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Millions of American men and women have served in the Armed Forces, protecting and defending our nation. Although many died, most returned home to 鈥減ick up their lives.鈥� That isn鈥檛 always easy. For some veterans, the trauma of war changes the brain in ways that can cause long-term problems.

War-related mental health problems have been with us for centuries. , the Greek warrior at the center of Homer鈥檚 Iliad. During the Civil War, such problems were called 鈥渘ostalgia鈥� or 鈥渟oldier鈥檚 heart.鈥� In World War I, the term was 鈥渟hell shock.鈥� 鈥淐ombat neurosis鈥� and 鈥渂attle fatigue鈥� were the preferred descriptions during World War II and the Korean War. By the late 1970s, the condition had evolved into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to the more than 300,000 veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have been diagnosed with PTSD. Countless others probably suffer from this condition but have never sought help for it. Even sadder, in 2012 more military deaths were caused by suicide than by combat. You can see other compelling statistics in the infographic below.

Many veterans don鈥檛 seek help because they feel there鈥檚 a stigma attached to these invisible wounds. That鈥檚 a shame, because help is available. 鈥淪eeking help for a mental health issue is a sign of strength, not weakness,鈥� says former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy, encouraging the American family to 鈥渆mbrace our veterans so they stop suffering in silence.鈥�

If you know a veteran, thank him or her for having served our nation. And if you think he or she is having trouble, bolster your courage and ask. Beginning the conversation may open the door to healing.