by Edward Murphy, Psy.D.
Director, BMR Psychology Associates

John was a bank loan officer who served as a reserve with the Marines since 2001; he had never been called to active duty. In the early part of May 2003 he was called up as a combat replacement. Two weeks later he was on the border of Kuwait/Iraq with an M16 rifle and body armor ready to go. He was attached to the 1st brigade of the 2nd infantry division.

During the next several months he was involved in events he could never have imagined. John was actively involved in heavy combat operations. He witnessed comrades lose limbs, saw terrorists kill innocent parents and children as they drove their cars into military convoys and perish in flames, and helped gather bodies of fallen comrades in the combat zones into trucks so their bodies could be shipped home. He discovered what it was like to see men around him go down and wondered when his turn was going to be and whether he would hurt or have some prolonged suffering. John found himself looking back on his life and wondered how he would be judged by God and thinking of all the things he wished he had done before he died.

John survived his tour in Iraq. He came home to a large parade of motorcycles and cheering families and friends. John was always unpopular growing up but now he was the man of the hour and a hero. His fame was short lived, however, and he returned to work two weeks later. John had difficulty sleeping. He had visions of the torture he had witnessed in Iraq. Sometimes he would awaken at night with his wife telling him he was screaming in his sleep. His family had noticed dramatic changes in his behavior. He was quiet and withdrawn. When he did speak he was irritable and his anger escalated quickly. He was less affectionate and had difficulty hugging his daughter or being touched by his family. John was performing poorly at work. His co-workers were awkward around him sensing he was easily annoyed and easily stressed. John could no longer watch the news broadcasts of the war and the anti-American sentiment. He felt he was being judged and his sacrifice was not appreciated. This caused him to sink deeper into depression. His life continued to unravel over the next several months. His wife threatened him with separation if he did not pursue help. 

Finally, John did seek assistance through the VA Hospital.  There he was diagnosed as suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). He attended appointments regularly with a psychologist who helped him better understand his post-traumatic stress disorder and encouraged him in achieving goals towards lessening the impact of his symptoms in his day to day life. He was helped with sleeping by the use of a mild antidepressant that also served to reduce his irritability. His wife and daughter also participated in his treatment to learn better strategies to help John adjust.

John's story is just one of hundreds of military soldiers and their families coping in the aftermath of the Iraq and Afghan campaigns. A website has been developed to allow access for all the major resources regarding post traumatic stress disorder: Gateway to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Information.