The purpose of this blog is to help raise awareness about something we don’t always see, PTSD, also known as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
I’m not a doctor or a therapist — just someone who deeply cares about those who’ve worn our country’s uniform and the challenges many face long after they return home.
Many of you have probably heard the term PTSD, but I’m going to side with former Force Recon Marine, DOD Contractor and founder of Mighty Oaks Foundation, Chad Robichaux, who says the D for disorder should be a lowercase “d” or left out altogether. Robichaux does not view PTS as a disorder, rather a natural response to extreme trauma. I agree.
PTS is a mental health condition, not a character flaw. For those of you who are not familiar with Mighty Oaks Foundation, it is a resiliency program to help veterans, active-duty service members and first responders overcome trauma and find healing through faith-based programs. They have one of the highest success rates among veteran recovery programs and have zero reported suicides.
While trauma is not exclusive to the battlefield, The War on Terror has brought PTS “d” into the national spotlight in the recent decades. Countless veterans return home with invisible wounds, the wounds we cannot see, wounds that don’t show up on X-rays or MRIs, but are just as real.
For many veterans, that trauma comes from combat — but it isn’t limited to the battlefield. It also affects first responders, survivors of abuse, accidents, and natural disasters. It can include flashbacks, nightmares, emotional numbness, and hyper-awareness. PTS is NOT a sign of weakness – it is a sign of survival.
On Memorial Day, we honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice and never returned home, but as we remember the fallen, let’s also support the living — the ones still fighting battles in their minds and hearts every single day of their lives — the ones who carry the wounds we cannot see.
Healing begins with awareness, and it continues through community. We can all be part of that healing by showing compassion, listening without judgment, and reminding our veterans — they are not alone.
PTS does not define a person. It’s a part of their story, not the whole story – just a chapter, and healing is possible —especially when a community steps up and says, “We see you. We hear you. We’ve got your six.”
God bless our veterans, our fallen heroes, and the freedoms they fought for.
For a free download of Chad’s book, click here: The Truth About PTSd
Lisa Marie Barrett, Director
Help Raise PTSD Awareness – PTSD: National Center for PTSD