Mental Health Awareness Month and Vietnam Veterans
- Pat Black-Gould
- May 17
- 2 min read
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. I'm focusing this blog on the topic of PTSD with our veteran population, specifically with our Vietnam vets. As a psychologist, I had the opportunity to work with Vietnam Veterans who struggled with PTSD.
This medical diagnosis did not yet exist when our men and women returned from Vietnam. When they initially sought treatment, they were told to “pull themselves up by their bootstraps” and continue on with their lives. However, given that so many struggled with severe psychological distress upon returning home, extensive research was conducted. The result of this research was a diagnosis of PTSD, which was included in the DSM-III (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders) in 1980. This marked a significant shift in the psychiatric community’s understanding of PTSD as a condition caused by external trauma rather than an inherent individual weakness.
Before the Vietnam War, doctors often diagnosed veterans exhibiting PTSD-like symptoms under different terms. Some of these included:
"Soldier’s Heart" – A term used after the Civil War, describing symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, anxiety, and difficulty breathing.
"Shell Shock" – Commonly used during World War I, this term suggested that exposure to artillery explosions caused neurological damage.
"Combat Fatigue" or "Battle Fatigue" – Used during World War II, this term described exhaustion and psychological distress resulting from prolonged combat. “Shell Shock” was still occasionally used during this time.
As well as war-related symptoms, the Vietnam veterans I spoke to also shared stories of the treatment they received once they returned home. Lack of understanding of their mental health issues was one issue. But there were many others.
A controversial war. The Vietnam War was highly controversial, and many Americans opposed it. Some civilians unfairly blamed soldiers for the war itself. Veterans told me this treatment often exacerbated their PTSD symptoms.
Lack of Public Support – Unlike WWII veterans, Vietnam vets did not receive large-scale welcome-home celebrations. The war’s prolonged nature meant soldiers returned individually, rather than in large groups, making public recognition rare.
Media & Political Climate – Graphic war coverage and anti-war protests shaped public perception.
Economic Struggles – Many veterans faced job discrimination and struggled to reintegrate into civilian life. The government provided limited support, leaving many vets without proper resources.
No, veterans did not receive the hero's welcome that World War II vets received for the above reasons. Their adjustments home were difficult. To gain a better understanding of what life was like for veterans and their families during and after the Vietnam War, hear it from the veterans themselves in my novel, All the Broken Angels. You’ll also meet WW II veterans who share their experiences.
The experiences of Vietnam veterans paved the way for a better understanding and treatment of veterans following this era. Today, various types of treatments are available at the Veterans Administration for those who suffer from PTSD.
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