Veterans Day: Let’s honor our soldiers and vets with a commitment to take PTSD seriously

One morning before heading into my office in San Antonio, I overslept. When I awoke, the house was silent. I couldn’t recall anyone telling me good morning, goodbye, or have a good day. My mind was blank. I was in a bad place.

I went into the bathroom and grabbed my pistol from the top shelf. I cocked the gun and put the cold steel barrel in my mouth. I stared in the mirror and saw a man who was not me. I began to cry and broke down on the floor, cradling my head in my hands.

My name is Shilo Harris, and though I am no longer fighting overseas, I am constantly at war with PTSD.