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Strike Back PTSD Scene. (2017, April 21). Retrieved November 20, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09EGdGdngiM.

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Strike Back PTSD Scene. (2017, April 21). Retrieved November 20, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=09EGdGdngiM.

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American Sniper PTSD BBQ Scene. (2015, December 13). Retrieved November 20, 2019, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7L-Er1b2Co.

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Village Roadshow Pictures
Can movies do the disorder justice?

10 Movie Characters With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD, also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious problem in the United States. And while anyone can develop it, those affected most are the men and women who have served in the military.

Movies can serve as a form of catharsis, realizing characters in mainstream films have similar views, aspirations, or ailments as the moviegoer. That's why these 10 movie characters with PTSD are so important. They promote, on a larger scale, what happens when trauma is not properly identified or fixed.

These movies might not eradicate PTSD but they can help viewers feel like they are less alone and that their personal problems are more common than they think.

1. Chris Lyle - American Sniper

Starring: Bradley Cooper and Siena Miller.

Based on the true story of American Sniper, Chris Lyle, who had 255 kills from his tours during the Iraq war. The story follows Lyle, and his wife, and the turmoil he experienced when he was back home in the United States. There is no happy ending in this story but the movie proves how important therapy and support is to our troops who come home after traumatizing events such as war.

2. Sam Cahill - Brothers

Starring: Natalie Portman, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Tobey Maguire.

When Grace thinks her husband has died in war, she turns to his brother, Tommy for support. When their lives seem like they are on the right track, Sam returns. But the Marine is not as he seems, having been captured and tortured by enemy forces. Although the film received mixed reviews, it depicted the struggle family members go through when faced with PTSD.

3. Jacob Singer - Jacob's Ladder

Starring: Tim Robbins and Danny Aiello.

This psychological thriller was a hit in 1990, so much so they are remaking the film in 2019. Jacob has extreme PTSD from his time in Vietnam, made worse by the death of his son and subsequent divorce. The movie has all sorts of twists and turns that'll leave you on the edge of your seat. But for viewers who might see themselves in Jacob, it's an important reminder to seek help if you need it.

4. Luke Martin - Coming Home

Starring: Jane Fonda and Jon Voight.

When Sally's husband, Bob, is deployed to Vietnam, she falls in love with paraplegic veteran, Luke. It sounds like a soap opera but the Academy Award winning movie showcases different levels of PTSD and what war can really do to those who come home.

5. Charlie - Perks of Being a Wallflower

Starring: Logan Lerman, Paul Rudd, and Emma Watson.

PTSD isn't reserved for members of the military and Perks of Being a Wallflower is the proof. Reserved Charlie makes new friends in High School and finally comes out of his shell. But soon he is reminded of early childhood trauma through flashbacks and ends up in the hospital.

6. Conrad Jarrett - Ordinary People

Starring: Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore, and Timothy Hutton.

Ordinary People won four Academy Awards including Best Picture and Adapted Screenplay, and for good reason. The Jarrett family is put through the ringer with death, attempted suicide, and PTSD. The story shows how inner demons and issues affect the entire family, especially those without PTSD.

7. Grace Howard - Short Term 12

Starring: Brie Larson, John Gallagher Jr., and Rami Malek.

This movie is a must watch for many reasons but if you're grappling with PTSD from sexual abuse, it could be therapeutic for some viewers. Grace Howard helps run a house for troubled teenagers. But she has personal demons of her own, stemming from sexual abuse at the hands of her father. This movie is beautiful and should be added to your Netflix list, immediately.

8. Dave Boyle - Mystic River

Starring: Sean Penn, Tim Robbins, and Kevin Bacon.

Another great movie that represents what PTSD at a young age can do to someone's life. This star-studded cast weaves various stories with pain and suffering through the lives of all characters. The opening scene is heartbreaking and will hopefully fire you up to support children affected by PTSD, amongst other things.

9. Lt. Dan Taylor - Forrest Gump

Starring: Tom Hanks, Sally Field, Gary Siniese, and Robin Wright.

The relationship between Forrest Gump and Lt. Dan serves as a comedic aspect of the film but the PTSD that Gary Siniese's character endures is truly heartbreaking. And yet, Forrest Gump is another movie that depicts the horrifying aspects of war, and it's permanent effect on those who serve their country.

10. Tony Stark - Iron Man 3

Starring: Robert Downey Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, and Don Cheadle.

