Wartorn 1861-2010

Wartorn 1861-2010 is a documentary film that explores the devastating impact of war on American soldiers and their families. The film takes a look at the experiences of soldiers from the Civil War to modern-day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan, tracing the evolution of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in American military history.

The documentary features interviews with soldiers and their families, as well as military historians and medical professionals, to provide a comprehensive look at the psychological toll of war. The film is divided into several chapters, each focused on a specific conflict and the toll it took on soldiers and their families.

The first chapter explores the experiences of soldiers in the Civil War, a conflict that saw unprecedented levels of violence and trauma. Through interviews with historians and re-enactors, the film shows how soldiers coped with the trauma of battlefield injuries and how PTSD was not yet understood or recognized as a common disorder.

The film then turns its focus to the World War I era, examining the psychological toll of shell shock on soldiers who fought in the trenches. The film highlights the work of Dr. Charles Myers, a British psychologist who was one of the first to recognize the effects of shell shock and advocate for its treatment.

The following chapter looks at World War II and the devastating effects of combat on soldiers in the Pacific and European theaters. The film examines the impact of PTSD on soldiers returning home and the challenges they faced in adjusting to civilian life.

The documentary then turns its attention to the Vietnam War, a conflict that saw widespread use of drugs and alcohol to cope with the psychological trauma of combat. Through interviews with veterans and their families, the film shows the devastating effects of PTSD and the difficulties many soldiers faced in receiving proper treatment.

The final chapters of the film look at the more recent conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and the changes that have been made to recognize and treat PTSD in soldiers. The film highlights the work of organizations such as the Wounded Warrior Project and the efforts being made to help soldiers and their families cope with the effects of PTSD.

Throughout the film, viewers are given a powerful and emotional look at the psychological toll of war on soldiers and their families. Through personal stories and historical context, the film shows how PTSD has evolved over the centuries and how it is still a relevant and urgent issue today.

In conclusion, Wartorn 1861-2010 is a thought-provoking documentary that sheds light on an important issue that has been largely ignored until recent years. Through its powerful storytelling and emotional interviews, the film provides a comprehensive look at the psychological toll of war and the need for greater understanding and treatment of PTSD.