PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a disability that affects hundreds, if not thousands, of military individuals returning home from places such as Iraq and Afghanistan where death is a commonplace event. While, at first, PTSD was not considered a military injury eligible for veterans benefits, things are slowly changing as people realize that this mental illness is a serious veterans disability. PTSD occurs when the mind sees, or is exposed to a situation, where death is a likely outcome such as being ambushed, a roadside bomb, or any other life-threatening environment.
This veterans disability is not unique to veterans of the Gulf War or even to recent warfare. As far back as World War II, there is evidence that soldiers suffered from symptoms that are commonly associated with PTSD. These symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance of talking about the event itself, sensitivity to loud noises, extreme anger, and ability to concentrate on anything for long, and distancing oneself from others. Many veterans suffered with PTSD in silence but today, newer veterans often try to self-medicate themselves with alcohol and drugs, only to find that now they have another problem on top of the PTSD.
PTSD not only affects the soldier, but it also affects their family and friends, since the soldier is no longer the same person they once were. Parents, siblings, and best friends often feel helpless and do not really know how to approach or help the suffering soldier. It is not uncommon for soldiers with this veterans disability to end up going through a divorce or other serious domestic change because the people around them cannot handle the sudden outbursts of temper, the irritability, the night sweats, and the emotional detachment.
As PTSD becomes more recognized as a true and common veterans disability, groups are forming to help veterans returning from war deal with their PTSD in a healthy manner. Part of this treatment includes the use of therapy dogs and their success is encouraging nonprofit organizations to spring up with the purpose of providing therapy dogs for returning soldiers with PTSD in the same way that therapy dogs are used for handicapped individuals and for the blind. The dogs provide an important reality for the veteran, offering them unconditional love, a calming influence, a loyal companion, and a friend who understands them. Therapy for PTSD can also include group therapy where soldiers are able to talk about their experiences with other soldiers instead of trying to suppress them. Advocacy groups are also fighting for veterans who have PTSD so that they can receive the benefit that they are entitled to.
