The above sculpture portrays the physical presence of something which exists internally for so many of those who have served; Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
As you look on this image, please pray for those who have suffered in the places where the eye cannot see, for it is too easy to applaud those who have lost limbs and ignore those who (on the surface) look whole.
Please pray for those men and women who have served and returned only to find that the conflict continues out of sight in the mind; causing marital breakdown, unemployment and homelessness.
If you know someone who has served and continues to struggle as a result of where they have been and what they have done (or seen) then point them towards Combat Stress - a charity that works to help relieve the problems of PTSD. They can be contacted by means of a 24hr (freephone) helpline: 0800 138 1619, by text: 07537 404719 or by visiting their website: http://www.combatstress.org.uk/
Those in our armed forces never start wars, but they do work to bring them to an end and they need your understanding and support whilst they serve and when they return to Civillian life.
Pax
2 comments:
The Abandoned Soldier Project has no affiliation to Combat Stress whatsoever as an organisation. It represents those who are not treated in the way they deserve and is a stand alone icon for those who have no voice
Didn't say there was an affiliation between the two but I did say that it was a good organisation to keep in mind for those we encounter with the legacy of serving in our forces and the image, regardless of what some intend (or assume) it to be speaks to many about something other than abandonment.
I have to add that if you think those who suffer from PTSD have a voice then you're living in a different place to me I'm afraid, they are as voiceless and ignored as those who sleep rough every night following service and operational stresses.
Pax
Thanks for the post
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