Should Ptsd Be Able To Own Guns Essay
Should Veterans With PTSD Be Able to Own Guns?
Community Health
Courtney Gosnell
East Tennessee State University
Executive Summary
Veterans with Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder should not be allowed or able to own a gun. By federal law, under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d), it is unlawful for anyone to sell a firearm or ammunition to any person while knowing or having a reason to suspect that person has a mental disorder or defect (Doeden, 2011). There is a reason for this; people who have PTSD are more dangerous than those who do not. Having PTSD increases the likelihood of more deaths and violent crimes. When a person is exposed to a traumatic event, it can cause life-long mental issues that affect the way they would handle a weapon before the experience. With gun control for veterans with PTSD, there will be more of a sense of security and safety among the American population.
There are already laws in place and also future laws that are coming into existence about the issue of veterans with PTSD owning guns. This is an issue that needs further research and eventual gun control laws in order to help promote, protect, and preserve the safety of the American population.
Some perhaps believe …show more content…
and argue that veterans in fact, should be allowed to own guns. It is an ongoing battle between gun control and gun rights. Arguments in favor of veterans owning guns suggest that there is “less in home safety” for the veterans” and “less power to protect themselves” in dangerous situations.” That is not the case. Giving these individuals gun ownership rights is asking for injury. This is shown in many different research studies. Why would there already be laws in place if it were safe? These arguments would say that it is not fair to target just one particular mentally ill group. That could perhaps be the case; however, veterans with PTSD are significantly more dangerous than others because of prior knowledge of lethal weapons. Gun control is politically controlled for the safety of citizens and not intended to make people mad or “take away their rights.” “Like all battles in culture wars, then, the fight is not over what the Second Amendment means, or about how to reduce violence, but, about how we understand ourselves as American citizens” (Tushnet, 2013).
Introduction
Many Americans are asking the question “Should Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) own guns?” The answer is no. There have been more cases in the news on this particular issue in the past 5 years than in years past. Some include the movie theater shooting in Colorado, the suicide attempt of a navy seal, and the ex-military sniper who caught a house on fire to harm the voluntary firefighters in New York. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious mental illness that does not need to be taken lightly. Any fearful trauma can produce PTSD but with veterans, most of these events come from fighting in the war. Guns are lethal weapons and, in the hands of an individual trained to be lethal with them, can kill an innocent individual within seconds.
First of all, there is a set criterion for PTSD. The person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which two critical factors must have been present. The first of the two criteria that must be met is: the individual has witnessed, experienced, or been confronted with an event or events that involve actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of oneself or others. Second, the individual’s response involved helplessness, horror, anger, or intense fear. PTSD can also trigger other illnesses such as depression. Depression can come from the symptoms associated with PTSD (National Institute for Mental Health, n.d.).
Because of this mental illness, veterans with PTSD should not be able to own guns. Safety becomes a big issue when PTSD sufferers are capable of losing all control and/or sense of reality. Violence can arise through both accidents and bursts of rage associated with PTSD. Many incidents caused by PTSD leave the assailant unaware of what he or she is doing until he or she begins to calm down. This is dangerous and can be controlled with gun laws. This causes another problem as well. When a veteran suffering from PTSD falls victim to an episode of rage they must be punished for something they had no control over.
Supporting commentary suggests just how dangerous veterans with PTSD can be. When people are exposed to traumatic events, it brings forth fear conditioning. When this happens, the “fight or flight” response is stimulated for attack and defense. The individuals may not mean to put others in harm’s way. They are just psychologically trying to protect themselves. However, when this occurs it produces a high threat to the community. In Appendix 1.1, it shows exactly how high a threat PTSD poses in comparison to other factors (Understanding Trauma, 2008). During the stressful time of an individual dealing with PTSD, “Understanding Trauma” also proves that long-term changes in the brain take place. When this happens, those with PTSD are not who they once were. They change psychologically to the point where PTSD becomes a broader disorder. PTSD then surfaces to a psychological disorder as well as a stress disorder.
