Why Veterans Struggle Asking for Help with PTSD?

Ysabel's Story: Overcoming Military and Cultural Stigmas 

Four years after leaving the Navy, Ysabel Cardona learned about Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP). But it would take another decade before the Mexican American mother of two finally found the courage to seek help to heal her past trauma. 

Reflecting on her upbringing, Ysabel says that certain topics remained unspoken—partly due to the cultural nuances that considered them taboo. The silence influenced how her family managed challenges, emotions and interpersonal relationships. 

Take her father’s post-traumatic stress from serving in the Marines, for instance. Or her grandfather’s experiences from his time in the Army.

“They were both very proud to have served and had no regrets. But they never talked about their service-related struggles. They learned to accept pain and to deal with trauma and just kept going,” said Ysabel.

Despite watching her relatives grapple with the effects of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Ysabel chose to serve her country, too. “I learned it is an honor to have served, and I am very proud to have taken the oath, like my father and grandfather,” she said.

Ysabel had many roles during her tenure, including serving aboard three carriers as an operation specialist and temporary duty as master-at-arms. Her career, however, was marred by violence, including a sexual assault, which led her to experience multiple mental health challenges, including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.

When Ysabel transitioned to civilian life in August 2006, she was excited for a new beginning. But her trauma didn’t disappear overnight.

The Stigma of Asking for Helping

With a deep-seated belief in self-reliance, Ysabel enrolled in college and set out to change the course of her future. She learned about WWP™ while in school and periodically participated in local alumni activities.

Although things seemed a bit brighter, she still had to contend with her existing PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Insomnia became her new enemy.

Unfortunately, military and cultural stigmas kept her from seeking the help she knew she needed. 

“You keep telling yourself, ‘I got this. I can do this.’ But you don’t,” said Ysabel, admitting that at one point she was homeless. “It sucked to feel so defeated.” 

Eventually, Ysabel turned to her family and WWP. She praised the WWP Benefits Services team, who helped her obtain an updated VA rating and gave her hope. But cultural beliefs are hard to break and Ysabel clung to the thought that she could recover on her own.

Out of Isolation, Into Hope

The isolation and uncertainty of the COVID-19 pandemic brought an about-face.

“There is never a good time to deal with our problems, but I realized that I had to deal with my personal demons. And I had to face them directly to move on,” Ysabel said, her voice wavering, recalling her desire to start fresh.

Sixteen years after leaving the Navy – in October 2020 – Ysabel flew to Chicago to attend Warrior Care Network at Rush University, telling only her family she was getting some help. 

The accelerated brain health treatment program, which combines holistic modalities with clinical care, was more than Ysabel could have imagined.

“I had a whole team of dedicated professionals ready to help me heal. Having that much care and support mattered,” Ysabel emphasized, noting that the environment was warm and inviting. 

“I had my own space, and we weren’t locked in,” she added, which is a concern often expressed by veterans participating in other PTSD programs.

Ysabel said that the small group format of Warrior Care Network was especially valuable as it allowed her to bond with other veterans. 

“I had six people in my group, and everyone had experienced some sort of trauma during their time in the military. It was a safe space where we could share and learn from each other.”

Flying Free, Appreciating the Now

Before heading home, Ysabel and several female warriors got matching tattoos: five birds to symbolize their shared journey at Warrior Care Network and a newfound sense of freedom. “We felt free. We felt like we were flying high on a new path,” she said, stressing that she rediscovered the joy in simple things through learning about mindfulness.

“I learned about how to enjoy today. Being in the now and not reflecting on the past or the future,” Ysabel explained. “Looking at the sky and fully enjoying it. Or playing a favorite song, You Make My Dreams Come True, by Hall and Oates, and shaking your butt in the kitchen while cooking or doing dishes.”

Ysabel has also developed an appreciation for the outdoors, partly thanks to the various WWP events she attended.

“I love being outdoors now,” she said. “I’ve tried things I never would have done before, like camping and hiking, deep sea and fly fishing, water skiing, and snowshoeing. I even went white water rafting with Wounded Warrior Project and had the time of my life.”

Ysabel says she is proud that she overcame cultural stigmas to prioritize her mental health. While the work was intense, she says it was worth it.

“Warrior Care Network made me realize it’s all possible. Not every day is perfect, but we get to wake up for another day. I’m grateful. I’m healthy. I’m loved. And I’m living with the intention for myself to be happy.”

In hopes of encouraging other warriors to put themselves first, Ysabel now volunteers her time, sharing her story to bring attention to the needs of our nation’s veterans and inspire other warriors to find renewed purpose and positivity.

Learn more about Warrior Care Network.

Contact: Cynthia Weiss – Public Relations, cweiss@woundedwarriorproject.org, 904.738.2589

About Wounded Warrior Project

Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project^® (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers — helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more about Wounded Warrior Project.