Soldier's Heart Assignment Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 500 words

Soldier's Heart - Assignment Example People most likely to be affected by PTSD are individuals with an unstable family background, a history of low self-esteem, and prolonged exposure to the traumatic instances. People less likely to be affected by PTSD are those that have graduated high school or college and have a higher socio-economic status; however, regardless of their origins, veterans have one of the highest rates of PTSD of any group. According to Lt. Col. David Grossman, wars have far more psychological casualties than they do physical ones. Despite the high rate of PTSD among soldiers, only a small percentage of the afflicted actually seek psychological evaluation. Doctor and employee of Vermonts Department of Veteran Affairs Andrew Pomerantz reasons that most veterans with PTSD to not seek treatment because they dont want to be viewed as â€Å"weaklings.† Remembers Julie Proulx, girlfriend of late marine Jeff Lucey, â€Å"He didnt want the marines to think he was weak. He was very reluctant [to seek help].† Lucey ultimately committed suicide due to the effects of PTSD and subsequent depression. Not only do veterans fear that they will be labeled as weak, but many perceive the stigmatization of so much as seeking mental health evaluation as â€Å"job-ending.† Some soldiers, such as Rob Sarra, often fear that they will be discharged as mentally unstable. PTSD affects more than just the lives of the individuals who develop it: the disorder also takes a toll on the lives of their loved ones. The wives of returning soldiers often report their husbands to be more irritable and snippy. Sarra discusses his struggles with developing alcoholism and subsequent fights in bars. In one instance, he became so enraged that he almost killed a man, only to become re-aware of his surroundings. â€Å"If I had killed that man,† he notes, â€Å"there would be no getting around that.† Veteran Andrew Pogany reported that he developed anxiety and severe panic attacks, during which time he