More Hope for PTSD Sufferers—PTSD Survivors of America Organization
Comments (0) I just came across another organization dedicated to helping those of us who suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.
PTSD Survivors of America is a non-profit organization which incorporated in May of 2011. They have a starling statistic on their website:
Fact: Since 9/11 and the wars of Iraq and Afghanistan soldier reports of suicidal thoughts have increased 7,000%.
Their mission statement:
“We intend to both educate the general public regarding the causes and effects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, and to help in the treatment of people currently suffering. Many people think PTSD is an illness of the mind that is only in people returning from the war. That myth is far from fact. PTSD can be caused by any type of trauma one experiences. Granted, military are more susceptible to this due to the nature of their job. However, with events of Hurricane Katrina the recent tornadoes of Joplin, Missouri, 9/11, and the thousands of violent crimes that happen across the United States it is possible for anyone to be a victim of PTSD, and without the education regarding what can come from that, it leads to a path of unimaginable consequences.”
It’s important to note that half of the current board of directors are victims of PTSD due to combat-related injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan. They understand how PTSD victims feel, and are able to relate to the illness.
Goals:
- To hold seminars across the United States that give people both medical information and personal experiences regarding this illness and how to cope.
- · Advertise their website which will hold valuable information and include numbers for people to call if they’re feeling depressed.
- · Print brochures, pamphlets, and other informational materials regarding PTSD in hopes of further educating the general public.
- · To assist in visiting disaster areas and returning war veterans to provide information and counseling, if possible.
- · To use both traditional and non-traditional medicine to help heal the mind of our wounded vets, and civilians who suffer from PTSD.
Currently, PTSD Survivors of America are dedicating the rest of 2011 to fundraising and education. In 2012, they intend to focus more on education, and a bit less on fundraising, and 2013 will be a culmination of the previous years, where they will not only offer education, but treatment to those who apply and are accepted.
For more information on this exciting organization, go to:
http://www.ptsdsurvivorsofamerica.org
Note: I believe this is exactly what we need in this country, so that more people will become informed and gain a better understanding of what PTSD is. I‘m already thinking of ways I might help them, not only monetarily, but with some volunteer time. Hip hip, hooray for grassroots movements!
Themocracy