield despite showing clear indicators that the fatigue that comes along with battle had begun to affect their daily lives. After the mainstream acceptance of PTSD in 1980 many active duty service members and Veterans still had a hard time proving to the VSA that they were indeed suffering from PTSD. Over time there has been a mainstream acceptance that many Veterans as well as other populations may suffer from PTSD. The mainstream acceptance of PTSD has the ability to offer hope to those that are affected by the

Hundreds of thousands of United States veterans are not able to leave the horrors of war on the battlefield (“Forever at War: Veterans Everyday Battles with PTSD” 1). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the reason why these courageous military service members cannot live a normal life when they are discharged. One out of every five military service members on combat tours—about 300,000 so far—return home with symptoms of PTSD or major depression. According to the Rand Study, almost half of these cases go untreated because of the disgrace that the military and civil society attach to mental disorders (McGirk 1). The general population of the world has to admit that they have had a nightmare before. Imagine not being able to sleep one

INTRODUCTION: How many people have a Veteran in their family or know one? If yes do you help them or is it someone else’s problem. Well many people think it’s someone else problem, but the truth is it’s our problem.

Perhaps attesting to the enhanced understanding of PTSD and alarm at the troubling suicide rates of veterans, the media seems to be raising the public’s attention about the condition, for example, through the use of documentaries. In 2005, during the second push of the Iraqi and Afghanistan war PBS FRONTLINE released a documentary entitled, “The Soldier’s Heart,” This documentary gives an overview of the history of PTSD, but focuses specifically on the psychological toll of the Iraq war. It illuminates the fact that despite advances in our understanding of PTSD, there continues to be a stigma against psychological problems in the

Veterans make up seven percent of the American population, but they account for twenty percent of its suicides. Yes, that is indeed a real statistic, more importantly, what is the government, the people that ordered those men and women deliberately into harm’s way, doing about this tragedy. In light of recent conflicts the United States has been engaging in, such as the conflicts in the Middle East, a new silent killer of returning veterans, has become more visible to the public. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, also known as PTSD, has taken its toll recently on Veterans returning from the harsh

There has been an increase in veterans, approximately 107,000 whom are unemployed and homeless, while 1.5 million veterans are poverty and homeless. These veterans live in various dismal conditions suffering from disorders while lacking social support. (National Coalition for Homeless Veterans) This epidemic attracts the attention of politicians, sociologists, etc. whom are unconcerned with the fate of veterans in America. Professor Tull, insisted that to resolve the problem, he argued that the main reason for homelessness was that the veterans had PTSD which had negative influences. (Tull) This reason is that the PTSD should be treated with various ways, such as cognitive-behavioral treatment, which unfortunately some veterans can’t handle

The diagnosis of PTSD and those suffering from it have earned public compassion and understanding. Moral injury is not officially recognized by the Defense Department. But it is moral injury, not PTSD, which is progressively being acknowledged as the signature wound of this generation of veterans. Moral injury leaves a bruise on the soul, similar to grief or sorrow, with lasting impact on the veterans and their families. Moral injury raises unpleasant questions about what happens in war and the dreary experiences that many veterans are reluctant to talk about. It is not fear, but exposure, that causes moral injury. Any experience or set of experiences can provoke mild or intense grief, shame and guilt. The symptoms are similar to PTSD: depression and anxiety, difficulty paying attention, an unwillingness to trust anyone except fellow combat veterans, however the morally injured feel sorrow and regret as well. Moral injury wounds are caused by the conflict of the ethical beliefs they carried to war and the dangerous realities of conflict. Many have found peace and acceptance: I did what I had to do, and I did it well and honorably. However, others struggle to reconcile with themselves who proudly enlisted just years before. Either way, they manage mostly out of sight and on their

Many veterans struggle coping with symptoms of PTSD which has a negative effect on one's emotions. A survey conducted suggest that, veterans with a positive diagnosis of PTSD reveals measures of worry, self-punishment, social control, behavioral distractions, and avoidance coping strategies (Pietrzak et al.). From this survey, many veterans who have difficulty dealing with negative emotions are most likely suffering from Post traumatic stress disorder. Unfortunately, more than the majority of veterans have dealt or is dealing with Post traumatic stress disorder because of warfare

