(WAND) — Wounds are not always visible. It's a story that Matthew "Whiz" Buckley knows all too well. He's a Top Gun graduate and combat veteran who says PTSD often goes unnoticed.
"I was undiagnosed. I was spiraling down the drain on my way out the door. I thought I was suffering in silence. I thought there was something wrong with just me. Because in the military, what are we taught? We're taught to compartmentalize," Buckley said.
The longer that suffering is ignored, the more harmful the effects can be.
"In 15 years of flying fighters, I lost 16 buddies. I've also lost four F-18 brothers along the way to suicide," Buckley said.
Post-traumatic stress disorder can develop after a severely traumatic experience. Symptoms can include negative changes in mood and flashbacks related to the event. Buckley encourages people to think about the diagnosis in a different way.
"It's an injury. It's not a disorder. A disorder sounds like something is wrong with this veteran. An injury means something happened to them."
Many veterans may cope with drugs or alcohol. Buckley said families are also affected by the trauma.
"The families suffer along with the veteran. Whether it's a husband or wife, the parents or the children, they suffer, too. It's very hard for them because they don't know what to do," Buckley said.
Getting help can be challenging for some. Buckley said early diagnosis can make a difference.
"The best time to catch it is when our active-duty young men and women are leaving the military right now. Let's not wait for them to be in the civilian world," Buckley said.
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD or thoughts of suicide, call or text 988. Veterans should press "1" to speak with someone qualified to support veterans.
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