Susan Kitchen, Andrew Williams, and Amanda Hamilton support Hidden Wounds. On October 19, 2009, Marine Lance Corporal Mills Palmer Bigham took his own life after struggling for months upon his return home from active military combat in Iraq in 2008. He suffered from post traumatic stress syndrome and depression, a common, yet hidden reality for soldiers returning home from war. His sister, Anna Bigham, saw his suffering and his struggle to receive the services he needed at that time. She said simply that the Veterans Affairs services are overwhelmed by the soldiers returning to the United States from Iraq and Afghanistan and that the suicide rate of combat veterans is on the rise. For this reason, in memory of her brother, Anna founded the non–profit organization, “Hidden Wounds.”

This past Saturday morning, March 6, Fatz Café on Forest Drive held a special pancake breakfast for supporters of “Hidden Wounds.” More than 300 people came by to enjoy a plate of pancakes for $8. The proceeds from the event were donated to the charity.

“Hidden Wounds” exists to bridge the gap caused by the time delay in access to mental health services for combat veterans. The purpose is to help educate families of veterans about the signs of post traumatic stress disorder and depression and to financially provide the services of private mental health professionals in the community.

A recent federal study found one out of every five veterans has some form of PTSD, traumatic brain injury, or depression. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur after a person has been through a traumatic event. During this type of event, the person thinks that his or her life or others’ lives are in danger. The individual may feel afraid or feel he has no control over what is happening. Some of the symptoms are reliving the event, avoidance, numbing, or hyper–arousal, or feeling keyed up.

People with PTSC may also have other problems such as drinking or drug problems, hopelessness, shame, or despair, employment problems, relationship problems, or physical symptoms.

The VA recently reported that 20 percent of 30,000 suicides reported last year in the United States involved veterans and that the suicide rate among veterans is nearly twice the rate of civilians. Also, it takes the VA an average of six months to process new claims, delaying veterans care, and causing the rise of untreated mental illnesses that lead to suicide.

Founders say that “Hidden Wounds” is pursuing its mission with the blessing of the VA. Not only can “Hidden Wounds” provide stop–gap help, it also is a touchstone for service members who suffer from PTSD but are reluctant to notify commanders.

Anna Bigham says, “I truly believe that the primary advocates for stopping PTSD suicides among our military are the very people who suffered alongside of their loved one. It is a different reality for the family members who did not see the suffering. It’s heart shattering to not do anything about it”

For more information about “Hidden Wounds” visit www.hiddenwounds. org.