Recently efforts have been made across the country to promote awareness of PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder). These outreach efforts include even rock stars like Jon Bon Jovi who recently honored veterans with PTSD in a new song “Unbroken.”
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in Veterans
Many people associate PTSD with veterans. Combat and horrible, life-threatening experiences often lead to PTSD. In the past this was known as shell shock or battle fatigue syndrome. The estimated numbers of veterans impacted by PTSD vary based on the service era.
PTSD is a mental health problem that can occur in people who have experienced a traumatic or terrifying event. A serious accident, a terrorist attack, a natural disaster, being in combat, and a sexual or physical assault. All of us living through this pandemic are at risk of developing PTSD especially critically ill COVID-19 patients who may be emotionally scarred by their time spent in an intensive care unit. It’s normal to have upsetting memories or feel on edge after events like this for a few weeks or months, but if it’s been longer and you’re still having symptoms, you may have PTSD.
The first step to understanding PTSD and getting help is to understand the basics, including key information about trauma and the treatment options available. Visit the Learn the Basics website run by the Veterans Administration for more information.
“To Be of Service” documentary:
Jon Bon Jovi’s new song “Unbroken, was featured on the documentary “To Be of Service” about veterans living with PTSD and their service animals who help them heal. Bon Jovi said he wanted to instill a sense of hope and positivity among veterans, adding, “I was trying to find hope at the end of the journey here.” Over the next year, all proceeds from the record will be donated to the Patriot Service Dog Foundation, the organization that provides highly trained dogs to veterans at no cost to them.
Military Outreach for Service hopes you will join with us to raise awareness of PTSD this month and help spread the word about the many effective PTSD treatment options available.
