PTSD

Post traumatic stress disorder is a term more frequently heard since Afghanistan and Iraq war. A guerrilla war/war without a clear battle line was one of the major cause of higher rate of PTSD. Soldiers were in constant state of alert and anxiety, in addition to the multiple deployments. Mental disorder and higher suicide rate are one of the major concerns of US military since the war.

On 8/1/14, The New York Times had an article titled, 'Syrian's Mental Health Crisis.' The following is the quote from the article, "a nearly 6000 person caseload sampling from Syrians there, 31% have severe emotional disorders." There was an AP report on Gaza Strip about emotional wounds of war and I quote; "The UN estimates that about 373000 children in Gaza need direct psychological intervention because they've witnessed violence, lost a relative or have been displaced." Another of The New York Times articles reported that about 1/3 of all children in Gaza suffer from psychological disorder. These are tragic and staggering numbers which are, unfortunately, understandable.

Seven-year-old Maha, who is paralyzed down the neck following an airstrike in Gaza, was allowed to leave Gaza on 20 August 2014 and is on her way to a hospital in Turkey to seek adequate treatment. Photo: UNICEF/Eyad El Baba/United Nations

I still vividly remember a man from about 40 years ago who was suffering from psychological wound from Vietnam War. Very innocent face but with obvious behavioral problems.

The point I like to make is that these tremendous wounds last long time, most likely, generations. The evidences are everywhere. We don't have to look far or deep to see or feel them. The wounds are all around us right now and everywhere. All over the world more wounds are coming and yet to come. These wounds linger for a long time. The causes of the wounds are historical tragedies as well as what the realities of life push us into.

What I and we can do is that beware of the walking wounded from the various causes and try to be understanding and empathetic. If we look with more care, even seemingly well adjusted people carry wounds from somewhere. Be more patient with people around us. Show respect for everybody. It is primarily because I'm sure I'm one of the walking wounded from somewhere and some time.