The position to not allow veterans with PTSD to own guns has the potential to eliminate harmful scenarios. Veterans with PTSD can “snap” at any moment. If they hear fireworks or have a gun in their hand, they can potentially snap back to retrospective situations that can put others around them in dangerous situations. Mental illnesses are the leading disease in causing disability (McKenzie, 2011, p. 309). Those with disabilities such as PTSD are obviously not in the right physical or mental state for owning and operating a gun. Not allowing Veterans with PTSD to own guns will cause an overall better situation for everyone. It will cut the “risk of victimization” ranging from in-home situations to the workplace (Empie, 2002). No one is exempt from caution if veterans with PTSD are allowed to own guns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of stress and anxiety disorder. It occurs after an individual has seen or experienced a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can come and go. Symptoms may be amplified when life becomes more stressful or the individual is reminded of what he or she went through. If individuals suffering from PTSD hear a loud train go by, they could potentially relive combat experiences. Another case where the PTSD sufferers may act out is if they see a report on the news about an event that relates to their own experiences. This could bring forth memories of their own assault. For veterans, the main cause of PTSD is from war; however, there are other causes. These include assault, abuse, prison stay, rape, and terrorism. Veterans with PTSD could have possibly experienced more than just war to cause their mental illness (Office, 2012).
Veterans who have PTSD have a very serious problem. It not only affects the individuals who are diagnosed with it, but also those around them. The mental illness is related to an array of deaths and injuries. Prevalence of the condition during recent years is approximately 3.5% of the population. Although this seems like a low number, it is a number that affects the death/injury rate in the United States. If the 3.5% were not allowed to own guns, the percentage of deaths and injuries would also go down as well (Understanding Trauma, 2008).
Evidence based statistics demonstrate more proof of the behaviors of veterans with PTSD. “In American society, conflict is generally viewed as a pathological condition, a disruptive and destructive force” (Violence and Mental Disorder, 1996). This means aggression is caused by something. The problem of violence from veterans suffering from this mental disorder is aroused by the causing factor of PTSD. Since violence and conflict are closely correlated, when there is one there is usually the other. This means that the factor of guns needs to be controlled to allow a lower conflict output. The PTSD factor can be controlled with gun control laws and would provide lower cases of violence and conflict overall (Violence and Mental Disorder, 1996).
Statement of the Problem
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that has been around for thousands of years. It was not given a formal name until 1980; however, the mental disorder has been recognized throughout the centuries. Before this time it was known that combat caused stress, but it took until 1980 for the American Psychiatric Association to add PTSD to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders nosologic classification system. This was a very controversial time when it came to this diagnosis. PTSD however, became important to psychiatric concept and theory. “This is chiefly because the PTSD diagnosis stipulates that the etiological agent was outside the individual (i.e., the traumatic event) rather than a personal weakness or flaw (i.e., neurosis)” (Marsella, 1996). PTSD is unique in comparison to other psychiatric diagnoses because of the etiological agent. The mental disorder of PTSD, in fact, cannot be diagnosed without a traumatic event within the patient 's known past history (Marsella, 1996).
Typically symptoms arise within three months after the traumatic events take place. There are three main types of symptoms related to PTSD. They include: “intrusive memories, avoidance and numbing, and increased anxiety or emotional arousal” (“National Institute of Mental Health” n.d.). With invasive memories, the veterans may have flashbacks, or reminisce on the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time. Also, he or she may have upsetting dreams about the traumatic event. This is when dangerous behavior occurs. With forbearance and emotional numbing, the individual with PTSD may experience: “trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event, feeling emotionally numb, avoiding activities once enjoyed, hopelessness about the future, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and difficulty maintaining close relationships” (“National Institute of Mental Health” n.d.). Anxiety can also increase emotional arousal that can cause self-destruction, anger, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, and guilt or shame (“National Institute of Mental Health” n.d.).
A veteran is defined as a person who has had long experience in a particular field such as the military. Another word commonly used for veterans is vet. These individuals have fought for the freedom of the United States of America for hundreds of years. They have served and protected and have even come out with long-term problems. The main problem of interest is PTSD. PTSD, once again, is a mental disorder triggered by a traumatic event.
