Letter: More recognition for PTSD
Bart Ryan at Al-Taqaddum Airbase, west of Baghdad, during a 2005 ceremony at which he was promoted to corporal. Credit:
I appreciated Newsday's recent coverage of a suicide related to post-traumatic stress disorder ["A marine's private war," News, April 1]. I have PTSD as well. Every time another person with this disorder commits suicide, I keep wondering: How many professionals, friends and family members were actually able to get the person the help they needed in a timely fashion? In particular, I question the bureaucracy many people endure to get effective treatment. Prompt treatment is a rarity.
Seven years ago, my life before PTSD was filled with hope: I studied yoga and meditation, attended church and engaged in many social activities. I was considered to have excellent stress-coping skills.
It's encouraging to read that the military is taking a new look at PTSD. It doesn't just go away. No one should be ashamed to have a psychological condition. Denial and ignorance only make it worse. No one should be denied help, especially when they are crying out for it.
Alfred P. Thomson, Levittown
