The Invisible Trauma

In any war, the health of a fit soldier can drastically change in an instant, and so it was for the men and women in the Vietnam War. While the consequences of major physical injury from a high-velocity gunshot wound, or from shrapnel from an exploding anti-personnel mine, or from the explosive effects of an artillery shell or mortar were obvious, the effects of psychological injury were not.

Adverse psychological effects resulting from war have been known for many years, with labels such as Shell Shock or Battle Fatigue. However, since the Vietnam experience and subsequent research, those adverse psychological effects are now recognised as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can result from experiencing a near-death incident, the violent injury or death of a mate, or from treating the major wounds of battle casualties. Although a high percentage recover from the acute effects of psychological injury, for many, the experience may mark the start of a chronic disorder that can impact the well-being of sufferers for the rest of their lives.

Dave Morgan gives a detailed and clear account of his battle with PTSD in The Invisible Trauma. He describes his traumatic experience in Vietnam and how PTSD gradually emerged after his return to Australia. He encountered negative thinking, confusion, intense anger, alcohol abuse, and thoughts of suicide, which caused great distress. Dave expresses his and his family’s experiences frankly, opening a window to understanding the problems faced by a man suffering from PTSD. In doing so, he has made a valuable contribution, and his book adds value to those interested in this chronic disorder.

There is no completely effective treatment for PTSD, but people like Dave Morgan are doing all they can to reach that goal.