There are state and federal gun laws already in place that prevent individuals with mental disorders, such as veterans with PTSD, from owning a gun. According to the Tennessee Code Ann. § 39-17-1351, permits will not be issued to any person who has not been adjudicated as a mental defective, has not been judicially committed to or hospitalized in a mental institution pursuant to Title 33 (Gun Control, 2007). The law then goes into further detail stating that the applicant can not have a mental defect or have been disabled by mental illness. By law, the applicant cannot have, within seven years from the date of application, been found by a court to pose an immediate substantial likelihood of serious harm because of mental illness. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d), federal law states it is unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person “has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution” (Doeden, 2011).
Since PTSD is a mental illness, sufferers fall under the above laws, although some people do not think that they should. Supporters of the counterargument believe that PTSD is not a mental disorder and the laws should not apply to those diagnosed with PTSD. However, there are just as many who argue that the laws should apply to PTSD. To further understand this problem more laws need to be set in place. Possible laws could include mental evaluation before gun ownership for veterans would be approved.
Veterans that are diagnosed with PTSD are violent and can harm themselves and others. Out of the 3.5% that have PTSD, nearly 75% of them have experienced violent behavior. Those that have not, may experience more depression that can later turn into violence. With gun control, the number of violent occurrences across this particular population could be greatly reduced or even eliminated. Certainly, there are other ways that individuals can harm themselves, but this is taking one of those variables out of the equation. Less guns for veterans with PTSD equals less violence (Office, 2012).
PTSD, as mentioned before, has a correlation to other health and social problems. The disorder is known for making present physical problems worse. This can happen because of related issues of the disorder. If a person is depressed, he or she may not eat and in conclusion, will not heal fast enough. That is just one underlying example. Some researchers even go as far as saying that PTSD is a type of “brain injury” (“Ptsd fact sheet: frequently asked questions” n.d.). Becoming an “anti-social” has stuck out to researchers as a social problem among individuals diagnosed with PTSD. Veterans with PTSD may become socially awkward and avoid associating with people, which can only worsen their disorder (Dworkin, 1992).
Some say that PTSD is not the same as other disorders and should be treated differently with regard to gun laws. They believe that veterans with PTSD should be able to own guns arguing that if veterans have the right to own guns they could protect themselves. This is a constitutional right. This group would also voice the idea that the government needs to “empower” those who are incapable instead of tearing them down (Linhorst, 2005).
However, guns are lethal weapons and should only be in the hands of mentally stable people. As Vladimir Lenin once said, “One man with a gun can control 100 without one.” Guns are powerful and with misuse can cause harm to innocent people. Gun control can help stop these accidents and reduce gun misuse. If an individual is incapable, why give them a gun that is capable of killing someone?
Proposed Courses of Action and their Benefits When the United States constitution was put into place, the American people’s safety was in mind. Citizens do have the right to bear arms. However, under what circumstances? The founding fathers were not talking about citizens who are mentally unsteady and could cause harm to others or themselves. They were talking about bearing arms for the right of personal safety or to hunt food. Endangering others is not what the founding fathers wanted. The law was made as a base for American safety. With this constitutional right comes strife over which Americans can and cannot own guns. However, there are better solutions than just arguing about the problem. One solution would be having a mental evaluation of veterans with PTSD to see if they are capable of owning a gun. Certified specialists at different levels would perform the evaluation. Those who passed would be allowed to own guns and those who did not would not be allowed to own guns.
A test would clearly prove whether or not veterans with PTSD have the capability to own guns. After a test was circulated, the majority of veterans would not be allowed to own guns; therefore other measures could potentially be taken. These measures could include new laws to be put into action. After tests were run, this would be a good research database to act upon. Since the majority of veterans with PTSD would not be able to own guns, a possible law could come into force. Currently, there are laws against mentally ill people being allowed to own guns. Some do not believe that individuals diagnosed with PTSD are a part of that population. A test could prove that they are unequivocally a part of this classification and should not be allowed to own guns at all.
