The Whispers and the Looks

There is a common fear among veterans with PTSD:  People will know we have 'it' and whisper about us.  When I see someone in public looking at me, they know...

For a long time, I was afraid of going out in public because of this.  With crap like Bales being in the news and the defense lawyers blaming it on PTSD, many veterans with PTSD feel even less comfortable than we did before.  It made me realize that no matter how much I type on here, it's not going to help educate the general public.  So what can I do to change that?  God, I don't know.

All I know is I hate that feeling.  I have had people ask me, "So does that mean you are going to go crazy on us?"  They say it like they're joking - like they are saying it in jest.  The problem is that their voice goes up an octave when they laugh and their eyes are dead serious.  They say it that way but really want to know - are we going to go John Rambo on their asses?  All I know is I never think about getting violent with people until they say ignorant shit like that.  BUT if that's what it takes to be able to educate someone and break the stereotype.  Hmm.  Maybe if I was out in public and announced to the world that I am a Combat Veteran with PTSD people would be forced to pay attention - their own fear of what I might do would take care of that.  Definitely have to think about it.  I'm going to go and follow this train of thought back to the station.