Introduction
For many veterans, the battle does not end once they leave the combat zone. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can follow them home, shaping their emotions, memories, and daily experiences in ways that are difficult to explain. In The Evil Hours: A Biography of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, David J. Morris, a former Marine infantry officer and war correspondent, provides a powerful and deeply personal exploration of PTSD.

Drawing from his own experiences in Iraq, historical research, and interviews with fellow veterans and trauma survivors, Morris presents one of the most comprehensive examinations of PTSD ever written. Unlike clinical textbooks, this book blends history, psychology, memoir, and cultural analysis to answer critical questions: What is PTSD? Why does it happen? And what can be done to heal from it?

This blog post summarizes key insights from The Evil Hours, focusing on how PTSD affects veterans, the history of trauma disorders, and what survivors can do to navigate their healing journey.

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Understanding PTSD Through History and Science

Morris emphasizes that PTSD is not a new condition—it has existed as long as humans have experienced war, violence, and disaster. However, society’s understanding of trauma has changed dramatically over time.

Key historical insights from the book:

• Ancient warriors experienced symptoms similar to PTSD. The ancient Greeks wrote about soldiers experiencing “divine madness” after battle.
• During the Civil War, traumatized soldiers were said to suffer from “soldier’s heart,” a condition marked by anxiety and heart palpitations.
• World War I veterans faced what was then called “shell shock”, believed to be caused by exposure to artillery blasts.
• World War II introduced “combat fatigue”, a recognition that prolonged exposure to battle wore down even the strongest soldiers.
• PTSD was formally recognized as a psychiatric diagnosis in 1980, largely due to advocacy from Vietnam veterans and mental health professionals.

Morris argues that while our understanding of PTSD has evolved, the core experience remains the same—it is a profound disruption of a person’s relationship with time, memory, and self.

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How PTSD Affects Veterans: The “Evil Hours” of Trauma

The title The Evil Hours comes from a phrase used by Vietnam veterans to describe the long, sleepless nights haunted by trauma memories.

Morris describes how PTSD warps a veteran’s sense of time, self, and reality:

• Memory Becomes Fragmented and Overpowering
  • PTSD is not just about remembering trauma—it’s about reliving it involuntarily.
  • Trauma memories do not fade like normal memories; instead, they replay with full intensity through flashbacks and nightmares.
• The Body Remains Stuck in Survival Mode
  • The nervous system stays on high alert, making relaxation and sleep difficult.
  • Many veterans experience hypervigilance, where loud noises, crowds, or unexpected movements feel like incoming threats.
• Alienation and Disconnection
  • PTSD isolates survivors from family, friends, and even their own emotions.
  • Morris describes feeling like he was “watching life from a distance” rather than actively living it.

Morris emphasizes that PTSD is not a weakness—it is a physiological response to extreme stress. Understanding this can help survivors reduce shame and seek help without guilt.

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Why PTSD Treatment is So Difficult

Morris explores why PTSD remains one of the most challenging mental health conditions to treat. Despite decades of research, there is no universal cure—only management strategies.

Why traditional therapy doesn’t always work:

• Talk therapy alone is often ineffective. PTSD is stored in the body, not just the mind, meaning survivors need body-based healing approaches like EMDR, Somatic Experiencing, or yoga.
• Exposure therapy can backfire. Repeatedly discussing trauma can retraumatize survivors instead of helping them process it.
• Medications do not address the root cause. While antidepressants and anti-anxiety meds can help with symptoms, they do not resolve the underlying nervous system dysregulation.

Morris argues that each PTSD survivor’s healing journey is unique—what works for one veteran may not work for another.

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The Cultural Stigma Surrounding PTSD

One of the most compelling aspects of The Evil Hours is its examination of how society treats trauma survivors, particularly veterans.

Key cultural issues discussed in the book:

• The expectation that soldiers should “just move on.”
  • Morris describes how many veterans feel pressured to suppress their trauma rather than acknowledge it.
  • This prevents many from seeking help and leads to substance abuse, self-harm, or social isolation.
• The glorification of war vs. the reality of combat trauma.
  • War is often romanticized in movies and media, leading to unrealistic expectations about what veterans should feel after service.
  • In reality, many veterans struggle with guilt, moral injury, and the psychological burden of taking lives.
• Lack of long-term mental health support for veterans.
  • Many veterans feel abandoned after leaving the military, with limited access to specialized trauma therapy.

Morris advocates for more compassionate, trauma-informed support systems for veterans returning from combat.

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Finding Hope: The Path to Recovery

Despite the challenges, The Evil Hours does not leave readers without hope. Morris emphasizes that PTSD is not a life sentence—it is a condition that can be managed and healed over time.

Key recovery strategies discussed in the book:

1. Finding Meaning in Trauma
   • Veterans who reframe their trauma as part of a larger story of resilience often experience better recovery outcomes.
   • Writing, storytelling, and connecting with other veterans can help process difficult memories.
2. Reconnecting with the Body
   • Since PTSD is stored in the body, physical activities like yoga, martial arts, or outdoor recreation can help regulate the nervous system.
3. Safe Social Connection
   • Healing happens in relationships, not isolation. Finding supportive communities, veteran groups, or close friends can make a huge difference.
4. Alternative Therapies
   • Morris explores emerging treatments like psychedelic therapy, neurofeedback, and EMDR, which have shown promising results in helping veterans recover.

Healing takes time, but PTSD does not have to define a veteran’s future. With the right support, recovery is possible.

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Key Takeaways for Veterans and Trauma Survivors

1. PTSD is not just psychological—it is a full-body condition that affects memory, perception, and emotions.
2. The military and society often stigmatize PTSD, making it harder for veterans to seek help.
3. Traditional therapy is not always effective—body-based healing approaches may work better.
4. Healing is possible through social connection, meaningful activities, and alternative therapies.
5. PTSD does not mean a person is broken—it is a natural response to extreme stress that can be managed and healed.

Morris’ book provides a deeply personal, well-researched, and highly readable guide for veterans struggling with PTSD.

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Conclusion

The Evil Hours: A Biography of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is a must-read for veterans, trauma survivors, and anyone seeking to understand PTSD on a deeper level. Morris combines personal experience, historical research, and expert interviews to create one of the most insightful books ever written on PTSD.

For those struggling with combat trauma, this book offers both validation and hope—PTSD is not a personal failure, and healing is possible.

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References

• Morris, D. J. (2015). The Evil Hours: A Biography of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
• van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma.
• Shay, J. (1995). Achilles in Vietnam: Combat Trauma and the Undoing of Character.