Iron Man 3 might not be as serious as the previously listed movies but the same notion is upheld. After The Avengers, Tony Stark must deal with PTSD while fighting a new enemy. It's easy to be entertained by the Marvel movies but the added human element of stress, anxiety, and depression is a constant reminder that many people in the United States suffer from such mental illnesses.
If you or someone you know are suffering from PTSD contact The Veterans Crisis Line at 1-800-273-8255 or visit a number of VA Medical Centers near your area.
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Watching These 10 Movies With PTSD Characters Will Inspire You to Seek Help

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Village Roadshow Pictures Can movies do the disorder justice? PTSD, also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious problem in the United States. And while anyone can develop it, those affected most are the men and women who have served in the military.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a tragic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist attack, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assault, according to the American Psychiatric Association . Individuals with PTSD experience upsetting symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, anxiety, depression, agitation, irritability, self-destructive behavior, fear, social isolation, mistrust, insomnia, loneliness, and much more. Media can shape our perspectives on issues such as PTSD, and for those who experience it, having an accurate representation in media means that their voices are heard.

The following are movies that have been known to accurately portray PTSD:

Perks of Being a Wallflower. In the movie, Charlie experiences anxiety and symptoms of PTSD after his Aunt Helen dies. For years Charlie blamed himself for her death, and had several flashbacks throughout the movie, causing him to dissociate. Later in the movie, Charlie has a breakdown and goes to a psychiatric hospital where he uncovers suppressed memories of his aunt sexually abusing him when he was a small boy. By the end of the movie, Charlie can regain more control over his life.

Brothers. This movie is about two brothers who lead completely different lives; one is a Marine (Sam), and the other is a drifter (Tommy) who just got out of prison. When Sam is presumed dead in Afghanistan, Tommy makes a vow to comfort Sam's wife, Grace, and their children. When Tommy and Grace become close, Sam returns unexpectedly. This movie has undertones of PTSD as Sam experiences flashbacks and wonders if he will ever be a "normal" person again.

Monster. Based on the true life of Aileen Wuornos, this movie depicts a woman who experienced rape and abuse by a man when she was working as a prostitute; she kills him in self-defense and attempts to move on from prostitution but as plans fall apart, she finds herself back there. She goes on to kill several men thereafter, as she experiences PTSD and attempts to protect herself.

For those who experience PTSD, some movies may be triggering. However, some PTSD movies may be enlightening for some who are unfamiliar with PTSD and want to gain a better understanding of what some may go through. Not all movies portray PTSD accurately, and each person's experience is different.
If you struggle with PTSD and are seeking a treatment center to help you develop skills towards overcoming daily obstacles, call us today at 888-316-3665. New Vista Behavioral Health is home to several world-renowned mental health and substance abuse recovery treatment centers dedicated to supporting you through your journey to recovery. Make the decision to seek help today and regain control back over your life. Call us for a consultation.

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Post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD, is a psychiatric disorder that can occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a tragic event such as a natural disaster, a serious accident, a terrorist attack, war/combat, rape, or other violent personal assault, according to the American P

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When dealing with mental health difficulties, it can be helpful to find a character who's going through something similar. Mental health struggles can feel very isolating, and it's nice to know that someone, even if they're fictional, is going through it as well.

This is especially true when dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD. It's easy to feel like you're alone when you're dealing with symptoms like hypervigilance and panic attacks. But you're not alone. You've got a community of people around the world who deal with the same symptoms, even if they didn't come about in the same way.

Sometimes, in order to make ourselves feel like someone out there understands, we look to the movies, television and books. We asked our PTSD community what fictional characters strike a chord with them. Read what they said below.
Is there a character you relate to as someone with PTSD? Click the image below to join the conversation! Here's what our community had to say:

via "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" Facebook page

"I tried so hard to be a 'normal' girl but there were things happening to me that felt so unreal. It was lonely even when I wasn't alone. Even though there wasn't much more I had in common with Buffy, that piece of it was so present that it was greater than all the differences." - Allison Marie
Need a non-judgmental place to talk about PTSD? Download our app and connect with others using the hashtag #PTSD.

via "Jessica Jones" Facebook page

"As another survivor of rape, it was very difficult for me to watch the first season, but I related to her so much, and it was a very realistic portrayal of PTSD." - Marisa S.

"The depiction of PTSD in [the show] is great, not overly dramatic or unrealistic. She maybe doesn't handle it all that well, but who does all the time?" - Sarah R.

via "The Walking Dead" Facebook page

"Awakens in a hospital after being shot to find his entire world has turned upside down and he has to fight to survive. I discovered, 'The Walking Dead' shortly after descending into PTSD-related depression and identified very closely with his struggle." - Todd B.

via "Inside Out" Facebook page

"Fear! Constantly feeling nervous and seeing the worst possible outcome to each situation." - Lori B.

via "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" Facebook page

"Charlie, because of his loneliness and understanding of the world. The way he writes letters because his doctor said it might help him feel not so alone. I have used that same skill." -Annmaree B.

