Post-traumatic Stress disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, has a huge impact on not only the lives of the veterans, but their families as well. According the the National Center for PTSD, this disorder can make living with a veteran extremely hard. Living with someone who constantly is startled and has awful flashbacks throughout the day can be very hard to deal with.

Those suffering from PTSD can have a hard time being with their partner or ones they love. PTSD makes it hard for those with this disorder to love. They feel detached and hopeless. War can screw with the human brain. Those who chose to fight for their country do not deserve to have to deal with Post-traumatic Stress disorder. The U.S Department of Veteran Affairs are working with doctors and therapists to help those affected. The department is looking to help those who put their lives on the line to defend the greatest country in the world.

There is one form of therapy that those affected say works the best. Sharing war stories is said to be the best form of therapy. Many veterans revealed that telling their war stories with others who have served helps them cope with their disorder. Just knowing that there are people out there, who love them and want to help them, drives many veterans to go out and seek help with their disorder.

One veteran, Brandon Silvia, was kind enough to let me interview him. Brandon Silvia is one of my long time best buddies. He is currently serving his third tour with the U.S Navy. Brandon and I met up about two and half weeks ago while he was home in between his second and third tour. We spent the day together catching up and talking about being in the Navy. He explained to me that during his first tour he saw things that changed him. Silvia had a hard time telling me exactly what caused his PTSD. He would just tell me that things he saw had a big affect on the way he acted when he was home. Brandon explained how he was always watching people. He told me it was hard just to relax throughout the day because he would never let his guard down. He said that on the Naval battleship he was stationed on was helpful. A group of guys would sit down when they had breaks and talk about their stories. He stated, “It is good to know that there are people out there that are going through the same stuff that you are.”

I also had a chance to speak with Brandon’s mother and father. They were explaining to me that it is extremely difficult to have Brandon home. Brandon’s father said, “It is hard for him to be home knowing that there is nothing I can do to help him through this.” Just think of what your parents do for you. They help you no matter what. Now imagine how they must feel knowing there is something wrong and there is nothing they can do for you.