Patient Story: Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a debilitating mental disorder that can occur after a terrifying event. It was first brought to attention by returning war veterans, many of whom had been wounded in battle. Zachary Bell, former U.S. Marine, shares his story of horror in Afghanistan and his battle to regain his mental health after serving our country. Myth or Medicine: Can PTSD only be caused when someone has a physical injury? Second Opinion 5: Five signs that you may have PTSD.