There are already tests available that can help with the mental evaluation of veterans. One is made by “Military Pathways” which is a screening program to help with the mental health of the military. This type of test or screening could be used to understand how important it is for guns not to be in the hands of these violent individuals. The test could then be applied to make laws to stop the violence from the population of veterans with PTSD (“Military Mental Health” n.d.). The above solutions are suggestions towards furthering the safety of the American people. These “new outcomes” for the future will enhance the safety of everyone (Gottfried, 1993). The principle of the matter is that anyone who cannot own and operate a gun with complete safety and self-control should not own one. This position is taken specifically with regard to the veteran PTSD population. If veterans with PTSD did not have the right to own and operate guns, the solution of having a safer country would be met.
Closing Statement In summation, veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, by law, should not be allowed to own guns. Allowing an individual clearly diagnosed with a known mental disorder to own guns can potentially lead to more casualties, injuries, and unarguable harm. Many argue that this is against “human rights;” however, the only way human rights are achieved is through “providing nonviolent social and political movements” (Falk, 2008). This establishes order. The old “human rights” from the constitution simply do not fit today’s society. Now, it is a part of every American’s human right to be entitled to social order. This protects the well-being of the American citizens’ future and in one way, can only be done through establishing laws that prohibit veterans with PTSD from owning guns (Falk, 2008).
Gun control for veterans with PTSD represents a safer American population.
Without gun use for these particular individuals, there will be less of a concern over causes of death within his population. This position is significant because right now, many lives are being put in danger. If the position of placing gun control on veterans with PTSD was put in action, there would be a drop in casualties, unintended accidents, suicides and other harmful situations. People with PTSD suffer from many symptoms. One of these is depression. With depression, thoughts of suicide can come about. Not only can those with PTSD have thoughts of killing others but also themselves. By taking away a path of violence that can lead to death, it can save a person suffering from PTSD their own
life.
Research has shown that veterans with PTSD pose a threat to society. As mentioned earlier, 3.5% of the population is suffering from PTSD. This percentage of the population poses a threat to both themselves and the general public. This number could be decreased if the use of weapons were kept out of the veteran’s hands that have PTSD (Understanding Trauma, 2008). Also, Americans are not simply allowing people with PTSD to own guns, they are allowing veterans trained to kill with maximum efficiency to own these weapons.
The position of gun control in relation to veterans with PTSD needs to be called into action because it can save lives. There are multiple reasons for this. The veterans may, and mostly likely will, be entirely unaware of the violent actions they are committing. Due to this, innocent victims are injured, and sometimes even killed, by an assailant unaware of what they are doing. When this happens you have innocent people dying and people murdering with no control over what they are doing. Also, it is impossible to determine what day-to-day factors may trigger these violent episodes leaving psychiatrists no way to form a prevention plan. Hence, the only option remaining is strict gun control laws to protect both the public, and the veterans suffering from PTSD.
References Doeden, M. (2011). Gun Control: Preventing Violence or Crushing Constitutional Rights?. New York City: Twenty-First Century Books. Dworkin, R. J. (1992). Researching Persons with Mental Illness (Applied Social Research Methods). SAGE Publications, Inc.
Empie, K. M. (2002). Workplace Violence and Mental Illness (Criminal Justice (LFB Scholarly Publishing LLC)). LFB Scholarly Publishing LLC.
Falk, R. (2008). Achieving Human Rights. Routledge.
Gottfried, T. (1993). Gun Control (Issue and Debate). Millbrook Press.
Linhorst, D. M. (2005). Empowering People with Severe Mental Illness: A Practical Guide. Oxford University Press, USA.
Marsella, A.J., Friedman, M.J., Gerrity, E. & Scurfield R.M. (Eds.). (1996). Ethnocultural aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorders: Issues, research and applications. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
McKenzie, J. F. (2011). An Introduction to Community Health, Seventh Edition. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
Militarymentalhealth. (2012). Retrieved from https://www.militarymentalhealth.org
N. Gun Control (Opposing Viewpoints). Greenhaven Press, 2007.
N. Understanding Trauma: Integrating Biological, Clinical, and Cultural Perspectives. Cambridge University Press, 2008.
N. Violence and Mental Disorder: Developments in Risk Assessment (The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Series on Mental Health and De). University Of Chicago Press, 1996.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2013, January 24). National institute of mental health. Retrieved from http://www.NIMH.nih.gov Office, C. B. (2012). The Veterans Health Administration 's Treatment of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury Among Recent Combat Veterans. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
Tushnet, M. (2013). OUT OF RANGE: Why The Constitution Can 't End The Battle Over Guns. Oxford University Press.
