(ST. JOSEPH, Mo.) Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD is a mental illness that affects millions, and many dealing with the disorder have paid service to our country.
"There aren't too many jobs that you're going to see your friend, or your comrade blown up. When you're in the military, you see and do things that nobody else does, and we're a small percentage of people that have served in the military," said Lori Burns, a Savannah veteran.
Burns understands what it's like to live with the disorder.
"[Mine is] due to sexual trauma, and the death of my father while I was in the military. For years, I was able to block things out," said Burns.
Then, she hit her breaking point.
"I just kind of snapped. I started selling things off, and I became homeless and on the streets," said Burns.
In 1996, Burns was diagnosed with PTSD. Now, she seeks regular treatment
"A lot of people think that if you have a mental illness, or you have PTSD, that it's a sign of weakness. I don't know of a veteran that wants to think that they're weak. It's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength to go ask for help," said Burns.
Various traumatic events can lead to PTSD, but if one's willing to seek help, treatment can turn many symptoms around.
"PTSD can be treated and the symptoms can go into remission and go away, but a person does have to be willing to engage in services for that to happen," said Kristina Hannon, family Guidance Center.
"I now have a daughter. I'm active in her school. I'm active in church, play in the church band, I go out and do ministry for God, I do work for my fellow veterans," said Burns.
Burns dedicates her time advocating for veterans, especially those trying to overcome traumatic instances.
She knows many don't understand what it's like to live with PTSD, and offering her support is part of the healing process.
"I have a good support system, that's really important. A good support system, that's really mandatory," said Burns.
"Developing a support group and being connected to people who have like experiences, because some group therapy can also be beneficial," said Hannon.
"It's livable, but it has to be recognized and you have to have a support system," said Burns.
Besides a support group, a behavioral health expert says the most effective treatment is a combination of talk therapy and medication intervention that can treat the mood disturbances and anxiety issues.
"There aren't too many jobs that you're going to see your friend, or your comrade blown up. When you're in the military, you see and do things that nobody else does, and we're a small percentage of people that have served in the military," said Lori Burns, a Savannah veteran.
Burns understands what it's like to live with the disorder.
"[Mine is] due to sexual trauma, and the death of my father while I was in the military. For years, I was able to block things out," said Burns.
Then, she hit her breaking point.
"I just kind of snapped. I started selling things off, and I became homeless and on the streets," said Burns.
In 1996, Burns was diagnosed with PTSD. Now, she seeks regular treatment
"A lot of people think that if you have a mental illness, or you have PTSD, that it's a sign of weakness. I don't know of a veteran that wants to think that they're weak. It's not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength to go ask for help," said Burns.
Various traumatic events can lead to PTSD, but if one's willing to seek help, treatment can turn many symptoms around.
"PTSD can be treated and the symptoms can go into remission and go away, but a person does have to be willing to engage in services for that to happen," said Kristina Hannon, family Guidance Center.
"I now have a daughter. I'm active in her school. I'm active in church, play in the church band, I go out and do ministry for God, I do work for my fellow veterans," said Burns.
Burns dedicates her time advocating for veterans, especially those trying to overcome traumatic instances.
She knows many don't understand what it's like to live with PTSD, and offering her support is part of the healing process.
"I have a good support system, that's really important. A good support system, that's really mandatory," said Burns.
"Developing a support group and being connected to people who have like experiences, because some group therapy can also be beneficial," said Hannon.
"It's livable, but it has to be recognized and you have to have a support system," said Burns.
Besides a support group, a behavioral health expert says the most effective treatment is a combination of talk therapy and medication intervention that can treat the mood disturbances and anxiety issues.
