From service to struggle: Cape Fear veteran shares battle with PTSD
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY-TV) – As the Cape Fear region honors those who have put their lives on the line while serving our country, it’s important to remember that many veterans returning home face a looming battle with mental illness.
When Glen Eric Boyer looks back at his time serving in the Navy during the Persian Gulf War, he hold nothing but pride for the time he served.
“They would start firing missiles in the gulf war, the amber lights would go off and no matter where you are you’re supposed to go to the duty stations,” Boyer said. “I thank God for allowing me the mental capacity and heart capacity to make a sacrifice for my country.”
When Boyer returned to the state he was diagnosed with PTSD which spiraled into drug addiction. After serving time in prison, he’s been unhoused for over a year and received help at Good Shepherd in Wilmington.
“My country is now returning the sacrifice to me ten-fold,” Boyer said.
An estimated 41% of veterans are in need of mental health care program every year and 22 of those veterans commit suicide daily, according to the American Legion. John Hacker, a department chairman for “Be the One” suicide awareness said in order to prevent these suicides, there must be more awareness of the problem.
“We’re very private, we’ve been that way forever, it’s hard for us to talk to civilians because we’re not sure how you feel about us, so I’m always telling veterans talk to us,” Hacker said.
Joseph Vopecilli an expert on addiction said for veterans like Boyer, asking for help is the first step to seeing change.
“They are taught to protect us, they’re taught to show courage. And sometimes those characteristics can prevent them from getting the help that they need,” Vopecilli said.
When treating mental illnesses in veterans, Dr. Roger Rivera, a former marine said there is not cookie cutter response, but there is one solution that works.
“From medication to trauma informed care, the progress begins with connection the most powerful prescription any of us can offer is human contact and consistency, so it’s seeing somebody that needs help, speaking up or vise versa,” Rivera said.
This year’s Veteran’s Day comes two months after a devastating mass shooting in Southport. The suspect, Nigel Edge, a former marine suffered from PTSD before claiming the lives of three victims and injuring five others in the shooting.
Boyer encourages other veterans to speak up if they are facing a mental illness.
“I was proud to serve my country, I’m proud of the red, the white and the blue, but I will not allow pride to be my downfall, humble yourself and seek help,” Boyer said.
If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, dial 988 for immediate assistance. Click here for more resources from American Legion “Be the One.”
