GivingMatters.com - Wounded Warriors
The Issue
Post
Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common psychological injury sustained
by approximately 25% of our military service members who see combat. PTSD has
devastating effects on those who suffer from it and their family members.
The symptoms, such as hyper-alertness, dissociation, sleeplessness, and
emotional detachment, give rise to even more serious problems like alcoholism,
drug abuse, divorce, domestic violence – and even suicide. There
is no “cure” for PTSD.
The good news is that it is possible to help our veterans with PTSD find
hope and healing. To do this, there are many hurdles that have to be overcome:
- Those suffering from PTSD withdraw from their family,
friends and community just when they need help the most.
- There is a stigma attached to psychological injuries that keeps
many from getting help.
- Warriors and their families need absolute confidentiality.
There are many different effective therapies for PTSD, ranging from traditional group therapy, to medications, to EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). Before any of these therapies can be used, though, Warriors have to realize that they are not alone with their problems and that there is a trustworthy community out there to help them.
WPLN’s Blake Farmer reports on the rising suicide rate of soldiers returning from war.
The Facts
- The RAND Corporation estimates more than 300,000 Afghanistan
and Iraq veterans suffer from PTSD, depression, and/or other
psychological injuries.
- As of January 2008, less than 68,000 Afghanistan and Iraq veterans
were being treated for psychological injuries.
- PTSD symptoms worsen over time if not treated.
- Length of exposure to combat trauma (i.e. on account of longer
tours of duty) is directly related to the chances of developing PTSD.
- At
Fort Campbell, the divorce rate for Soldiers undergoing multiple
deployments is reaching 85%.
- In January this year, eight Soldiers at Fort Campbell took their own lives. They were part of the highest rate of suicide ever recorded by the Army.
Faces
Calvin is a former infantry soldier who served in Afghanistan and Iraq. He witnessed as fellow soldiers got hit, and when he came home, his marriage broke up. For years, he was unable to sleep or connect emotionally to anyone. Finally, his second wife pushed him to get therapy. Now, Calvin is happily married with three children and works in small business.
How You Can Help
- Help reduce the stigma and change attitudes of PTSD, as well as
other mental conditions and illnesses.
- Support
The Not Alone Fund at The Community Foundation
of Middle Tennessee.
- Inform yourself about veteran’s issues.
- Reach out to veterans and their families – just let them
know they’re not alone.
- Give financial support to organizations
helping Warriors and families adjusting to life after deployment.
Return
to GivingMatters.com to learn about nonprofits addressing this issue.
