A disturbing conversation

I have tried not to use the blog as a posting for a journal or a diary.  However, I had a conversation with someone earlier that greatly disturbed me, and I think it deserves some discussion.

The person I had this conversation with is an Iraq Veteran.

This Veteran was quickly (almost instantly) infuriated by the thought of wearing an article of clothing that mentioned PTSD.  This article of clothing does not state "HEY - guess what, I have PTSD" - it is aimed at bringing awareness to the American public about the plight of our Veterans who have PTSD in a subliminal way while being delivered in a eye opening manner.

Yet, here we have a Veteran - who refuses to publicly acknowledge that perhaps he has PTSD; he doesn't want anyone to know anything about him; he thinks "Support our troops" is better than trying to raise the awareness of the American people concerning PTSD. 

What does that tell you all about PTSD?  And I personally know this Veteran is rated 50% disabled with PTSD after serving in Iraq.

So - if our Veterans who have been diagnosed with PTSD are not even willing to help bring awareness to the American people about PTSD - how can we help these Veterans if they aren't willing to support a public acknowledgement there is a problem?

Apathy among Americans about PTSD, and fear among our Veterans with PTSD.  Perhaps our Veteran's fear is rooted in the apathy and/or lack of knowledge of the American people about PTSD.

I am going to sleep tonight with very disturbed thoughts about the future of this country and the ability to help our Veterans with PTSD.

Wake up America - we are in trouble.