The following comment comes from a reader who refers to a story about a soldier named Jeff Hanks who was deployed in Afghanistan and now faces disciplinary action. It appeared in the Tennessean on Veterans Day.
"It was the desperate act of a father/husband/soldier: going awol to obtain mental health assistance: not borne of fear but a walk in courage. Millions are diagnosed with anxiety disorders, one of which is PTSD. Many of us try to "pass" as someone without an anxiety disorder to avoid discrimination and hate. But how do you "pass" when disassociation creates time loss, focus, clarity, replaced by confusion and distraction? A teen once described disassociation to me " like your brain goes on vacation from your body". He nailed it. And returning to the present requires new tools to treat and heal a mind exposed to horror: not broken, rather on a detour. Congratulations Mr. Hanks for standing up to the devastating stigma civilians and service people face, to make a better life for yourself, your children and other Americans."
Lorre Leon Mendelson
Mental Health Activist
