Post-Traumatic Stress DisorderOur soldiers not only risked their lives for our country while serving in the Vietnam War, but they continue to suffer greatly. The Americans and Vietnamese troops and civilians suffered heavy losses in terms of casualties. Witnessing the pain and death of strangers and allies is not something one is likely to forget. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was one of the many impacts of witnessing these horrific events (Mental Health America). Veterans, their families and the government have come together to combat the harmful effects of PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a psychiatric disorder that can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event (What is PTSD). The men and women who served in the Vietnam War were vulnerable to many acts of violence and death, such as guerrilla warfare. After being discharged from the armed forces, they may have flashbacks when a trigger reminds them of a memory or they may also suffer from nightmares or insomnia due to specific experiences (Riley, Julie). Not being able to sleep can have deteriorating effects on the body, which can make life after war very difficult to adapt to. Transferring from the armed forces to life at home can be something of a culture shock. However, anyone can develop PTSD. A person who has been a victim of abuse, an unexpected death/accident, or even a survivor of a natural disaster, is at risk of being diagnosed with this disorder (Mental Health America). They may present certain symptoms: depression, irritability, insomnia, flashbacks, they may complain of headaches or stomach aches and become reserved (Riley, Julie). These indications...... middle of paper ......ewYork: Columbia University Press, 1975. Print. “Mental Health America.” What is PTSD? Pikes Peak SEO, January 1, 2013. Web. April 28, 2014..McBride, Bill. “VIETNAM VETERANS HOME PAGE.” Vietnam Veterans. Np, January 1, 2012.Web. April 28, 2014. “PTSD: National Center for PTSD Home.” National PTSD Center. VA Health Care, January 1, 2013. Internet. April 28, 2014. “Real Warriors.” Real warriors, real battle, real strength. Np, January 1, 2013. Web. April 28, 2014. .Riley, Julie. "EBSCOhost Online Search Databases | EBSCO." Post-traumatic stress disorder in a nutshell. Np, January 1, 2013. Web. April 28, 2014. “U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.” Veterans Services. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, January 1, 2014. Web. April 28. 2014. .