Statistics are unfortunate things — rarely offering relief, too often instead demanding tragedy. Numbers are assigned to life and the result is a proof of failure: with the population defined by their symptoms.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (typically named PTSD) is no exception to this. Anxiety shapes this disease, with extreme emotional disturbance plaguing those who have it. A scattering of its symptoms include: intrusive memories, a sense of hopeless, lack of focus, guilt, anger and exhaustion. These feelings are pervasive, unable to be dismissed with mere time. And the percentages offered to them are disheartening — especially within the military.
As of 2011 there are dramatic increases among soldiers regarding this disease, and they must be acknowledged. This is the only way to combat them.
It’s estimated that 19 percent of soldiers experience PTSD in its most aggressive form (with the majority of these being female). 70 percent of all soldiers, however, show signs of the disease — especially after continuous combat. Over half of these individuals are also female. Five percent of the entire American population is burdened with Post-Traumatic Stress; and this number increases due to the impact of families, friends and beyond.
These percentages are distressing. They must not, however, be ignored because of that. Soldiers suffer from this illness. They therefore deserve help. Choosing to dismiss the statistics won’t offer any relief — for them or their loved ones. Instead these facts must be understood by all and used to create better treatments.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder exists. The proof is in the numbers.
