Post-traumatic stress disorder is as painful as visible wounds, and this is the reason that the National Alliance on Mental Illness has requested Pentagon officials to award the Purple Heart to people, who have been suffering from it.

Earlier, it was said that depression is not a part of injury being received to personnel. However, now things have changed, said he National Alliance on Mental Illness. They were of the view that depression is one of the war related injuries and people suffering from it should be recognized.

Executive Director Michael Fitzpatrick said, “Troops with invisible wounds are heroes. It's time to honor them. It will also strike a tremendous blow against the stigma that often discourages individuals from seeking help”.

The mental health advocacy group has fought a long war, as till 2009, Pentagon officials were not ready to recognize the PTSD patients with the Purple Heart. A lot of arguments took place and now it seems that the officials might understand the plight of heroic warriors.

Experts explained the meaning of Purple Heart as an honor given to people, who have received injuries during war. By that means, one who has been diagnosed by PTSD, after a war, should also receive the same credit.