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Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, is often called an invisible wound—and for good reason. It doesn’t leave visible scars. It doesn’t show up in x-rays or lab reports. But for those who live with it, its effects can be just as real, just as painful, and just as life-changing as any physical injury.
PTSD can affect anyone—veterans, survivors of violence, those who’ve experienced serious accidents, trauma, or loss. It shows up in different ways: flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, numbness, anger, or a deep sadness that never seems to lift. And while it may feel like something you have to live with in silence, the truth is: you don’t have to face it alone. A Personal Reflection My father was a happy man for the most part—loving, hardworking, and full of laughter. But there were moments when PTSD would hit him hard and unexpectedly. I’ll never forget one night when it nearly took him from us. He was in such a dark place that we had to run out of the house and act fast—he was about to hang himself. Thank God we were able to stop him in time. It was a terrifying, heartbreaking moment that showed us just how deep those invisible wounds can run. Why Getting Help Matters Seeking help for PTSD is not a sign of weakness—it’s a courageous step toward healing. It’s saying, “I deserve to feel peace again.” Therapy, support groups, and even medication can make a life-changing difference. And most importantly, talking to someone—whether a professional or a trusted friend—can be the first crack in the wall PTSD builds around your life. Left untreated, PTSD can impact relationships, jobs, physical health, and even one’s will to live. But when addressed with the right support, people can and do recover. They rediscover joy. They rebuild trust. They reconnect with themselves. You Are Not Alone If you’re struggling, know this: There are others who understand. There are resources. There is hope. Asking for help is an act of bravery—not surrender. You are not your trauma. You are more than what happened to you. It’s okay to talk about it. It’s okay to reach out. Healing takes time—but it starts with one simple truth: you matter.
4 Comments
Sergio O’Shaughnessy
5/15/2025 02:54:02 pm
32 years I’ve ran from PTSD. I honestly didn’t know it till I recently became homeless. When I returned from the combat in the Gulf War I was young and did t understand what I was feeling. I self medicated at the bowling alley in San Diego where I sat and had a few beers when I was not of age to drink. I went home on leave, got a DUI. Of course came the couple days AWOL. I had just past the E-4 exam with 4.0 evals in combat. I came back from the gulf proud with earning multiple medals. Armed Forces Expeditionary medal, Meritorius Unit Comendation just to name a couple.
Phillip V. Cruz Jr.
5/16/2025 09:17:15 pm
HI Sergio,
Sergio O’Shaughnessy
5/17/2025 11:09:38 am
What’s happening me is what I have herd VA and other veteran advocates say it’s the veterans that don’t want slippin though, right before they take their own lives or end up on skid row in some city that have totally given up are the ones they want to help. Sir, what I wrote there is just a fraction of a tale of running because of what happened to me. What may experience was. I understand back in ‘94 when I was discharged they didn’t have anything like they have now to support veterans with questions and answers about combat trauma. And that’s ok. But don’t feel so bad about it that you forget me or treat me like I don’t matter because it took me so long to come forth. They say when someone has SERVERE PTSD they tend to forget bits and pieces around that time of the incident that cause a veterans PTSD. So not to say I’m 100% sure but I don’t recall anyone asking me if I was alright. When I was given that OTH and I stopped caring about my uniform being unwrinckled or why am I showing up at mustard on time if not a couple minutes past time rather than like I was just the days out of combat when I would be there 30 minutes early with a nice clean uniform. I was never late before combat, I was always on top of things, the go to sailor you know can be in charge to do something and it would get done as it should. I was 21years old, right out of high school all I breathed was US NAVY!! Never did anyone notice what was going on but when I was given that discharge I was shunned by everyone in my division. And because we all knew and everywhere you herd in the Navy, don’t wash out. Your not one of us with anything but an honorable discharge. Thinking back now my division did the worse possible thing to a man with PTSD. I tell you what, I made E-4 third class petty officer at 20yrs old. From what everyone explained to me it was very impressive that someone so young in our MOS to advance like I did. My division officer gave me 4.0 evals! That was months before returning back to our home port in San Diego. North Island. My trust and belief in what I was willing to die for just tossed me and didn’t look back. I remember the last time I crossed that Coronado bridge leaving the USS KittyHawk I pulled over and wanted to jump… I guess I thought to long and security offered to help with my jeep.
Phillip V. Cruz Jr.
5/17/2025 01:22:17 pm
Hi Sergio Leave a Reply. |
AuthorPhillip V. Cruz, Jr. is a Guam-based writer, veteran advocate, and co-owner of Islanderth Product. He shares stories from the island and beyond—honoring culture, service, and everyday resilience. Archives
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