Troops Are Seeking Support

By Kyra O. Davenport

            Former Marine Christopher Wells, 25, now a D.C. National Guardsmen, did not expect to serve in  Fallujah, Iraq and return home with nightmares, sleep apnea, and alienated from his family. “I had a hard time sleeping; other soldiers were on medication” Wells said.  According to the examiner.com,( a website devoted to local news)  1 in 5 soldiers are returning home suffering from symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress disorder.   

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, PTSD is defined as an anxiety disorder that develops after exposure to a violent or life-threatening ordeal, such as violent personal assaults, natural disasters, accidents, or military combat. Health practitioners say African-American veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are not getting enough support. Assistant Primary Military Instructor SFC Charles Atkins Jr., 42, says, “African Americans are suffering more because we tend to underestimate the disorder and ignore the warning signs.

 On the bright morning of Veterans Day, Howard University Army R.O.T.C. cadets visited the Soldiers Home in Northeast D.C. When the cadets arrived they were asked to read heartfelt letters to our veterans, followed by a moment of silence for our troops who made the ultimate sacrifice. Following the ceremony cadets were instructed to disperse among the group and talk to various veterans. The veterans were eager to interact with the young cadets. Interaction is imperative for veterans suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder as it is a coping mechanism. Atkins says “ I (was not) scheduled to come in to work today, but the least we can do as troops is pay our respects to those who have paved the way for today’s troops, and they appreciate our efforts to visit and spend time with them.”

Not only must soldiers endure psychological warfare during combat, but also homesickness, depression, anxiety, and racism. The Journal of Depression and Anxiety says African Americans suffering from PTSD may experience higher rates of depression, or anxiety than whites. Older troops understand the experiences the younger troops are having. Soldiers’ home resident and Veteran George Smith, 88, who fought in the Vietnam War, says, "I had a lot of dreams that would scare me to death.” He said most soldiers that go to combat will experience PTSD but they can overcome it with the proper treatment “Soldiers need an outlet,” Smith said, “if the community could provide PTSD meetings, soldiers could talk about the challenges they have faced.”

The Department of Defense has released a “Mental Health App”, for android phones, which allows soldiers to enter information about their feelings of possible depression, anxiety or symptoms of PTSD, and have it assessed by medical personnel, to get a possible diagnosis. The African-American Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Association, an organization devoted to public education and lending support to veterans, is available for veterans and their families. Community support for veterans could have profound effects on a soldier’s ability to cope with PTSD. For example within local neighborhoods there could be a “support our troops” meeting once a week. It is simple steps like this that can help troops cope with PTSD.  “Along with medical services, soldiers also have to find the strength to find peace of mind within themselves.” says Wells.