Post traumatic stress disorder is an issue for many people around the world. But because of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan thousands of American service men and women are having to deal with it in ever greater numbers. Whatever your stance on the war, the bottom line is that the American military has seen a spike in the number of soldiers, sailors and airman coming home with PTSD, anxiety and depression. The good news is that the Department of defense is taking this matter seriously and using people from their own ranks to spread the word about PTSD and how serviceman can find help.

The New York Times reports that a hand full of reservist that suffer from PTSD were given the task of hitting the streets and bars during this years fleet week to approach troops that are back home on leave about PTSD. This effort is part of the Department of Defense’s Mental Health Self-Assessment Program. The program was designed for troops that have been deployed and affected by generalized anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, PTSD and other mental illnesses. The military has had to develop this program to deal not only with the number of troops coming home with signs of mental illness, but also because many serviceman that suffer from these conditions refuse to seek help.

Many troops decline help, lie about it or avoid the issue all together because they are afraid of the possible blow that it could have on future job prospects. Although the stigma of PTSD is said to be less than it was in the past, it is still significant enough to force the DOD to take measures aimed at finding people that need help. Military culture and bravado dictate that showing weakness or perceived weakness is unacceptable. Many in the military aspire to obtain jobs in law enforcement and other civilian jobs that require top secret clearance. Because of this hiding their condition becomes a viable option in their view. The correct course of action is however to do what is best for the long term, a job can be important, but if a soldier can’t function at that job or become a danger to others than that soldier will ultimately create more harm or potential harm to others and themselves.

With extended deployments lasting more than 12 months, many troops are at or have surpassed the breaking point and need to be briefed on this condition and how to cope with it. War is one of the few things a human being can experience that can produce deep seeded mental trauma and a constant state of anxious readiness. After being socialized your entire life to value life, seeing it discarded as rubbish can have a lasting effect on the psyche. All soldiers, sailors and airmen should take notice and do what they must to safeguard not just their nation, but their sanity. Fear should not come because of a possible loss in economic opportunity, but instead in the possibility of losing peace of mind.

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