JUNE 27 is PTSD Awareness Day, a time to talk about post-traumatic stress disorder, focusing on what it is, and urging people to seek help, for themselves or for someone they feel is suffering from it.
A study by the Department of Veterans Affairs illustrates the vulnerability of veterans to developing PTSD. It notes that since veterans are more likely to be exposed to a traumatic event, their risk for developing PTSD is higher.
Statistics show that development of PTSD in veterans varies by service era. About 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom have PTSD in a given year. This is compared to 12% of veterans of the Gulf War, and an estimated 30% of veterans of the Vietnam War.
We also know those suffering from PTSD are more likely to abuse alcohol or drugs than the general population. For veterans, more than 20% of those with PTSD also have a substance use disorder.
Another comorbidity of PTSD is the prevalence of suicide.
Veteran Suicide is Tragedy, and Congress does not seem to care.
Why should they? They cannot yell at veterans.