Canada has been engaged in war in Afghanistan since 2002. Many soldiers have returned from the battle field with the invisible wounds of psychological trauma. This trend seems destined to continue.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is in the news. The Toronto Star's David Bruser recently wrote a three-part series on the psychological effects of the Afghan war on Canada's soldiers (June 12-14, 2009). The articles were chilling and telling. They paint a dreary and potentially dangerous picture of men and women living with PTSD, with effects ranging from domestic violence, child abuse, substance abuse to depression and suicidal ideations. The series is accessible online at www.thestar.com (search for David Bruser).

Open Minds Quarterly (OMQ) is a literary magazine published by the Northern Initiative for Social Action (NISA) in Sudbury, Ontario. We seek to raise awareness about, and to dispel myths related to, the realities of mental illness. Consumers of mental health services include those living with depression, eating disorders, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, as well as many other illnesses. PTSD is considered a mental illness and OMQ is preparing a special issue of the magazine, tentatively scheduled for Spring 2010, exclusively on the impacts of living with psychological injuries received in the line of fire. We want to hear from members of the military, first responders and law enforcement agencies, as well as their families, who have experienced PTSD.

Send us your story for review. Tell others how you feel. Share your experiences. We accept poems, essays, first-person accounts, short stories, open letters and book/movie reviews. We strongly encourage electronic submissions and invite you to call us at (705) 675-9193 ext. 8286 or e-mail us at openminds@nisa.on.ca with your questions, comments, concerns and submissions. We look forward to hearing from you.