Many at Dailykos have written extensively about the challenges some US combat veterans face with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Among the many issues that complicate treatment for PTSD is the stigma society places on this disease. This stigma inhibits many vets from seeking treatment. The military culture makes them feel weak if they seek help and society as a whole stigmatizes people with PTSD as if they are crazy and ready to explode at any second. In fact, if those suffering from the symptoms of PTSD, sought help early, PTSD can often be a controllable (but chronic) condition that allows people to lead productive lives.
But at every turn, society perpetuates the stigma of PTSD, driving a wedge between those that need help and the willingness to seek help.
Which brings me to CBS and last night's (2/21) episode of Criminal Minds.
The plot is typical: war vet suffering from PTSD goes crazy and becomes a mass murderer. The story-line had nothing to do with the reality of PTSD, yet it played into every stereotype of a crazy person, reinforcing the stigma of mental illness. The more the false stereotype is hyped, the stronger the stigma and the less likely people suffering from PTSD will seek help.
I’m not advocating censorship or viewer boycotts of CBS programs, but rather trying to raise the awareness of the stigma of PTSD that is fueled by societal images, images that are often used by the entertainment media to generate profit.
All I’m hoping for is a level of enlightenment from media executives who should realize their power to shape public perceptions. In this case, they are reinforcing existing and false stereotypes of PTSD that are preventing combat veterans from getting help.
So if you care about PTSD that is afflicting US troops, be outraged at Bush and the VA. But don’t just scream at Washington to fix it, realize that we need to fight and change the false societal images surrounding PTSD. IF you want to share a comment with CBS, click here.