VIP Corner: For some the battle continues

"I don't trust anyone..."

"I'm never safe..."

"If I show emotions then I'm vulnerable..."

"I'm damaged..."

"I have to always be on guard... Stay alert..."

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an unseen battle that many veterans face on a daily basis. Veterans may attempt to "manage" on their own after experiencing a significant trauma in which their lives or others' lives have been in danger. It may occur from being engaged in combat or Military Sexual Trauma (MST) or witnessing trauma.

Much of the time after experiencing or witnessing trauma, a person is able to naturally recover from the event. With PTSD, somewhere along the way to trauma recovery, one may get "stuck," resulting in developing symptoms of PTSD, which fall into three clusters.

One cluster includes re-experiencing trauma in some form, including nightmares, flashbacks or intrusive memories. A second cluster includes symptoms of concern arousal, such as difficulties falling or staying asleep, hypervigilance, irritability/anger, exaggerated startle response or concentration difficulties. A third cluster includes avoidance behaviors from any reminders of the event, which might be noted by one going out of their way to avoid places, persons or physical reminders, including scents or sounds that remind them of past traumas.

PTSD may affect mood, relationships and ability to engage freely in daily activities or feel enjoyment or other pleasurable emotions. Many of these symptoms may fluctuate over time but become more prevalent when faced with increased stressors.

Seeking out treatment may be difficult but there is hope for those who have "borne the battle." Evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure Therapy (EPT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), among several others, have been successful in alleviating many symptoms complaints. These treatments and other services are offered at the VA and information has been provided below on how to access these services.

For more information or on how to enroll in the VA, contact your local El Dorado VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic (CBOC) at 870-875-5900 or CAVHS Eligibility at 501-257-5656. Veterans who would like to seek treatment for PTSD may speak with their primary care provider for a referral to mental health services offered at the VA, or self-refer by contacting the El Dorado VA at 870-875-5900 and asking to speak with mental health staff.

This SAFETY PLAN is for you: If you have thoughts of hurting yourself or anyone else, or if you are having an emotional crisis, veterans may call the CAVHS MHC Crisis Line at 501-257-3229, or walk into the NLR VA Mental Health Clinic during regular business hours. Veterans can go to the Little Rock VA emergency department after hours or present to the nearest emergency department. You can always call the Veterans Crisis Line at (1-800-273-8255) or call 911.

Jo Hines is a LCSW (Licensed Clinical Social Worker) working in Mental Health Services with veterans over the past 18 years at the El Dorado VA CBOC.

SHARE Foundation is a nonprofit in Union County whose mission is to improve the health and well-being of the community. The Union County Violence Intervention Plan (VIP) was developed in order to make available a network of area supports, opportunities, and activities focused on best practice strategies for a community committed to changing the odds for individuals and families in need. The VIP can be viewed at www.sharefoundation.com.

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