Canadians' Stories from Afghanistan

CBC Listener's Choice - January 15th, 2010 - Living Out Loud - Canadians' Stories from Afghanistan

Bill Laven called us from Penticton, BC to request the November 13th edition of Living Out Loud. The show featured a collection of stories from Canadians involved with the war in Afghanistan but put a special focus on the story of Travis Scouten, what he saw in Afghanistan, his post-traumatic stress and how he tried to bring it all to the Canadian government's attention. Due to copyright restrictions, only excerpts from the program are presented on this podcast.


More Personal Stories

The Many Faces of Trauma

A young man who has spent his life learning the family business finally takes over the helm of his father's retail empire. A few years later the business fails and he is forced to file for bankruptcy. Soon it becomes impossible for him to do everyday things. Even getting out of bed in the morning becomes an overwhelming task. Eventually he shuts himself off from friends and family despite their efforts to bolster him.

A vital, strong, and accomplished woman is killed. Her parents, who have recently retired, are devastated. Their plans to travel and enjoy their retirement years are put on hold. Eventually, the couple splits up.

These are the faces of those who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. They are everyday people, like you and me, who have experienced a life-altering situation and are unable to get back to living their lives they way they used to.