US Department of Veterans Affairs. (2012, January 13). Ptsd fact sheet: frequently asked questions. Retrieved from http://www.brainlinemilitary.org
APPENDIX 1.1
Page 215 PTSD in regards to High/ Low Threat to Community
Community Health
Courtney Gosnell
East Tennessee State University
Executive Summary
Veterans with Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder should not be allowed or able to own a gun. By federal law, under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d), it is unlawful for anyone to sell a firearm or ammunition to any person while knowing or having a reason to suspect that person has a mental disorder or defect (Doeden, 2011). There is a reason for this; people who have PTSD are more dangerous than those who do not. Having PTSD increases the likelihood of more deaths and violent crimes. When a person is exposed to a traumatic event, it can cause life-long mental issues that affect the way they would handle a weapon before the experience. With gun control for veterans with PTSD, there will be more of a sense of security and safety among the American population.
There are already laws in place and also future laws that are coming into existence about the issue of veterans with PTSD owning guns. This is an issue that needs further research and eventual gun control laws in order to help promote, protect, and preserve the safety of the American population.
Some perhaps believe …show more content…
and argue that veterans in fact, should be allowed to own guns. It is an ongoing battle between gun control and gun rights. Arguments in favor of veterans owning guns suggest that there is “less in home safety” for the veterans” and “less power to protect themselves” in dangerous situations.” That is not the case. Giving these individuals gun ownership rights is asking for injury. This is shown in many different research studies. Why would there already be laws in place if it were safe? These arguments would say that it is not fair to target just one particular mentally ill group. That could perhaps be the case; however, veterans with PTSD are significantly more dangerous than others because of prior knowledge of lethal weapons. Gun control is politically controlled for the safety of citizens and not intended to make people mad or “take away their rights.” “Like all battles in culture wars, then, the fight is not over what the Second Amendment means, or about how to reduce violence, but, about how we understand ourselves as American citizens” (Tushnet, 2013).
Introduction
Many Americans are asking the question “Should Veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) own guns?” The answer is no. There have been more cases in the news on this particular issue in the past 5 years than in years past. Some include the movie theater shooting in Colorado, the suicide attempt of a navy seal, and the ex-military sniper who caught a house on fire to harm the voluntary firefighters in New York. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious mental illness that does not need to be taken lightly. Any fearful trauma can produce PTSD but with veterans, most of these events come from fighting in the war. Guns are lethal weapons and, in the hands of an individual trained to be lethal with them, can kill an innocent individual within seconds.
First of all, there is a set criterion for PTSD. The person has been exposed to a traumatic event in which two critical factors must have been present. The first of the two criteria that must be met is: the individual has witnessed, experienced, or been confronted with an event or events that involve actual or threatened death or serious injury, or a threat to the physical integrity of oneself or others. Second, the individual’s response involved helplessness, horror, anger, or intense fear. PTSD can also trigger other illnesses such as depression. Depression can come from the symptoms associated with PTSD (National Institute for Mental Health, n.d.).
Because of this mental illness, veterans with PTSD should not be able to own guns. Safety becomes a big issue when PTSD sufferers are capable of losing all control and/or sense of reality. Violence can arise through both accidents and bursts of rage associated with PTSD. Many incidents caused by PTSD leave the assailant unaware of what he or she is doing until he or she begins to calm down. This is dangerous and can be controlled with gun laws. This causes another problem as well. When a veteran suffering from PTSD falls victim to an episode of rage they must be punished for something they had no control over.