War is a subject that is deeply imbedded in the culture of the United States; this country was founded because of it. The Americans that fight in war are often referred to as heroes and held at a higher social standard than regular civilians. But Chris Hedges has a bleaker view of war and veterans. In his article “War Is Betrayal,” he explains how war is just another way for the elite to prey on the poor and gullible. He argues that rich and powerful do not go into combat, but instead they create an enticing narrative, of honor, experience, and status, that lures weak onto the battlefield. These same people after return from war with mental health problems. While Hedges includes some appeal to credibility in his article, he mainly employs emotional appeals to make his claim.

In studying the effects of Post-traumatic stress disorder in veterans, I learned that the actions of war cause many service men and women to change. The change comes because the US military trains people to kill but they don’t want to help them fit back into society. This causes veterans to have symptoms such aggression, irritability, and hostility. Which is why I feel that people who have killed in the military came in with the mentality that they were going to help people, but instead they go overseas to kill and ruin innocent people’s lives. That causes them to have feelings of guilt because people are told to look at our service men and women as heroes but inside they see themselves as monsters. There are cases of this happening in every

In the past, veterans who disclosed suffering from signs of PTSD encountered a great deal of ignorance and bias. According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services (n.d.), veterans who had the illness were often considered weak, were rejected by comrades, and even faced discharge from military service. In fact, even physicians and mental health specialists often questioned the existence of the disease, which of course led to society’s misconception of PTSD in general. Sadly because of this existing prejudice it appears even today soldiers are still worried to admit having PTSD symptoms, and therefore they do not receive the proper support they need. While individuals are assured that their careers will not be affected, and seeking help is encouraged, most soldiers see it as a failure to admit having a mental health illness (Zoroya, 2013). Educating military personal of this illness, and making sure no blame is put on the veterans who encounter this disease is therefore vital.

By focusing on negative stereotypes, we overlook the deeper problem of America and pre-judge people before we know the facts. 40% of civilians in America today tend to believe that the majority of post 9/11 veterans suffer from a mental health condition and therefore get viewed in a negative stereotype. Many automatically believe they have "PTSD," or, they are the "do nothing wrong hero "and the "gun waver who promotes courage." A lot of these viewpoints are fueled by social media, the news stations, and Hollywood movies. When we identify with a group similar to gender, race or ethnicity and a negative view point is spread about that specific group it creates stress and anxiety. When a veteran identifies as a veteran it confirms a negative stereotype held against them even if

As the Vietnam War began preventative measures were being taken to decrease the psychological impact of war on soldiers. Unfortunately as the war ended soldiers were often met with hostile demonstrations by anti-war activists and society offered little acceptance of Vietnam veterans even years after the war. This is when early studies on PTSD and the effects on military families began being documented. Early research showed that PTSD can have devastating, far-reaching consequences on the patients functioning, relationships,

Jumping up every time you hear a loud noise or having a panic attack because you are in a large crowd—this has become the reality for some. When our soldiers go off to war, we want to believe that when they return home they are the same. The hard truth is that for these men and women who fought overseas, the war has never left them, they carry this burden with them were no one knows something is wrong until its too late. Some figure a way to cope; through different forms of therapy, just talking to someone to get what is stuck in theirs heads out can make a world of difference. For others, the lost souls, the ones who have crossed the line turn to self-medication or even violence either on themselves or to others. There is a reason why most PTSD cases goes untreated, in the military you learn very quick that things you do can be used against you. With the government downsizing in every branch, coming forward to say you have a problem is very difficult for some; they could go from having a stable support structure to being kicked to the curb. They say to themselves that they will be just fine, that they can heal on their own; they put the entire burden on themselves. With suicide rates skyrocketing, soldiers need to stop hiding, come forward and talk about their issues with someone. The soldiers of this country are not bad people, they were just put in some bad situations and some just do not