By: C. Liter

C. Liter — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:28:07 +0000

A timely article,
I too suffered a head injury and PTSD. By writing this I am breaking my own silence about a struggle that is perceived by many as nearly hopeless. A head injury and PTSD is unfortunately still considered ‘the kiss of death’ in many counseling offices and clinics but this doesn’t have to be a self fulfilling prophecy and as Duckworth states, “post-traumatic stress disorder does not mean life has to end.”
It was a long journey back for me yet I made it with the help of a few special people who were willing to reach out and help me up. The important message is that without those willing to explore and investigate solutions, and by those I mean you students and professionals @ TCS, it is likely that some of our people will never completely come home.
Before my injury I had several offers for jobs with engineering companies as well as good math scholarships. But once I was injured, and I couldn’t even remember my own phone number all those offers dried up. I felt as though I was kicked to the curb by society and health professionals who didn’t have the experience in dealing with these complex cases.
Like Tammy Duckworth I too made it and am thankful for those few professionals, early on, who persevered by cooperatively and working with neurology, psychoanalysts and other resources. I am here today at TCS, after my Bachelor of Science in psychology, studying for my Masters in Industrial Organizational Psychology and hoping to use that knowledge to make difference.

Comments on: Returning Veterans Need You, 2009 Graduating Class Told

By: C. Liter