Imagine a wound you can’t see. And though it’s hidden from sight, the pain is unlike anything you’ve ever felt; so vivid and draining, and more real than anyone could imagine. Not knowing how to deal with this type of wound creates fear, which only helps to intensify its effects. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder has a way of tearing a person apart.

According to the Department of Veteran Affairs, up to 20 percent of service members returning home from the wars in either Iraq or Afghanistan are diagnosed with PTSD.

In the Central New York region, more than 15,000 veterans have been diagnosed with the disorder.

“I refer to PTSD as it’s like a wound to your soul,” said Richard Olmstead, a counselor for Veteran Affairs. “You’ve experienced first hand how bad the world can be.”

It’s through therapy and talking that individuals can begin to deal with PTSD.

“Sharing it is one of the things we have to do to deal with PTSD,” said Olmstead. “We have to be able to work through those things we don’t want to see again.”

And for men like Kevin Workman, it’s a battle he’ll fight for the rest of his life.

“I know I can’t be the same person I was before I went,” said Workman.

“But I sure would like to be as close to it as possible and it may never happen but I will never stop working for it.”