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A Smile That Hides the Storm:
How Veterans with PTSD Fake Emotions and Struggle with Mental Health
By R. T. Garner
Join Your True Direction and discover how veterans with PTSD often “fake the funk” to mask emotional struggles. Learn about their hidden battles, the emotional toll of masking pain, and the steps to healing.
“Sometimes the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.”
— Unknown
Imagine a veteran smiling and laughing at a family event, seemingly at ease. But beneath the surface, a silent storm brews. This phenomenon, often called “faking the funk,” describes how veterans with PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) mask their emotional struggles. While this façade may help them cope momentarily, the long-term toll on their mental and physical health can be devastating. This article explores why veterans resort to masking emotions, the impact it has on their well-being, and actionable steps to help them heal authentically.
What Is PTSD and How Does It Affect Veterans?
“Trauma creates change you don’t choose. Healing is about creating the change you do choose.”
— Michele Rosenthal
PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing traumatic…
