The cost of war is around us. It may be closer than you think.

When I was a Chaplain at Denver Springs Behavioral and Addiction hospital,  every week I would visit with Veterans and First Responders suffering with PTSD.

War's traumas cause suffering beyond measure. It lasts miles and years beyond the battlefield.

They taught me, through their stories, the impact of conflict and war that was beyond my comprehension. While they survived the war physically, they lost the life they knew and returned a different person than when they left.

So,  on Memorial Day weekend, I not only remember those who died but I am forced to think of the horrors of war that surrounded their deaths.

Those who died in combat where on a mission when an enemy was trying to kill them. Weapons were fired on foreign soil, jets crashed with sudden, loud, fiery, devastating noises, super charged with pain and fear and chaos that brought the end of vital young lives defending freedoms they will never get to enjoy.

Memorial Day is the time to remember those who died, but I also remember those who survived the trauma of their buddy's death, but continue live with the effects of battlefield trauma.

Those who suffer with the effects of PTSD deserve our love, appreciation and all the care and attention they can get and want. 

Approximately 22 Veterans end their own lives each day due to the effects of PTSD. The casualties of war exceed the battle field count. Maybe we can help.

There are resources available, like Denver Springs Behavioral Health and Addictive Hospital, where I served as their Chaplain. Some counselors specialize in trauma and post trauma therapy. And, it always helps, when you honor a vet with your presence, ask them questions and hear their story--only as much as they care to tell you. You will need to earn their trust.

Developing awareness to those suffering from trauma helps us care for people who endure the traumas of school shootings, car accidents, abuse as children and, sadly, many more scenarios of trauma.

This weekend, we remember those who died.

It also matters to consider how they died and care for those still affected by the traumas of the battlefield.

Take a moment to study PTSD. It is real and probably someone close to you is suffering with it today.

Following is an article on PTSD from the National Institute of Mental Health web site.
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"What are the symptoms of PTSD?

Symptoms usually begin within 3 months of the traumatic incident, but sometimes they begin later. For symptoms to be considered PTSD, they must last more than a month and be severe enough to interfere with functioning in relationships or work. The course of the illness varies from person to person. Some people recover within 6 months, while others have symptoms that last much longer. In some people, the condition becomes chronic (ongoing).

A doctor who has experience helping people with mental illnesses, such as a psychiatrist or psychologist, can diagnose PTSD.

To be diagnosed with PTSD, an adult must have all of the following for at least 1 month:

• At least one re-experiencing symptom
• At least one avoidance symptom
• At least two arousal and reactivity symptoms
• At least two cognition and mood symptoms

Re-experiencing symptoms:

• Flashbacks—reliving the trauma over and over, including physical symptoms like a racing heart or sweating
• Bad dreams
• Frightening thoughts
• 
  

Re-experiencing symptoms may cause problems in a person’s everyday routine. They can start from the person’s own thoughts and feelings. Words, objects, or situations that are reminders of the event can also trigger re-experiencing symptoms.

Avoidance symptoms:

• Staying away from places, events, or objects that are reminders of the experience
• Avoiding thoughts or feelings related to the traumatic event

Things or situations that remind a person of the traumatic event can trigger avoidance symptoms. These symptoms may cause a person to change his or her personal routine. For example, after a bad car accident, a person who usually drives may avoid driving or riding in a car.

Arousal and reactivity symptoms:

• Being easily startled
• Feeling tense or “on edge”
• Having difficulty sleeping, and/or having angry outbursts

Arousal symptoms are usually constant, instead of being triggered by something that brings back memories of the traumatic event. They can make the person feel stressed and angry. These symptoms may make it hard to do daily tasks, such as sleeping, eating, or concentrating.

Cognition and mood symptoms:

• Trouble remembering key features of the traumatic event
• Negative thoughts about oneself or the world
• Distorted feelings like guilt or blame
• Loss of interest in enjoyable activities

Cognition and mood symptoms can begin or worsen after the traumatic event. These symptoms can make the person feel alienated or detached from friends or family members."

The vet suffering from PTSD may need professional help, but you do not need to be a professional to care. Learning to understand can equip you to be one source of support, as they receive all the help they need. Trauma is part of our culture. Learning to understand it, helps us offer the best care.

Your care matters.