And I saw the eyes of the gazelle again in France {during WWI}, and it struck me that perhaps a heartsick God had looked down and taken up a soul, leaving only the shell of a man. {of those who developed PTSD and/or war neuroses}… {In becoming a psychiatrist} I was really trying to create the conditions whereby a soul might be persuaded to join a man's body once a again, thus making him whole.
by Jacqueline Winspear
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The quote reflects a poignant observation made during World War I, where the author draws a connection between the trauma experienced by soldiers and the concept of a lost soul. It suggests that in the anguish of war, God may have seen the suffering and removed a person's essence, leaving them just a hollow figure. This insight illustrates the profound impact of war on mental health, particularly in relation to PTSD and neuroses that soldiers faced upon returning home.

The author, who became a psychiatrist, expresses a desire to restore wholeness to those affected by the war. By creating an environment conducive to healing, the aim was to reunite the dislocated soul with the physical body, allowing individuals to reclaim their identity and sense of self. This highlights the importance of understanding mental health issues and the need for compassionate support for those grappling with the scars of war.

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