It's About The Stigma, Stupid. (Trump shows ignorance, as well as crass scumminess, on PTSD.)

[HuckleB]

Donald Trump’s Comments On Veteran Suicide Are Exactly Why There’s PTSD Stigma
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/donald-trump-veterans-mental-health_us_57f280bbe4b082aad9bc4903

"...

Veterans are not weak for having a mental health disorder. And it’s insulting to equate strength with not having a mental health issue after returning from combat.

It’s not surprising that Trump is wearing blinders on the subject of veteran mental health: He has a history of invalidating the sacrifices of former service members. Earlier this year he claimed that Sen. John McCain is “not a war hero” because he was captured in the Vietnam War. He also made disparaging comments about Khizr and Ghazala Khan, the parents of a soldier killed in Iraq.

Trump also has a long track record of making ignorant remarks about mental illness in general. Last year, he suggested mental health issues were the cause behind the killing of two Virginia journalists. He also mocked former GOP presidential candidate Ted Cruz’s wife Heidi Cruz for an apparent episode of depression.

...

Last week, President Barack Obama offered his take on veteran mental health issues during a CNN town hall, noting that the stigma around PTSD needs to be dissolved. Obama pointed out that asking for help is an act of courage.

..."




Ignorant Trump remarks a setback for fight against PTSD stigma
http://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow/watch/ignorant-trump-remarks-a-setback-for-veterans-778571331536

"Rachel Maddow reports on the outrage over remarks Donald Trump made about veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress, and explains that while Trump may have meant well, his framing of the issue not only demonstrated his ignorance but was actually damaging to the cause of destigmatizing PTS and mental health for veterans. and getting them the help they need and deserve."


---------------------------------