Supporting commentary suggests just how dangerous veterans with PTSD can be. When people are exposed to traumatic events, it brings forth fear conditioning. When this happens, the “fight or flight” response is stimulated for attack and defense. The individuals may not mean to put others in harm’s way. They are just psychologically trying to protect themselves. However, when this occurs it produces a high threat to the community. In Appendix 1.1, it shows exactly how high a threat PTSD poses in comparison to other factors (Understanding Trauma, 2008). During the stressful time of an individual dealing with PTSD, “Understanding Trauma” also proves that long-term changes in the brain take place. When this happens, those with PTSD are not who they once were. They change psychologically to the point where PTSD becomes a broader disorder. PTSD then surfaces to a psychological disorder as well as a stress disorder.
The position to not allow veterans with PTSD to own guns has the potential to eliminate harmful scenarios. Veterans with PTSD can “snap” at any moment. If they hear fireworks or have a gun in their hand, they can potentially snap back to retrospective situations that can put others around them in dangerous situations. Mental illnesses are the leading disease in causing disability (McKenzie, 2011, p. 309). Those with disabilities such as PTSD are obviously not in the right physical or mental state for owning and operating a gun. Not allowing Veterans with PTSD to own guns will cause an overall better situation for everyone. It will cut the “risk of victimization” ranging from in-home situations to the workplace (Empie, 2002). No one is exempt from caution if veterans with PTSD are allowed to own guns.
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a type of stress and anxiety disorder. It occurs after an individual has seen or experienced a traumatic event that involved the threat of injury or death. Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms can come and go. Symptoms may be amplified when life becomes more stressful or the individual is reminded of what he or she went through. If individuals suffering from PTSD hear a loud train go by, they could potentially relive combat experiences. Another case where the PTSD sufferers may act out is if they see a report on the news about an event that relates to their own experiences. This could bring forth memories of their own assault. For veterans, the main cause of PTSD is from war; however, there are other causes. These include assault, abuse, prison stay, rape, and terrorism. Veterans with PTSD could have possibly experienced more than just war to cause their mental illness (Office, 2012).
Veterans who have PTSD have a very serious problem. It not only affects the individuals who are diagnosed with it, but also those around them. The mental illness is related to an array of deaths and injuries. Prevalence of the condition during recent years is approximately 3.5% of the population. Although this seems like a low number, it is a number that affects the death/injury rate in the United States. If the 3.5% were not allowed to own guns, the percentage of deaths and injuries would also go down as well (Understanding Trauma, 2008).
Evidence based statistics demonstrate more proof of the behaviors of veterans with PTSD. “In American society, conflict is generally viewed as a pathological condition, a disruptive and destructive force” (Violence and Mental Disorder, 1996). This means aggression is caused by something. The problem of violence from veterans suffering from this mental disorder is aroused by the causing factor of PTSD. Since violence and conflict are closely correlated, when there is one there is usually the other. This means that the factor of guns needs to be controlled to allow a lower conflict output. The PTSD factor can be controlled with gun control laws and would provide lower cases of violence and conflict overall (Violence and Mental Disorder, 1996).
Statement of the Problem
PTSD is an anxiety disorder that has been around for thousands of years. It was not given a formal name until 1980; however, the mental disorder has been recognized throughout the centuries. Before this time it was known that combat caused stress, but it took until 1980 for the American Psychiatric Association to add PTSD to the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders nosologic classification system. This was a very controversial time when it came to this diagnosis. PTSD however, became important to psychiatric concept and theory. “This is chiefly because the PTSD diagnosis stipulates that the etiological agent was outside the individual (i.e., the traumatic event) rather than a personal weakness or flaw (i.e., neurosis)” (Marsella, 1996). PTSD is unique in comparison to other psychiatric diagnoses because of the etiological agent. The mental disorder of PTSD, in fact, cannot be diagnosed without a traumatic event within the patient 's known past history (Marsella, 1996).
Typically symptoms arise within three months after the traumatic events take place. There are three main types of symptoms related to PTSD. They include: “intrusive memories, avoidance and numbing, and increased anxiety or emotional arousal” (“National Institute of Mental Health” n.d.). With invasive memories, the veterans may have flashbacks, or reminisce on the traumatic event for minutes or even days at a time. Also, he or she may have upsetting dreams about the traumatic event. This is when dangerous behavior occurs. With forbearance and emotional numbing, the individual with PTSD may experience: “trying to avoid thinking or talking about the traumatic event, feeling emotionally numb, avoiding activities once enjoyed, hopelessness about the future, memory problems, trouble concentrating, and difficulty maintaining close relationships” (“National Institute of Mental Health” n.d.). Anxiety can also increase emotional arousal that can cause self-destruction, anger, hallucinations, trouble sleeping, and guilt or shame (“National Institute of Mental Health” n.d.).
