I think back to 1987, when I was driven to the Veterans Outreach Center (VOC) by a family crisis. My then husband, a Vietnam combat vet, had just seen the film Platoon and had a devastating reaction. His behavior became bizarre and frightening.

The crisis made me swallow my pride and finally reach out for help. On my first visit to the VOC, my counselor handed me a pamphlet explaining what PTSD was. I finally had a name for the agony we were trying to cope with. This was long before most households had computers and access to information that is now so readily available.

Today you can go to the National Center for PTSD and find a tremendous amount of wonderful information and resources. They have a free 15 page pamphlet titled Returning from the War Zone- A Guide for Families of Military Members.

I’m glad to see how far we’ve come in understanding and treating PTSD. We now know that PTSD is a normal reaction to being in a war. I’m happy that I can pass on excellent resources for today’s returning vets and their families. There is so much help and hope now.

The general public needs to learn about PTSD. We’re all just one traumatic event away from acquiring PTSD. And believe me, it is life-changing.

Visit their website to learn more:

http://www.ptsd.va.gov

Senate passes resolution for PTSD Awareness Day

The U.S. Senate has passed a resolution designating June 27th as National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day.

The resolution was authored by North Dakota Democrat Kent Conrad.

Conrad says the stress of war might create wounds for soldiers that are far less visible than others but are no less real. PTSD symptoms include anxiety, anger and depression.

Conrad notes more must be done to educate troops, veterans, families and communities about the disorder and the resources and treatments available.

(Info provided from The Daily Dispatch:)

http://www.wahpetondailynews.com

For more information on PTSD, visit:

National Center for PTSD: http://www.ptsd.va.gov

Charlene’s Note:

Those of us who are trying to educate the public on PTSD, have been watching and waiting for this day to come. I am thrilled to see this come to pass. It’s been a long time coming, and hopefully will move this subject into public discourse, where it belongs.