Combat in war poses many hardships for the men who fight. Living conditions are usually harsh and exposure to traumatic events the norm. During the middle part of this century America sent young men off to Vietnam to battle communism. When those that survived returned, their pain and suffering did not end. An unthankful society and exposure to extreme trauma suffered by these soldiers developed into PostTraumatic Stress Syndrome and is suffered by soldiers to this day. Until recently the condition of Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome was not fully understood, but now it is known that PTSD severely affects many combat veterans and their families.
             Throughout much of history it was thought that soldiers who were physiologically damaged were shell shocked or rattled from the loud explosions of artillery shells. However, during WWI a study done by Sigmund Freud concluded that there was an actual mental problem with soldiers who had seen combat and not a physiological problem as earlier thought (Brende and Parson 67). Research has been conducted for the past decade to understand PTSD and why so many Vietnam veterans are afflicted by it. In a study done by the National Vietnam Veterans Outreach Program, it has been estimated that 750,000 to 950,000 need counseling help to readjust because of PTSD symptoms (Brende and Parson xvi). The symptoms include irratableness, flashbacks, insomnia, panic, guilt, and nightmares (Goleman 64). Dr. Matsakis, a psychologist with the Veteran's Administration, suggests that PTSD is a reaction to experiences that a normal person is not exposed to (15). Also, she explains that because "!
             emotional numbing" is produced to help someone get over a traumatic experience, and since veterans are unable to do so, emotional numbing becomes a principal part of their PTSD (28).
             In the Vietnam War there were some unique features that aided in the development of PTSD. A profound effect on soldiers was how...