I basically froze
On a 36-hour mission, Reedy Hopkins' convoy is ambushed. One split second gets stuck in his memory for years. Prolonged Exposure Therapy helps Reedy enjoy life again.
Up Close
Watch in depth stories of Veterans who have experienced PTSD. Learn what they did to get their lives back on track. View all Up Close videos →
It works if you work it
Ace Carter loses his job and goes through a rough time. The only thing that comes between him and "doing something really stupid," is PTSD treatment.
I knew I wasn’t the only one
Steve Connor didn’t tell anyone about his assault for decades. When he finally did, he found strength in the knowledge that he is not alone.
My meditation
After serving in the Army, MMA fighter Joe Duarte, finds his world spinning out of control. Now he finds peace at home and in the ring.
I meant to protect her
Arthur Jefferson witnesses his friend’s murder in the barracks. He tries to hide his pain from his only child. But that only drives them apart.
The most peaceful place on earth
Ron Whitcomb thinks the Viet Cong are surrounding his house - 30 years after he comes home. Treatment helps him turn a threatening place into a sanctuary.
My thoughts ate me up
After years of living on the edge, Eddie Statsmann got the treatment he needed. Today he’s valued as a father, a husband and a Peer Support Specialist at his local VA.
My job kept me going
Health issues forced Steve Aoyagi to retire at the age of 50. That's when his PTSD became a problem for him.
I thought it was my fault all these years
For years Laura Wright blamed herself for her sexual assault. Now that she’s been through treatment, she sees things differently
I made it
Rich Adams is assaulted while in the Navy and retreats into a life of shame and anger. Treatment, he says, made him "a good human being."
I was hit by eight IEDs
Josh Hansen, an "IED Hunter", recovers from a traumatic brain injury only to be hit with PTSD. Treatment helps him reclaim his life.
I cannot be this person
Finding it hard to be home alone or feel comfortable in public places, Laura Hendrixon is determined to get better for her family and her career.
I didn't know where to go
When Jerry Boggess came home from Vietnam he knew he had changed. He had nightmares, angry outbursts, and he didn’t trust anyone. It took him 48 years to ask help.
My shame was being alive
Laurent Taillefer loses his best friend in Iraq. Back home, he pushes everyone away, until he's alone.
I matter
A survivor of military sexual trauma, (MST), Yvonne Grissett struggled with feelings of shame and worthlessness. PTSD treatment helped her recover her self-esteem, and may have saved her life.
The bloodiest battle
As a combat photographer, Stacy Pearsall sees the unspeakable, over and over. Rather than lose what she values most, she turns to treatment.
The pot of gold
When Rogelio "Roger" Rodriguez came home with PTSD, his family’s dreams were shattered. Roger, his family, and his therapist tell the story of how PTSD treatment got him back on track and made their family stronger.
It’s totally freeing
Years of flashbacks sent Dave Hanson to the edge. Dave, his family, and his therapist explain how Prolonged Exposure therapy brought him back to a full and happy life.
Looking Forward
See how PTSD treatment helped these Veterans make changes in their careers, hobbies, and relationships — so they can live the way they want to. View all Looking Forward videos →
Out of the woods
Memories of night patrols in Vietnam kept Dave Hanson from walking in the woods behind his house. Today, he goes there to feel calm.
My soul was stained
Emma Shinn thought that the acts she committed in Iraq had “stained” her soul. Treatment helped her to see her own value, and to re-engage with the world.
My personality changed
Nightmares were keeping Rogelio “Roger” Rodriguez up at night. Treatment helped him sleep better, and that changed everything.
I have great friends
Before treatment, Penny Anderson couldn't spend time with other people. Today she likes nothing better.
I have a mission
His confidence put on hold by PTSD, Reedy Hopkins now has the conviction and strength to pursue his dream.
It's actually fun going to work
Treatment gave Rodney Bracey the tools to find a new career.
It takes a lot to piss me off
Therapy helped Jerry Boggess feel better about people ... and people feel better about him.
I enjoy being out in public
Teresa Silver spends a relaxed day out with friends. It wasn't always so easy.
No one should live without joy
Through her treatment and service to others, Diana Franz finally feels content.
PTSD Therapies
In these multimedia articles, you’ll follow Veterans through their experiences with 3 types of PTSD therapy. Hear about why they chose therapy, what it was like, and how it changed their lives. View all PTSD Therapies videos →
"Going through PE was painful, and a lot of anxiety was raised, but it was worth it, because I don't feel that anymore." Learn about Veteran Frederick Gantt's experience with Prolonged Exposure (PE) →
"I could definitely see the changes. The trauma still happened...but it doesn't affect me nearly as much as it used to." Learn about Veteran Christopher Tyler's experience with Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) →
Military Sexual Trauma
Meet Veterans who experienced sexual assault or harassment during their service — and find out how treatment has changed their lives. View all Military Sexual Trauma videos →
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