A veteran is defined as a person who has had long experience in a particular field such as the military. Another word commonly used for veterans is vet. These individuals have fought for the freedom of the United States of America for hundreds of years. They have served and protected and have even come out with long-term problems. The main problem of interest is PTSD. PTSD, once again, is a mental disorder triggered by a traumatic event.
There are state and federal gun laws already in place that prevent individuals with mental disorders, such as veterans with PTSD, from owning a gun. According to the Tennessee Code Ann. § 39-17-1351, permits will not be issued to any person who has not been adjudicated as a mental defective, has not been judicially committed to or hospitalized in a mental institution pursuant to Title 33 (Gun Control, 2007). The law then goes into further detail stating that the applicant can not have a mental defect or have been disabled by mental illness. By law, the applicant cannot have, within seven years from the date of application, been found by a court to pose an immediate substantial likelihood of serious harm because of mental illness. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(d), federal law states it is unlawful for any person to sell or otherwise dispose of any firearm or ammunition to any person knowing or having reasonable cause to believe that such person “has been adjudicated as a mental defective or has been committed to any mental institution” (Doeden, 2011).
Since PTSD is a mental illness, sufferers fall under the above laws, although some people do not think that they should. Supporters of the counterargument believe that PTSD is not a mental disorder and the laws should not apply to those diagnosed with PTSD. However, there are just as many who argue that the laws should apply to PTSD. To further understand this problem more laws need to be set in place. Possible laws could include mental evaluation before gun ownership for veterans would be approved.
Veterans that are diagnosed with PTSD are violent and can harm themselves and others. Out of the 3.5% that have PTSD, nearly 75% of them have experienced violent behavior. Those that have not, may experience more depression that can later turn into violence. With gun control, the number of violent occurrences across this particular population could be greatly reduced or even eliminated. Certainly, there are other ways that individuals can harm themselves, but this is taking one of those variables out of the equation. Less guns for veterans with PTSD equals less violence (Office, 2012).
PTSD, as mentioned before, has a correlation to other health and social problems. The disorder is known for making present physical problems worse. This can happen because of related issues of the disorder. If a person is depressed, he or she may not eat and in conclusion, will not heal fast enough. That is just one underlying example. Some researchers even go as far as saying that PTSD is a type of “brain injury” (“Ptsd fact sheet: frequently asked questions” n.d.). Becoming an “anti-social” has stuck out to researchers as a social problem among individuals diagnosed with PTSD. Veterans with PTSD may become socially awkward and avoid associating with people, which can only worsen their disorder (Dworkin, 1992).
Some say that PTSD is not the same as other disorders and should be treated differently with regard to gun laws. They believe that veterans with PTSD should be able to own guns arguing that if veterans have the right to own guns they could protect themselves. This is a constitutional right. This group would also voice the idea that the government needs to “empower” those who are incapable instead of tearing them down (Linhorst, 2005).
However, guns are lethal weapons and should only be in the hands of mentally stable people. As Vladimir Lenin once said, “One man with a gun can control 100 without one.” Guns are powerful and with misuse can cause harm to innocent people. Gun control can help stop these accidents and reduce gun misuse. If an individual is incapable, why give them a gun that is capable of killing someone?
Proposed Courses of Action and their Benefits When the United States constitution was put into place, the American people’s safety was in mind. Citizens do have the right to bear arms. However, under what circumstances? The founding fathers were not talking about citizens who are mentally unsteady and could cause harm to others or themselves. They were talking about bearing arms for the right of personal safety or to hunt food. Endangering others is not what the founding fathers wanted. The law was made as a base for American safety. With this constitutional right comes strife over which Americans can and cannot own guns. However, there are better solutions than just arguing about the problem. One solution would be having a mental evaluation of veterans with PTSD to see if they are capable of owning a gun. Certified specialists at different levels would perform the evaluation. Those who passed would be allowed to own guns and those who did not would not be allowed to own guns.
