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By Charlene Rubush, June 6, 2010 2:32 pm

Part One:

Another good website sponsored by social workers, which offers excellent information for the general public and for combat veterans and their families is:

 http://www.helpstartshere.org.

Susan Evans, LICSW, runs a support group, and offers the following information (which I’m summarizing).

 “There is not a day goes by that PTSD does not play some part in that day.”

-Trudi, Spouse of Vietnam Combat Veteran 

Introduction

The Journal of the American Medical Association in March, 2006, reported that 35 percent of Iraq war veterans sought treatment for mental health issues within a year of coming home.

The Department of Defense now estimates that between 15 percent and 29 percent of veterans from the war in Iraq and Afghanistan will suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The caseload for mental health counselors in the Veterans Administration is six times higher than anticipated. By 2008 more than 400,000 troops could need mental health treatment if this trend continues. Who will help the spouses and families of these combat veterans?

 Stepping Up to Help

Eleven women with vast experience dealing with combat veterans returning home from war are using what they’ve learned by contributing to this article. They are married to vets who have significant PTSD disabilities from previous wars, and the Iraq War. Their goal is to offer support, encouragement and hope to the spouses and families of Iraq and Afghanistan vets.

They offer the following thoughts while recognizing that each war is unique and some of these suggestions may not be appropriate for the most recent wars.

• Listen and Do Not Judge
• Know What to Look For. Educate Yourself about PTSD!
• Accept Help. / Be Willing to Accept Help, Even if He Doesn’t!
• Protect Yourself and Your Family Even if He Can’t
• Help Your Children. Go to the PTSD Information Helpline at 802-296-6300

 Remember:

You cannot fix the PTSD symptoms. Those are his symptoms that he has to learn to manage or not. Make your own goals and keep them in your focus. These goals might be improving your own health with good nutrition, exercise, and rest, or spending time with friends, or doing special things for yourself.

Go to http://www.ncptsd.org for constantly updated info on PTSD and resources.

To read complete article now, go to:

http://www.helpstartshere.org/tip-sheets/veterans-affairs-tip-sheet-help-for-spouses-of-com

Charlene’s Note:

I’ll be posting more on this article soon. As a former spouse of a Vietnam veteran, and one with very little help at the time I needed it, I’m so grateful to pass on this terrific information for today’s vets and their families. There is hope and help out there for you!

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By Charlene Rubush, June 4, 2010 3:32 pm

President Barack Obama, on May 7^th, 2010, in Washington, D.C. proclaimed the day as “Military Spouse Appreciation Day.”

 Some of the main points of the text are:

•  When Americans answer the call to serve in our Armed Forces, a sacred trust is forged. Our men and women in uniform take on the duty of protecting us all, and their spouses and families also help shoulder this important responsibility.
• As we mark Military Spouse Appreciation Day, we reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting and honoring the husbands, wives, and loved ones of our Nation’s servicemembers.
• At the heart of our Armed Forces, servicemembers spouses keep our military families on track. They balance family life, military life, and their careers—all while supporting other military families and giving back to their communities.
• Many have served in uniform themselves and, understanding the obligations involved, can provide unparalleled support. They are pillars of strength in their families, often celebrating their children’s life milestones while the other parent is away.
• Military spouses also care for our wounded warriors and honor the memory of our Nation’s fallen heroes, including their own loved ones. They impact countless lives on military bases and in schools, places of worship, and neighborhoods across our Nation. Their contributions help protect our freedom by strengthening our communities and our servicemembers.
• My Administration is committed to improving opportunities and quality of life for these brave spouses and families who know the separation and stress of war. We are increasing servicemembers compensation as well as funding for better housing, job training, counseling, outreach, and support for spouses and their families. We are also expanding our ground forces to reduce the strain of repeated deployments, and to give servicemembers more time with their loved ones.
• There are many ways for each of us to show our appreciation for military spouses. Working through community-based organizations, workplaces, schools, and places of worship, we can help them support their families, establish or build a career, and address the unique challenges they face.
• I am inspired every day by our men and women in uniform and their families. They are America’s greatest military asset, and my Administration is committed to fulfilling our obligations to them.
• Today, let us honor the spouses and families who support our servicemembers and, in doing so, help defend our Nation and preserve our liberty.

 President Obama also noted:

 “I call upon the people of the United States to honor military spouses with appropriate ceremonies and activities.”