Mike's Story

We talked to Mike about his experience in his military service and living PTSD after. This interview is posted with permission for the intent of hoping others ask for help like he did.

Brianna: When did you enlist? How old were you?

Mike: “I enlisted in 2011 and I was 19”

Brianna: How long did you serve?

Mike: “I served 6 years”

Brianna: What branch were you?

Mike: “Army”

Brianna: Were you active duty or reserves?

Mike: “Reserves, I was in the National Guard”

Brianna: Where did you serve?

Mike: “Ohio. I was state side the whole time. I got my PTSD from a training accident.”

Brianna: Have you experienced any social stigma regarding your PTSD either from the civilian population or other military members?

Mike: “Been told that I wasn’t strong enough to deal with the situations I’ve dealt with”

Brianna: Have you experienced any roadblocks to receiving mental healthcare?

Mike: “Can’t go through the VA the VA because my captain didn’t do the proper paperwork. And health insurance tries to change my medicine every month because they don’t want to cover my meds.”

Brianna: How has this condition affected your life?

Mike: I get random flashbacks of them and have to try and go find a quiet space to calm down. There are events like fireworks and stuff that I can’t go to because it may trigger me”

Brianna:  Has there been an effect on your loved ones stemming from your time in the military or your condition now?

Mike: “I think it has a bit. I have night terrors, and I would wake my wife up sometimes with them so we wouldn’t be sleeping that well, but she’s used to them now”

Brianna: Is there anything you would change in how mental health and disability are handled in the healthcare setting?

Mike: “Listen to the patient more”

Brianna: Is there anything you would like to tell a fellow veteran who is struggling with their PTSD diagnosis or whether to ask for help?

Mike: “One thing I would say is that they are not alone and that people are willing to help if they ask”