LETTER: Pte Ryan's trauma
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.LETTER:
Pte Ryan's trauma
Sir: As well as reviewing Saving Private Ryan ("Killing time killing Nazis", 10 September), I hope you will be covering its potential effect upon surviving war veterans. Over the past few years, I have seen an increasing number of people suffering from delayed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to wartime experiences.
Complaints have included nightmares, flashbacks, intense feelings of guilt, difficulties relating to others, preoccupying thoughts. These complaints have often been related to other events in the individuals' lives - death of a spouse, death of a wartime comrade, increasing time to think about the past because of illness or retirement - but are sometimes triggered by specific events, such as the D-Day anniversary memorials. It seems likely that, as in America, this film and the accompanying coverage will trigger delayed PTSD for some individuals and I trust that a percentage of the profits is being used to help such people.
Although I will see the film myself, I am not entirely convinced that the entertainment/education of the many is entirely worth the suffering of the few, particularly when they have already suffered.
Dr CHRIS ALLEN
Consultant Clinical Psychologist
Stoke Mandeville Hospital
Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments