Introduction
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) affects people who have been exposed to traumatic disorders such as war, serious injuries or death threatening situations. It is manifested in as a result of the experiences lasting longer. It has various symptoms and effects, among them contemplating suicide. PTSD is very common to our generation; however, what is not known is the reason the suicide rate keeps increasing and why more and more people gain symptoms of the disorder. Studying Henry can help researchers find a different approach to helping soldiers cope when they return from war.
The Red Convertible
The short story “The Red Convertible”, set on Chippewa revolves around two brothers, Lyman, who narrates and Henry, a soldier. Henry was drafted to join the Vietnam War for three years after which he returned home with a different character. Before leaving for the war, Henry was very close to his brother Lyman, and they spent a lot of time together. Over the summer, they spent their time together on an adventurous road trip. He was also very social as he interacted freely with Suzy, the girl from Chicken, Alaska. Henry was also a jovial person and always cracked jokes, a character that his brother missed when he returned from the war.
After Henry had returned and the good rapport between them failed, Layman symbolically destroys the car. Henry, on the other hand, tried to rebuild the car, signifying his effort to restore his personality. Finally, after Henry drowned, Layman sank the car in the river to drown with him. This symbolized the end of their connection- that it was lost forever like Henry. The picture taken by Bonita was also symbolic. Lyman’s face was happy symbolizing the joy he has because his brother is changing. The shadows on Henry’s head, on the other hand, foreshadow Henry’s suicide.
PTSD and Suicide Rates
Suicidal conditions are a common symptom of PTSD. However, it is more prevalent among war veterans. Analysis by the National Death Index shows that the suicide rate of war veterans is 29.5% per 100,000 (Zarembo, 2015). The study also shows that the suicide rates are highest during the first three years out of service. They attribute the suicides in Vietnam War to PTSD or suffering from injuries incurred in the war. In the short story, Henry committed suicide during this period and had symptoms of PTSD. According to Tick (2005), more than 100,000 veterans of the Vietnam War have committed suicide after they came home.
The main symptoms of PTSD are also experienced by Henry, and therefore, should be looked out for to detect the disorder. First, people suffering from PTSD feel cut off from their friends and family and become detached (AADA n.d.,). When Henry returned, he was no longer interested in the car he previously loved. It took him over a month to go close to the red convertible. He did not also spend time with his brother as he used to. When Layman bought his mother a television, Henry used to spend his time alone watching. Layman even describes him as a loner.
Increased arousal is also a common symptom of PTSD. Outbursts and irritability characterize it as well as difficulty concentrating, constantly being alert, changes in reactivity and being nervous. Layman described his brother as mean and jumpy. Henry also no longer concentrated and hence does not laugh at jokes. Layman also described him as being alert by explaining how he sat he watched the television. Henry sat still and gripped the armrests of his chair with a lot of might.
The last symptom of PTSD is reliving and re-experiencing the trauma which Henry also shows. Nightmares and flashbacks characterize this symptom. Although it is not very clear whether Henry experienced nightmares, flashbacks can be demonstrated indirectly. Henry bit his lip when watching the television probably in reaction to images in the television reminding him of the trauma. Layman also regretted buying a colored TV whose pictures are clear instead of purchasing of a black and white one which will not remind Henry of his experiences.
Treatment for PTSD varies from psychotherapy, behavioral therapy to medication. Cognitive therapy is closely related to counseling where the counselor helps you understand the trauma you experienced. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is also used to change reaction to the trauma. In extreme cases, antidepressant medication is also given. Family and Group therapies have also been used to treat PTSD. Layman’s actions of distracting Henry by destroying the car so that he would repair it helped him to recover partially.
Henry’s was experience
The character evolution of Henry is, therefore, essential to understanding the symptoms of PTSD. His personality before going to war and returning contrasts due to the manifestation of these symptoms. His decision to commit suicide also corresponds to the existing research that most war veterans commit suicide after returning from war. Family therapy as a treatment method for the disorder is also highlighted although he commits suicide before fully recovering.
Conclusion
As discussed above, it is evident that the paper involving study of Henry to help researchers determine the increasing suicide rate and find a different suitable approach to help soldiers cope with PTSD especially when they return from war.
References
ADAA-The Anxiety and Depression Association of America. (n.d.). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder [PDF].
Tick, E. (2005). Fallen Leaves, Broken Lives. Utne Magazine. Retrieved April 7, 2016, from http://www.utne.com/politics/fallen-leaves-broken-lives.aspx
Zarembo, A. (2015, January 14). Detailed study confirms high suicide rate among recent veterans. Los Angeles Times. Retrieved April 7, 2016, from
http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-veteran-suicide-20150115-story.html
