Veterans who fought in Afghanistan and Iraq, and who are still alive, have a 30% chance of suffering PTSD in their lifetime. Women suffer PTSD at almost twice the rate of men. These are their stories.
Dr. Irene Zoesch describes how moral injury treatment helped her process painful experiences, put down roots, and strengthen her commitment to serving fellow Veterans.
AboutFace is an award-winning series of first-person stories told by Veterans who have lived with PTSD. It’s focused on reaching other Vets with their message: “If you’re struggling with PTSD, you’re not alone —and you don’t have to live with your symptoms forever. Treatment can turn your life around.”
In combat, Michael Allison (US Marine Corps, 1999-2007) took actions that violated his moral code. Back home, he completed treatment for PTSD, but he knew something still wasn’t right…
Marlene Diaz (US Navy 1991-1995) felt that being Nuyorican — a Puerto Rican New Yorker — made her a target in the Navy. PTSD treatment helped her regain pride in who she is.
The best thing, after meeting the vets, was working with Vicky Bippart from the National Center for PTSD who created the AboutFace concept and website and directs the videos. Her partner in this project is Peter Frumkin, who co-produces and co-directs the videos.
It was astounding to work with smart patient people who had wonderful sensitivity to light, moment and scenes, were filled with gentle suggestions and who actually scheduled enough time to be in the right place at the right time.
The pieces were deftly edited by Bill Lattanzi, who has a lovely visual sense and who always made my work look better.
I worked as the cinematographer/photographer for the stories on this page. I also did the color toning on all the images.
An accident took two of Michael Hardiman’s best men. Michael (US Army, 1970-1974) came home, feeling angry and alone. But he found community and peace in a group led by a VA psychologist and chaplain.
Chris Swift talks about how he drank to cope with symptoms of undiagnosed PTSD — and how treatment for PTSD and substance use helped him rebuild the relationships that were most important to him.
David Kendrick (US Army 2005-2010) felt that clinicians at VA didn’t take him seriously — until he met a clinician who looked like him.
Jeff Jones (US Army 1989-1994) explains why he avoided PTSD treatment at VA for so long, and how changing his mind about treatment brought unexpected rewards.
Born to a Buddhist family, Michael Nguyen (US Navy 1991-1993) discovered that his cultural traditions could work hand in hand with evidence-based treatments for PTSD.
There are more stories about Vets with PTSD on the Veterans Affairs About Face website.