Brief Summary
This article, written by Joe Parsetich, a Vietnam War veteran and former national commander for Disabled American Veterans (DAV), addresses the misconceptions surrounding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Parsetich shares his personal experiences with PTSD, including a suicide attempt, and emphasizes that PTSD is a natural reaction to trauma, not a sign of weakness or a predisposition to violence. He encourages Americans to educate themselves about PTSD to reduce stigma and support veterans.
- PTSD is a natural reaction to trauma, not a sign of weakness.
- Stigma surrounding PTSD can lead to isolation and be deadly for veterans.
- Education and understanding are crucial to supporting veterans with PTSD.
[Introduction: A Veteran's Personal Experience with PTSD]
Joe Parsetich recounts his experiences during the Vietnam War, highlighting the lasting impact of witnessing violence and loss. He describes how these experiences led to PTSD, culminating in a suicide attempt decades later. This personal narrative sets the stage for his discussion on understanding and destigmatizing PTSD.
[Understanding PTSD: Beyond Misconceptions]
Parsetich clarifies common misconceptions about PTSD, asserting that it does not indicate weakness, a tendency towards violence, or a risk to employers. Instead, he defines PTSD as a natural response to trauma. He stresses that PTSD manifests differently in each individual, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to managing the condition.
[The Importance of Support and Education]
The author emphasizes the importance of support for veterans with PTSD, highlighting the dangers of isolation. He urges Americans to learn more about PTSD to dispel stigma and potentially save lives. He also provides resources such as the Veteran Crisis Line and DAV locations for veterans seeking help.
[DAV's Role in Supporting Veterans]
The article highlights the role of the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) in supporting veterans. DAV offers various forms of support, including fellowship, national events, and advocacy for veterans' rights and benefits. The organization invites veterans and supporters to join their cause.
[Additional Resources and Calls to Action]
The article includes several calls to action and resources for veterans and supporters:
- DAV Commander's Action Network (DAV CAN): Encourages individuals to sign up for alerts on legislation affecting veterans and to contact elected officials to advocate for veterans' rights.
- VA Life Insurance Premium Discount: Announces that over 3 million veterans, service members, and spouses will receive a discount on VA life insurance premiums.
- The Love Lives On Act: Supports H.R. 1004/S. 410, which would eliminate the remarriage age requirement for survivors receiving Dependency Indemnity Compensation (DIC).
- Vehicle Donation to DAV: Promotes donating used vehicles to support DAV's programs for ill and injured veterans.
