PTSD - Supporting Our Troops
I know that I cannot even begin to have a full understanding of PTSD and the effects to one's soul. Having not been exposed to the horrors of war I can only imagine what they have seen. What stays with them and haunts them long after they return home. When they are expected to return and resume a "normal" life. Their families have waited so long for their return and just want their husbands, sons, daughters, brothers and sisters back home - back in their lives like they have never left.
If it only could be so. I have no doubt that our returning veterans would be happy to erase all the images of the things they have seen and been exposed to. Leave it all behind like it never happened. But it is not possible. Some can move forward better than others, but nobody is immune to the aftermath of emotions. To the lingering fear that is still there with each loud noise that makes them jump. Emotions that spill out in anger against the ones they love.
I have seen first hand the impact of what it can do to a family. How it can make strangers out of a husband and wife. How long it takes for a person to begin to come back from where they were, the things they do to try and forget, and the damage it does to a relationship. Not only is it hard on the returning veteran, but it is also extremely difficult for their family. They want to be supportive and help in any way they can, but the stress and damage to their emotions is undeniable. It is heart breaking to watch the events that take place, and you pray that everyone makes it through.
Our veterans deserve the best care available when they return. They have given so much of themselves for our country. I hope that they all take advantage of any help that is offered and do not try to deny that they have been impacted by it all. They were brave in combat - they do not have to be brave now. Hopefully they know that they can let down their guard and let all of us catch them and help them begin to mend. Help them to find peace and joy in their life again.
If it only could be so. I have no doubt that our returning veterans would be happy to erase all the images of the things they have seen and been exposed to. Leave it all behind like it never happened. But it is not possible. Some can move forward better than others, but nobody is immune to the aftermath of emotions. To the lingering fear that is still there with each loud noise that makes them jump. Emotions that spill out in anger against the ones they love.
I have seen first hand the impact of what it can do to a family. How it can make strangers out of a husband and wife. How long it takes for a person to begin to come back from where they were, the things they do to try and forget, and the damage it does to a relationship. Not only is it hard on the returning veteran, but it is also extremely difficult for their family. They want to be supportive and help in any way they can, but the stress and damage to their emotions is undeniable. It is heart breaking to watch the events that take place, and you pray that everyone makes it through.
Our veterans deserve the best care available when they return. They have given so much of themselves for our country. I hope that they all take advantage of any help that is offered and do not try to deny that they have been impacted by it all. They were brave in combat - they do not have to be brave now. Hopefully they know that they can let down their guard and let all of us catch them and help them begin to mend. Help them to find peace and joy in their life again.
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