In the summer of 2017, Iraq veteran Brian Easley was suffering from severe post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Feeling frustrated with not receiving a disability check from Veteran’s Affairs, Easley walked into an Atlanta Wells Fargo, called a local news station, and said he had a bomb. Easley did harm any hostages but was shot and killed by the police during the incident. Now, a movie is being made about the event and is bringing to light the need for more mental health services for Black veterans.
Despite the fact that PTSD was originally associated with war veterans and referred to as “shell shock” or “battle fatigue syndrome,” there is still not adequate mental health support for Black male veterans.
Learn more about PTSD and available treatment options.
Dr. Bakari Vickerson is a psychiatrist who works at our Marietta clinic and a faculty psychiatrist for Morehouse School of Medicine. He spoke about this issue on WSB-TV News as Easley’s story is now being turned into the movie “Breaking.”
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, we want to help. Contact us and get support today.