"When I watched the movie for the first time, it was the only movie that adequately showed how PTSD looked for me. The flashbacks, him pacing around the kitchen in one of the final scenes, the panic attacks, the anxiety - all while trying to function in day-to-day life. The line that always stuck with me from him was, 'I am both happy and sad at the same time, and I'm still trying to figure out how that could be.' And that quote is so relatable to my PTSD and how I deal with it." - Te'sha

via "Alice in Wonderland" Facebook page

"Alice. I'm just trying to figure out what's going on and everyone in here doesn't make sense. So I keep trying this or that going through life wondering why the rabbit has to hurry." - Juniper H.

via "Peaky Blinders" Facebook page

"He continues to push through life and accomplish the goals he sets for himself to take care of his family. I perceive him to be a someone with 'high-functioning' PTSD." - Jason T.

via DC Comics Facebook page

"She is strong, but kind. She seeks justice for those who are not strong enough to overcome the evil they are faced with." - Amy R.

via "Lilo and Stitch" Facebook page

"When I got out of my situation, I had to relearn myself, and my reaction was pretty much like Stitch's meltdowns - abrupt fits of rage and confusion. But eventually like Stitch, I was able to calm, feel at peace with some of my life with people who loved me for who I was, even if I still have my moments." - Shelby W.

via "Harry Potter" Facebook page

"Harry Potter - because having a piece of Voldemort's soul trapped inside him, is exactly what it feels like to have PTSD." Violet

" So much trauma, but he remains a good person and the hero of his own story! He had to fight and battle though horrific things but he came out happy!" - Brynn L.

Finding people who we feel we can relate to is an integral part of dealing with trauma. It can feel like no one possibly understands what happened to you in the way that you do. So, finding someone who you understand - even if they're fictional - can feel like finding buried treasure. After spending what feels like eternity trekking alone, that moment of relatability is solid gold.
What fictional character do you relate to?

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10 Fictional Characters People With PTSD Relate To

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When dealing with mental health difficulties, it can be helpful to find a character who's going through something similar. Mental health struggles can feel very isolating, and it's nice to know that someone, even if they're fictional, is going through it as well. This is especially true when dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD.

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An explanation of PTSD that is present in Tony Stark's life.

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Iron Man 3 (2013) is based on the events of Tony Stark after The Avengers Assemble (2012). The synopsis describes how Tony Stark has developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) since he and the other Avengers fought against Loki and the army who were set to destroy Earth. He can't sleep at night, has night terrors when he can sleep, and has anxiety attacks caused by trigger phrases.

In the past many films and television programs have portrayed mental and emotional illness in a way that makes them seem somewhat trivial and small or gives the impression that the character is a freak and not normal. It is refreshing to see that a blockbuster film, created by such a huge company as Marvel Entertainment, has taken a sensitive and still a somewhat taboo subject in our society and has made it understandable to the general public. It's clear that the debilitating condition has greatly affected the hero. The script writers and Robert Downey Jr. have done a fantastic job in portraying mental illness in a way that people will understand and sympathise.

This is a positive step forward in our campaign against stigma. Films like Iron Man are watched by millions globally and are a great platform for this campaign. At the beginning of the year Channel 4 aired real life story My Mad Fat Diary (2013) which showed the life of sixteen-year-old Rae who was recently discharged from a psychiatric hospital. This was a positive step forward as it depicted mental illness, in this case depression and Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), as it really is, how it affects the sufferer, their friends and family.

I believe that if more films and television programs continue to depicted mental illness in this way, as a real illness, then stigma could be greatly reduced in the near future.

What do you think about the issues raised in this blog?
Share your views with us on Twitter >> Or sign our pledge wall to show your support and find out how talking tackles mental health discrimination.

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Portrayal of PTSD: Tony Stark in Iron Man 3

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Iron Man 3 (2013) is based on the events of Tony Stark after The Avengers Assemble (2012). The synopsis describes how Tony Stark has developed Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) since he and the other Avengers fought against Loki and the army who were set to destroy Earth.

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Perks Of Being A Wallflower Review.

