Understanding the Psychological Impact of War
Many veterans return home from active duty with experiences that linger, profoundly impacting their lives and mental health. This issue is poignantly illustrated through the story of US Army Major Fuerta, who shares his battle with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following his service in Iraq.
A Personal Struggle with PTSD
Five years after transitioning to civilian life, Fuerta faced a health scare that he initially perceived as a heart attack, marked by severe chest pain. Following an exhaustive medical evaluation that excluded heart-related issues, he was ultimately diagnosed with PTSD. Fearing repercussions on his military records, he opted for private mental health care.
While the specific catalyst for his physical symptoms was unclear, Fuerta speculated that they were linked to haunting memories of his time in Iraq—memories that included providing death notifications to grieving families and witnessing tragic losses, such as the death of a young child in an explosion.
Life After the Battlefield
Upon returning home, Fuerta quickly realized that the war had not truly ended. He stated, “When I got off the battlefield, I thought I could heal and put the war behind me. As a pastor, I realized I couldn’t do it right away.” His dual role as a soldier and a pastor tasked him with breaking heartbreaking news to families of fallen service members, an experience that compounded his emotional turmoil.
The Impact on Family Life
The house I returned to was not the house I left. My family wasn’t the same. I wasn’t the same. I felt that something important had been stolen from me and no one could talk about it.
Fuerta’s reflections underscore the feeling of cognitive immobility—the sense of being trapped in past traumatic experiences, unable to fully engage in life after returning home.
Exploring Cognitive Immobility
The isolation Fuerta felt is common among veterans, who often share a profound sense of alienation and loss. This cognitive immobility manifests as a mental entrapment in past events, preventing individuals from moving forward and enjoying the present.
Alcohol became Fuerta’s coping mechanism, creating further distance between him and his loved ones. He admitted, “I didn’t want to get close to my new baby, fearing it would unfold again. A big part of me wanted to go back to the battle as the battlefield makes sense.” This longing to return to a familiar environment illustrates the struggle many soldiers face when trying to reconcile their wartime experiences with civilian life.
The Path to Healing
Eventually, Fuerta recognized the need for change: “I’m tired of not being at home, so I’m getting help. It’s time I go home. It’s time for us all to go home.” His determination marks progress towards stabilization, a crucial stage in overcoming cognitive immobility that seeks to foster new goals and lasting recovery.
Invisible Wounds of War
Fuerta’s narrative reflects a broader issue faced by countless veterans grappling with psychological scars. His words encapsulate the experience of being “trapped in our memories,” a sentiment echoed by a 2023 New York Times report highlighting the debilitating nature of PTSD and other invisible wounds often overlooked in discussions surrounding veterans’ health. “My wounds are the invisible type, the type we endure the soul. I’m not ashamed of them,” he shared, emphasizing that these invisible injuries are as debilitating as physical ones.
Call for Action
The challenges veterans like Fuerta face necessitate a reevaluation of mental health support from military institutions, veteran organizations, and policymakers. With a growing number of suicides among returned service members, there is an urgent need for heightened awareness and targeted interventions regarding cognitive immobility.
Recognizing and addressing these invisible injuries is essential to ensure that veterans are not silently burdened by their experiences on the battlefield. By fostering an environment conducive to healing and holistic support, we can help those who have served reclaim their lives.
