Page 794 - Total War on PTSD

I was exposed to multiple close range IED Blasts and Mortar impacts from May 2006 to November 2006. I injured my back in September 2006. Most of my injuries were chalked up to being in a war zone. They tell you to rub some dirt on it and get back out there. Excessive weight and impact are what injured my back. IED and Mortar rounds have caused issues with my head and PTSD.
I absolutely would serve again if I was able and was given the chance. I was medically discharged from the Army due to issues related to a Vestibular Schwannoma. I lost all hearing and balance on my right side. I never would have gotten out of the Army if I didn't have to. I loved it. The lifestyle and camaraderie were what I had been looking for most of my life. It was a good fit for me and I loved the excitement as well as the downtime. I would never push 'serving' on anyone else but if anyone in my family showed an interest in serving, I will definitely support them.
When I returned from deployment in 2006, we did not talk about PTSD, it was a taboo word that carried a heavy stigma. When we did our Post-Deployment Health Assessment and Post- Deployment Health Reassessment we always checked 'No' on all the boxes. We didn't understand PTSD. It was a sign of weakness. All we knew about PTSD was what the rumors were and none of us wanted to fall victim or show any weakness of any kind. It was completely misunderstood. It wasn't until I was medically discharged from the Army and away from my battle buddies for the first time, that I realized that I suffered from mental health issues including but not limited to PTSD. I felt devastated when I was given this diagnosis and I felt a level of shame as well. How could this have happened to me and why wasn't I strong enough to deal
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