A test would clearly prove whether or not veterans with PTSD have the capability to own guns. After a test was circulated, the majority of veterans would not be allowed to own guns; therefore other measures could potentially be taken. These measures could include new laws to be put into action. After tests were run, this would be a good research database to act upon. Since the majority of veterans with PTSD would not be able to own guns, a possible law could come into force. Currently, there are laws against mentally ill people being allowed to own guns. Some do not believe that individuals diagnosed with PTSD are a part of that population. A test could prove that they are unequivocally a part of this classification and should not be allowed to own guns at all.
There are already tests available that can help with the mental evaluation of veterans. One is made by “Military Pathways” which is a screening program to help with the mental health of the military. This type of test or screening could be used to understand how important it is for guns not to be in the hands of these violent individuals. The test could then be applied to make laws to stop the violence from the population of veterans with PTSD (“Military Mental Health” n.d.). The above solutions are suggestions towards furthering the safety of the American people. These “new outcomes” for the future will enhance the safety of everyone (Gottfried, 1993). The principle of the matter is that anyone who cannot own and operate a gun with complete safety and self-control should not own one. This position is taken specifically with regard to the veteran PTSD population. If veterans with PTSD did not have the right to own and operate guns, the solution of having a safer country would be met.
Closing Statement In summation, veterans with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, by law, should not be allowed to own guns. Allowing an individual clearly diagnosed with a known mental disorder to own guns can potentially lead to more casualties, injuries, and unarguable harm. Many argue that this is against “human rights;” however, the only way human rights are achieved is through “providing nonviolent social and political movements” (Falk, 2008). This establishes order. The old “human rights” from the constitution simply do not fit today’s society. Now, it is a part of every American’s human right to be entitled to social order. This protects the well-being of the American citizens’ future and in one way, can only be done through establishing laws that prohibit veterans with PTSD from owning guns (Falk, 2008).
Gun control for veterans with PTSD represents a safer American population.
Without gun use for these particular individuals, there will be less of a concern over causes of death within his population. This position is significant because right now, many lives are being put in danger. If the position of placing gun control on veterans with PTSD was put in action, there would be a drop in casualties, unintended accidents, suicides and other harmful situations. People with PTSD suffer from many symptoms. One of these is depression. With depression, thoughts of suicide can come about. Not only can those with PTSD have thoughts of killing others but also themselves. By taking away a path of violence that can lead to death, it can save a person suffering from PTSD their own
life.
Research has shown that veterans with PTSD pose a threat to society. As mentioned earlier, 3.5% of the population is suffering from PTSD. This percentage of the population poses a threat to both themselves and the general public. This number could be decreased if the use of weapons were kept out of the veteran’s hands that have PTSD (Understanding Trauma, 2008). Also, Americans are not simply allowing people with PTSD to own guns, they are allowing veterans trained to kill with maximum efficiency to own these weapons.
The position of gun control in relation to veterans with PTSD needs to be called into action because it can save lives. There are multiple reasons for this. The veterans may, and mostly likely will, be entirely unaware of the violent actions they are committing. Due to this, innocent victims are injured, and sometimes even killed, by an assailant unaware of what they are doing. When this happens you have innocent people dying and people murdering with no control over what they are doing. Also, it is impossible to determine what day-to-day factors may trigger these violent episodes leaving psychiatrists no way to form a prevention plan. Hence, the only option remaining is strict gun control laws to protect both the public, and the veterans suffering from PTSD.
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National Institute of Mental Health. (2013, January 24). National institute of mental health. Retrieved from http://www.NIMH.nih.gov Office, C. B. (2012). The Veterans Health Administration 's Treatment of PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury Among Recent Combat Veterans. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.
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US Department of Veterans Affairs. (2012, January 13). Ptsd fact sheet: frequently asked questions. Retrieved from http://www.brainlinemilitary.org
APPENDIX 1.1
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