DOWN RANGE
To Iraq and Back
by Bridget C. Cantrell, Ph.D. & Chuck Dean

Bridget Cantrell, Ph.D. and Vietnam Veteran, Chuck Dean have joined forces to present this vital information and resource manual for both returning troops and their loved ones. Here you will find answers, explanations, and insights as to why so many combat veterans suffer from flashbacks, depression, fits of rage, nightmares, anxiety, emotional numbing, and other troubling aspects of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). A complimentary copy of this book is available at the State Family Readiness Program or your local Family Assistance Center for NC National Guard members and families (while supplies last)

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Please visit the National Center for PTSD online at http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/veterans

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
EMAIL – ncptsd@va.gov
CALL – THE PTSD Information Line at (802) 296-6300

Many of the Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Centers’ newest patients are those who are returning from combat — Soldiers who served in operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. In a recent study, Dr. Karen Seal and her colleagues at the San Francisco VA Medical Center and USC reviewed records for more than 100,000 veterans, separated from active duty between 2001 and 2005 and who sought care from VA medical facilities. The most common diagnoses found among these patients were Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and depression.

The study found that young Soldiers were three-times more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD or another mental health disorder than those over 40. Most mental health problems were first identified during visits with primary-care providers, not with mental health professionals. Getting help early can prevent PTSD and other problems from becoming chronic. Therefore the VA is expanding counseling and mental health services to meet the needs of the returning veterans, and providing early treatment. For more information on PTSD and its treatment, visit the National Center for PTSD’s website at: http://www.ncptsd.va.gov/ncmain/veterans.

Army Launches Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury Training

The Army launched its Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and mild Traumatic Brain Injury (mTBI) chain-teaching program at the Pentagon recently by training flag officers and Army senior executive service civilians how to recognize and help distressed Soldiers who may, or may not, recognize their unseen injuries. The PTSD and mild TBI program is mandatory for all active-duty and reserve-component Soldiers, from the highest to lowest levels in the chain of command. More than 1 million Soldiers are expected to receive this same training within 90 days. Treatment and recovery for mild TBI are usually a simple process that involves simply rest and relaxation for a few days, but it’s important for Soldiers not to neglect seeking treatment, and for their fellow comrades-in-arms to let their chain of command know when they suspect a battle buddy is suffering from concussion. Most Soldiers will transition in a normal way, but some will take a little longer than others. The Army provides many sources to help Soldiers suffering from PTSD and mild TBI or other behavioral-health problems. These include chaplains, deployable stress-control teams, as well as medical and behavioral-health clinics. For more information on mTBI, visit the Army Chain Teaching website, at: www.behavioralhealth.army.mil/faqs/faqschainteaching.html

Defense Centers of Excellence

The Defense Centers of Excellence for Psychological Health and Traumatic Brain Injury (DCoE) was established in November 2007 as part of the Department of Defense (DoD) to promote the resilience, recovery and reintegration of warriors and their families who face psychological health (PH) and traumatic brain injury (TBI) issues. DCoE leads a groundbreaking collaborative effort that includes the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), civilian agencies, community leaders, advocacy groups, clinical experts and academic institutions that are dedicated to expanding the state of knowledge of psychological health and TBI. DCoE offers online webinars, global teleconferences, blogs, podcast and more. Visit the website at www.dcoe.health.mil/WhatWeDo.aspx