A Veteran Is Alone In A Diner When He Gets An Unexpected Letter

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects at least 14% of Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. Vietnam veterans also report lifetime rates of PTSD ranging anywhere from 10–31%. In the end, PTSD is the third-most prevalent psychiatric diagnosis among veterans who fought so hard to keep our freedoms safe.

This video shows that PTSD can affect any type of soldier in any type of situation. Although the struggle is heavily internal, there are external forces that can help these vets, whether that help comes from other vets or trained professionals. While the memories that cause this disorder will never disappear, the way that they're dealt with will be much healthier and much stronger.

The problem, however, is that PTSD is not very well-understood by the American public. Civilians don't understand what the threat of an IED actually means, and what it can do to your head after enough time dealing with that threat. The image of the American soldier as a "tough guy" has helped our troops become the best fighting force in the world, but at the same time, it has caused many of them to suffer embarrassment and shame in admitting that they might be dealing with PTSD.

The brave men and women who risked their lives for the call of our country deserve some help when they return home. PTSD is a very real problem and we all, whether veteran or civilian, need to work together to make sure that our soldier's sacrifices are not ignored.

Just because there aren't any physical scars doesn't mean that they haven't been injured. And we need to let them all know that there are many kinds of injuries that can be treated in many different ways.  Please watch the Public Service Announcement below and listen to its message. One action, one phone call, one conversation could save someones life. Veterans and their loved ones can call 1-800-273-8255 for a toll-free hotline which could help change the world.

Please SHARE this important information if you think our nation's veterans need to be given the respect that they've earned!