What the Purple Heart means and its connection to PTSD

The Purple Heart is bestowed upon U.S. military men and women who served and showed unparalleled loyalty to the country in war. It was the very first military decoration and was initially awarded to three men who had important roles during the American Revolutionary War. Much more recently, the U.S. government gives the Purple Heart to soldiers who have either been wounded or killed while serving the country. 

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Today, the Purple Heart could come to symbolize the pain and suffering soldiers endure during wartime. Many of these soldiers return from war with physical and mental scars. Many develop post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. The Purple Heart signifies the appreciation of the country for their effort and sacrifice. 

However, there is a debate on whether soldiers who’ve returned with PTSD should be awarded the Purple Heart. The argument is that the award itself may be a trigger for all the pain, anger, despair, worry, and all the other negative emotions brought about by war. And this trigger may later lead to worse actions such as violent outbursts toward people in the immediate vicinity or even self-harm.

Trigger or not, the intention behind the creation and existence of the Purple Heart is noble, to say the least. And if it does symbolize pain and suffering for veterans with PTSD, a citation would be enough.

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Dr. Tom Maibenco is a family physician, an active community member, and a supporter of the Wounded Warrior Project. He is also an animal lover and advocate. For similar reads, visit this blog.

The cost: Two awful effects of armed conflict on soldiers

Survivors of wars, skirmishes, and other types of armed conflict never come out the other side the same. They are usually scarred both physically and mentally. This is the case for so many of the people who’ve served the country and its armed forces, as well as the police who’ve fought to protect and serve in the most violent places. 

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Wars and other armed conflicts usually dispense two types of disorders on survivors. Let’s take a look at them. 

PTSD 

Post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD is a condition that manifests itself a few months after a traumatic event. There are levels to PTSD with the more severe cases causing the patient to be a serious threat to themselves as well as those around them. There have been several accounts of soldiers becoming extremely violent because of PTSD. Like depression, this order is not a choice and cannot be overcome by will alone. Professional help should be sought after once a person is suspected of having PTSD. 

Shell shock 

Armed conflict is full of loud noises, and this is the basis of shell shock. When people with shell shock go back to their daily routine in peace, loud noises are often enough to trigger an episode. People with the condition often shake uncontrollably and panic whenever loud noises surprise them. 

Image source: thetimesweekly.com

Family physician Dr. Tom Maibenco is a philanthropist who helps the men and women who have served the country and are suffering from PTSD. More on Dr. Maibenco’s practice here.