Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: Barbara Van Dahlen

Ever since the United States had gained its independence from Britain in 1776, we have prided ourselves upon the courageous military personnel that have devoted their lives to guaranteeing freedom and protection to citizens of this country. However, what happens when our sole protectors and guardians experience severe mental anguish and are the ones that need help to simply go about their daily lives? Little by little there has been one woman who has provided that comfort and assistance to the military men and women, and who has realized the severity of the effects that combat has on the mental states of these men and women and their loved ones. Barbara Van Dahlen has become a prominent and notable leader through her consistent effort of aiding those who fought or are fighting in wars and supporting the families and communities impacted by the military troops.
“In September 2005”, Van Dahlen created a nonprofit organization called Give an Hour, where she and other highly skilled psychologists work together for the common goal of providing free mental health care to military personnel and their loved ones (“About Us”). Slowly but surely, Van Dahlen has created this organization that has produced “volunteers capable of responding to both acute and chronic conditions” and she has had the honor and privilege to forever change the lives of our country’s protectors for the better (“Mission Statement”). Growing up, a young Barbara Van Dahlen always had an immense respect for our military, as the daughter of an injured World War II veteran. Occasionally, she would hear her father reminiscing about his days in the service and all of the battles and training that he participated in. However, she recalls that he would often excise the da...

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...d, Van Dahlen has single-handedly transformed society and unified communities by allowing them to work together and care for one another even in the darkest of times. Deservingly, Van Dahlen made the “2012 TIME 100, the magazine’s annual list of the 100 most influential people in the world” because of her tireless dedication to her occupation, her will and desire to change the world, and by conquering all obstacles that came her way (PR Newswire). Her “heart” has portrayed the potential that society has to make a difference if we all keep our common goal in mind and if we put forth enough effort and dedication, our world could be forever changed for the better. Overall, Barbara Van Dahlen has changed the world through her constant work of providing psychological treatment and bettering the programs that directly affect the military and their loved ones.