CLIO -- After the Civil War the term "Soldier's Heart" was given to soldiers who suffered intense anxiety because of their experiences.

Today it’s called Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

NBC25 found out how its affecting our local soldiers and ways families can spot it. 

The cost of PTSD is great.  Veterans often lose their families, their jobs, and even their minds.

I talked with one vet who's been living with the disorder for more than 40 years.

Since 1967 Mike Dickinson has suffered intense nightmares.

“You wake up sweating and kicking and trying to get away, and I hit my wife accidently,” said Mike Dickinson, a Vietnam Veteran.

As a Vietnam veteran, Dickinson witnessed many horrific events and thought his anxiety was normal.

“It's one of those man up things you know, nah I’m all right…I found out I wasn’t,” said Dickinson.

Recently Dickinson was diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, something clinical social workers say plague 8% of combat soldiers.

“Everything starts to be a trigger, it reminds you of something that was done, or related to something that was done, so you try to avoid that trigger, so you stay away from things and people,” said Robin Fenlon, a clinical social worker.

“I used to do a lot of hunting and fishing and stuff like that, and then all of a sudden I’m not interested in that stuff, I don't want to be around guns,” said Dickinson.

Dickinson is learning more about his disorder.  He came to the Military Support Group in Clio Wednesday, so he can help a new generation of soldiers.

“I just recently joined the Patriot Guard, and we are keeping track of who's leaving and who's coming back, and we try to help them and give them any information that we can give them,” said Dickinson.

One such soldier is 23-year-old Zachary Mullin.  He's been serving in Afghanistan since October and got married just three weeks before he was deployed.

His mother Mary wants to make sure his new wife is prepared for PTSD.

“I want to make sure that she knows the signs, and will be able to deal with it when he comes home,” said Mary Mullin.

As a young soldier, Dickinson got this tattoo of a panther to represent fearlessness, but now these tears represent pain that will never be forgotten.

Medical experts say hormones released because of stress actually help burn in memories, making it easier for PTSD patients to recall the negative images.

This spring, a mental health clinic is expected to open in Clio, a place where soldiers can find help.

To learn more about a Mid-Michigan group bringing awareness to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, check out Voice of Warriors.

Do you think there is enough being done to help soldiers with PTSD? How has the disorder impacted your family?