PTSD sufferers fear stigma after shooting

AUSTIN (KXAN) - After seeing some of the worst things this world can offer in Vietnam, Paul Pro has spent his entire life in search of happiness and balance.

"Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is an injury, not an illness," explains Marine veteran Paul Pro. "It's mostly internal and has nothing to do with being violent toward other people."

The combat vet said when someone with PTSD makes headlines for a violent incident -- most recently, Eddie Ray Routh allegedly killing Chris Kyle -- he said an automatic dark light is shed on all others who suffer from combat stress.

"There is a stigma attached to PTSD, which really truly hurts any active duty or veteran who has the issue and do not want to come forward," said Pro.

That's part of the problem, men and women in uniform who fear their family, friends and community will classify them as "crazy."

"Heroes Night Out" in Cedar Park is a nonprofit organization that connects resources and veterans together.

The center believes the Veteran Affairs needs to focus more on peer-to-peer counseling in the future by offering more programs where combat soldiers and vets can talk to one another.

Trust is a big factor for PTSD sufferers, some feel the only other people who can relate are other combat vets.

If more peer-to-peer programs were in place, the center believes the VA could  focus more on those dealing with extreme issues.