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Kari Bowman, PharmD Candidate
Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy
Nashville, TN

J. Michael McGuire, PharmD, BCPP
Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice
Belmont University College of Pharmacy
Nashville, TN

Clinical Pharmacist
Rolling Hills Hospital
Franklin, TN

After being hospitalized for the summer after his best friend commits suicide, Charlie who suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), is about to embark on his first year of high school. He fears being known as the weird kid who was hospitalized for the summer and not having any friends. Charlie's anxiety goes back to the first traumatic event in his life, the death of his Aunt Helen. Charlie's Aunt was killed in a car accident when he was a young boy. She was on her way to get him a surprise and he has always felt it was his fault that she was in the car. He idolized his Aunt and wishes she were there to comfort him as he struggles with starting high school. On his first day of school, he meets Mr. Anderson, an English teacher, who becomes his mentor and gives him books to read. Many of his old acquaintances act as if he doesn't exist and he eats lunch alone every day until he goes to a football game where he meets Patrick and Sam, two seniors. Charlie is instantly attracted to Sam.

Patrick and Sam introduce Charlie to their group of friends and he starts to feel like he belongs. His new group of friends introduce him to drugs and alcohol. He eventually starts dating Mary Elizabeth, a friend of Sam and Patrick's, after she asked him to the Sadie Hawkins dance. One night, while playing truth or dare, Charlie is dared to kiss the prettiest girl in the room. Instead of kissing Mary Elizabeth, he kisses Sam, which results in Charlie being ostracized by the entire group.

Throughout the movie, Charlie has flashbacks of his Aunt when something upsetting happens such as his sister getting hit by her boyfriend. Charlie's flashbacks more closely resembled dissociations rather than what one would consider a true flashback. After being shunned by the group, he begins to have more flashbacks of his Aunt and his mental health begins to deteriorate rapidly. While sitting at lunch one day, Patrick gets in a fight and Charlie steps in to help. Since he protected Patrick from being beaten by a member of the football team, the group forgave him for kissing Sam and they all become friends again.

Charlie feels better after being reunited with his friends and the flashbacks of his Aunt Helen stop. It isn't until Sam leaves for college after they have sex together that the flashbacks come back and Charlie has a breakdown. He calls his sister rambling about how his Aunt's death is his fault and he has a blackout. This episode results in him being readmitted to the psychiatric hospital where he meets Dr. Burton. With the help of Dr. Burton, Charlie is able to revisit the memories he has been suppressing about how his Aunt sexually abused him when he was a small boy. Charlie doesn't go in to detail about being hospitalized but he says the worse day is when the doctor told his parents what Aunt Helen did to him. He returns home to his family and continues to see Dr. Burton in outpatient care. Sam and Patrick visit Charlie and Sam tells Charlie that it gets better.

Throughout the movie, we see Charlie develop friendships. It is when his support group is the strongest that his symptoms subside. When his support group leaves him, we seehim struggle the most with flashbacks. Charlie felt closest to Sam because it appears that she was sexually abused as a young girl. Thus, the sexual relationship with Sam most likely triggered the memory of what his Aunt did to him that resulted in his blackout and hospitalization.

The DSM-5 diagnostic criteria for PTSD requires that an individual personally experience or witness a traumatic event. Diagnosis requires the presence of the following clusters of symptoms: intrusive symptoms (i.e., dissociative reactions), avoidance symptoms, negative alterations in cognition and mood (i.e., difficulty remembering aspects of the trauma) and marked alterations in arousal and reactivity associated with the trauma. Charlie experienced intrusive symptoms associated with the trauma that he experienced as a child including distressing memories, dissociative reactions (e.g., flashbacks), distress at exposure to cues that resemble his trauma, and physiological reactions. Charlie also displayed avoidance of stimuli associated with the event. He avoided situations in which he had to discuss the trauma. He experienced alterations in cognition and mood including an inability to remember aspects of the trauma and negative beliefs about himself related to his aunt's death and feelings of detachment from others. Lastly, Charlie displayed alterations in arousal and reactivity including anger outbursts and exaggerated startle response. PTSD is a chronic and debilitating disorder which may be associated with substance use disorders. Throughout the movie, we see Charlie experiment with a variety of drugs. Charlie is treated with psychotherapy at the end of the movie leading him to regain control over his life.

Overall, Perks of Being a Wallflower accurately portrays the symptoms of PTSD in an adolescent who experienced the trauma of sexual abuse as a child. It also provides a positive image of psychiatry and a psychiatric hospital which is rare in Hollywood. Films providing this kind of insight into psychiatric conditions help eliminate the stigmas we still see today. Overall, the movie was well done and touching.

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Movies in the Classroom: A Review of Perks of Being a Wallflower

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Kari Bowman, PharmD Candidate Lipscomb University College of Pharmacy Nashville, TN J. Michael McGuire, PharmD, BCPP Assistant Professor of Pharmacy Practice Belmont University College of Pharmacy Nashville, TN Clinical Pharmacist Rolling Hills Hospital Franklin, TN After being hospitalized for ...