Ivan F. Star Comes Out. Photo from Native Sun News

Struggling quietly and alone with PTSD
By Ivan F. Star Comes Out
www.nsweekly.com

My plan to sleep in the other morning didn’t happen so I dragged myself out of bed and made coffee. As I was sipping on it at my kitchen table, I realized that I had not started my weekly column. So I moved to the computer and sat staring at the monitor for a long time. Abandoning that for the moment, I busied myself with other chores around the house.

Then, while “trolling” through the social media network known as Facebook, a quote posted by a PTSD Projects caught my attention. This organization is a veteran’s group whose mission is to awareness about the damaging effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and the impact it can have on an individual.

The quote, which was reposted by Rick Thomas of Santee, Nebraska, read, “Many people with PTSD find that their relationships with others have changed as a result of exposure to trauma. They often report that they have difficulty trusting others, are suspicious of authority, dislike even minor annoyances, and generally want to be left alone.”

Rick served early in the Vietnam War (possibly 1965-66) as an airborne ranger/infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division. His brother, Ron Thomas, is also a combat veteran of the Vietnam War having served with the 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment, known as the “Black Horse Regiment.” He was wounded while manning a mounted M-60 (machine gun) during his tour.

Read the rest of the story on the all new Native Sun News website: Struggling quietly and alone with PTSD

(Ivan F. Star Comes Out, POB 147, Oglala, SD 57764; (605) 867-2448; mato_nasula2@outlook.com)

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