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May 24, 2010

Scott Cooper was a month into his first tour of duty in Afghanistan when he stepped on a roadside bomb which resulted in the loss of his lower right leg, reports The Chronicle.

Cooper is now preparing to return to Afghanistan only six months after sustaining the life-altering injury.

Nineteen-year-old Cooper said he knew exactly what had happened when he was thrown through the air after taking one wrong step.

"I didn't want to look because I was dreading what I might see. And then I was kind of relieved because I felt and my leg was still there. Then I saw the other one had been blown clean off," he told the news provider.

He has now made nearly a full recovery and will be fitted for his third prosthetic leg, and is hoping to rejoin his fellow soldiers in Afghanistan this coming summer.

Soldiers in war zones often experience traumatic events unlike any other. Some are later diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but often do not seek treatment.

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) has details regarding treatment and support for those diagnosed with PTSD. Psychotherapy coupled with medication has been found to be an effective method.

The US Department of Veteran Affairs works with veterans in finding support groups and treatment for those who are suffering from PTSD.

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