PTSD

[31] Other Source “True Life: I have PTSD.” MTV Networks. 6 Dec. 2008 Parts 1-3: Source, Audience, Content, and Context True Life is a documentary/reality series that has aired on MTV since 1998 and reports real-life stories of young people and the unusual subcultures they inhabit (www.mtv.com). The show has covered over 140 topics from drug use, money issues and sex, to simple social behaviors (ww.mtv.com). True Life: I have PTSD was produced by Craig D’Entrone and featured three veterans by the name of Arthur, Kenny, and Adam who currently suffer from PTSD (www.remotecontrol.mtv.com).

Arthur served one tour in Iraq and was involved in the battle of Fallujah where his squad leader died in his arms. After his first tour ended, Arthur was medically discharged and received $13k and pills as treatment. Upon returning home he suffered from severe depression and had numerous run-ins with the law. He asserts that PTSD changed his personality but nothing was done to help him other than pills and medication from the VA. He specifically stated that “My job was killing people, now I have to learn to be regular again.” Arthur sought medical therapy on his own and concluded by advising others to not be in denial and to seek help. He claimed that if he would not have received help he would be dead or would have killed someone else.

Kenny joined the Army out of high school and served one tour in Iraq. He claimed that while in combat every soldier comes to terms with dying and a person’s mind is changed. Upon returning home Kenny was medically discharged and suffered major depression and suicidal thoughts. He claimed to have attempted suicide multiple times in Iraq but the support of his fellow soldiers kept him alive. He asserts that support from friends, family, and other soldiers is necessary for acknowledging a mental problem and getting treatment. Kenny took full advantage