Hi and welcome to episode 17 of the savvy psychologist. I'm Dr. Ellen Hendrickson and I'll help you

meet life's challenges with evidence-based research, a sympathetic ear, and zero judgment.

We'll use the best of psychology to help you be happy, healthy, and most importantly, yourself.

Last week in the first of this two-part series we covered the five symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD. This week we'll talk

about healing from PTSD and the stigma that can get in the way with a special

emphasis on new veterans. We'll cover seven misconceptions about

PTSD and one big truth. The idea for these two podcasts comes from listener

Phoebe Gavin of New York City. In addition to being an

Iraq war veteran, Phoebe belongs to Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America or IAVA, the first and

largest nonprofit, nonpartisan association for new veterans.

So thank you, Phoebe, and all your fellow veterans for your service.

While a 2011 Pew Research Center report Service. war the military fought or is fighting, at the same time Americans feel pride,

gratitude, and confidence towards the more than 2.6 million troops who have

served in combat zones since 9-11. More than 90% of America who have

thank the vet zones since 9-11.

More than 90% of Americans are proud of the troops

and about 75% have thanked a vet.

And no matter your politics,

we can all get behind less judgment and better health for veterans.

Almost 30% of Iraq and Afghanistan vets treated through the VA system are diagnosed with PTSD. But the stigma of having a disorder

keeps many vets from seeking treatment, increases a sense of isolation, and perpetuates

sensationalized media images.

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