Written by Nick Callazzo III, VP of Business
Problem:
82% of all veterans who have experienced trauma were diagnosed at the Veterans Medical Center with PTSD, yet; there is no specific center dedicated to help them with this problem.
Solution:
To develop a collaborative and comprehensive PTSD Center Using all the medical resources and support groups, educated and trained to help these veterans transition to a normal life.
PTSD:
Post traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental condition that some people develop after a shocking, terrifying, or dangerous event. These events are called traumas. After a trauma, it is common to struggle with fear, anxiety, and sadness. One may have upsetting memories or find it hard to sleep. Most people get better with time. But, if you have PTSD, these thoughts and feelings don’t fade away. They last for months and years, and may even get worse.
PTSD causes problems in your daily life, such as in a relationship and at work. It can also take a toll on your physical health. But with treatment, you can live a fulfilling life. Therefore, it is our responsibility to establish a PTSD Center to insure that our Veterans receive the services they have earned to live again. PTSD was first described in war veterans as “shell shock” (WW I) and “battle fatigue” (WW II). As a result of the Vietnam War, the term “PTSD” came on the scene.
PTSD causes one’s brain to get in danger mode. Even after you are no longer in danger, it stays on high alert. