Of course PTSD (though it had been around since War began under different names) was not as well explained or known by returning Vets.
Though I never contemplated suicide (though the thought of personally strangling John "F'n" Kerry did cross my mind..lol) it took some 25 years for me to realize I had suffered from PTSD without realizing it.
Shortly after my discharge I attended one meeting with a group of Nam Vets (pretty sure is was Vietnam Veterans of America) and there were a bunch of guys sitting around mostly depressed and bitching about everything.
Thinking I had been one of the lucky ones who was "not affected" I figured this was all a bunch of BS and those guys were a bunch of crybaby "losers."
It wasn't until some 25 years later when reading a book about PTSD (and it discussed all the relevant symptoms) that I thought: "Wow, I can't believe I have been experiencing so many of those all these years."
Thereafter, it helped me adjust and comes to grips with a lot of my demons and think I've put most behind....all except again, how we were treated, thanks mostly to John "F'n" Kerry!!!
Thank you for your post and thank you for your service to our country.
Your post taught me that one of the small things people can do to help servicemen battle depression is simply to say, “Thank you!”
Thank you for your service, CVV. I also hope there is a special place in Hades for John Kerry and his fellow travelers.