SEMO Veteran alumni acknowledges the importance of recognizing PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition caused by experiencing first-hand traumatic events.

This mental health condition could last for months or years depending on the individual and their experience.

There’s no age limit for PTSD, this disorder affects children, students, and adults not only psychologically but in their physical lives.

Francis McGarr, a Marine Corps veteran and SEMO alumni, acknowledges the importance of recognizing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and encourages students to take advantage of the resources provided. McGarr served six years in the military, then came to SEMO in 1983 to pursue a degree in interdisciplinary studies.

“There’s a distinct difference and better understanding now of PTSD compared to when I served,” McGarr said. “During the time I served, you didn’t really have resources checking in on you. Now, you have resources reaching out to the impacted veterans.”

McGarr said his transition from military to civilian life wasn’t as challenging as he thought it would be.

“The military prepares you for life in a confirming way; you become very disciplined, which is something I value, because I didn’t have that,” McGarr said.

During his time on campus, McGarr said he engaged with many Vietnam veterans battling PTSD, and they didn’t find ease with discussing their trauma.

McGarr said he also watched his father-in-law battle the disorder, which wasn’t easy for him.

“Those that are impacted won't talk about it; my father-in-law, for example, served during WWII, and there was no intervention for him. He wouldn’t discuss it,” McGarr said.

McGarr advocates for students experiencing trauma to be open and vocal about their experiences.

“‘Getting it off your chest’ is the term; putting it to words is necessary to be able to help yourself come to grips with what happened to you,” McGarr said. “I believe one of the best ways it’s done is speaking with others who have been impacted by PTSD and hearing yourself say it is critically important to the road of recovery.”

Odihambo Milicent, director of the Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility (CBHC), said the resources at the center ensures students are receiving fair opportunities while pursuing their education.

“We are not giving students an advantage when it comes to academic accommodations; we are trying to level the playing field for them,” Millicent said. “For example, sometimes, students with PTSD suffer severe anxiety when taking timed exams, and in those moments, we allow students to take time to ground themselves and still be able to complete the exams without missing out because of time.”

If you are a student battling mental illness and want to talk, CBHC offers services year-round Monday through Friday.

The center offers face-to-face and telehealth appointments and recommends students register with Accessibility Services by completing the First-Time Disability Service Students form at .