At a recent event in Virginia, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump made the error of implying that veterans who return from war and suffer from combat-related PTSD are not “strong” compared to vets who do not experience associated trauma.
Trump stated:
“When you talk about the mental health problems. When people come back from war and combat and they see things that maybe a lot of the folks in the room have seen many times over and you’re strong and you can handle it, but a lot of people can’t handle it.”
As you might imagine, his comment upset plenty of people, specifically those who believe those that put their lives on the line (to protect the country Trump seeks to run) deserve the utmost respect. PJ Reikoff, CEO of Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, was one of the first to call out Trump’s disrespectful statement, and he did so in a number of eloquent tweets. Not only did he point out how labelling mental health issues as weakness only increases the suffering of those affected, he also compared the business tycoon’s comments to a response Obama made to a similar question.
This is what right looks like on PTSD/vet suicide from a commander-in-chief–or from anyone who wants the job next year. @anamariecox @IAVA https://t.co/IRLTcShX0e
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
Every national leader has a responsibility to use accurate and appropriate language when talking about mental health and suicide especially.
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
Terms like "killing yourself" or "mental problems", or any any suggestion that suicide only impacts the weak, perpetuates stigma…
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
…it can also promote contagion and may discourage people from getting help for mental health injuries. Getting help is a sign of strength.
— Paul (PJ) Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) October 3, 2016
Trump mocks veterans with PTSD, who were captured, tortured, and claims military expertise over them. How is he pro-veteran or military?
— Zula (@ZulaQi) October 3, 2016
https://twitter.com/MrSilva/status/783007840009129984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
As a proud daughter of a brave Veteran, I urge Veterans not to vote for the cowardly draft-dodging, scared-to-serve Trump. https://t.co/k2ySspuRfx
— Tapestry10 (@TheJellicoe) October 3, 2016
According to USUncut, approximately 11-20% of American veterans suffer from some form of post-traumatic stress disorder. This is a very real concern, one that should not be mocked, but addressed with respect and empathy.
Is Trump really the right individual to elect into office? Considering 57% of Americans think there needs to be a third-party option on the ballot this November, it seems a simple “no” would suffice.
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