This is a touchy subject for everyone involved. Even family members of veterans with PTSD are stigmatized to some degree. This really needs to change and it needs to change on two fronts:
Later today, I travel down to DC. I will not be posting until after the panel, but be sure to stay tuned to twitter. I will be tweeting the subjects covered by the panel and any major developments. Also, I would love to hear what others think about today's vital issue of advocacy. Please chime in!
- PTSD Advocacy/Education for the General Public: With all of the stories in the news about PTSD being connected to violence, it is no wonder the general public thinks we are dangerous. The defense attorneys aren't doing us any favors either. Using PTSD as an excuse for murdering 19 people? As a defense for murdering two people? It disgusts me. That being said, there had to be a way to get the word out in a way that people will understand and support. We need a media source to step forward to spearhead advocacy in the media. I think that's the only way to get the real story out there. We are starting to make a dent through blogging, websites, and social media presence, but it is not enough. So who's going to shine the spotlight on PTSD education?
- PTSD Advocacy/Education in the Military: The military still treats service members with PTSD like they are diseased. A lot of it has to do with the lack of education available and required for commanding officers and senior NCOs. Thousand more would come forward for treatment if they weren't made to think having PTSD made them weak or unfit to wear the uniform. It's that cut and dry.
Later today, I travel down to DC. I will not be posting until after the panel, but be sure to stay tuned to twitter. I will be tweeting the subjects covered by the panel and any major developments. Also, I would love to hear what others think about today's vital issue of advocacy. Please chime in!
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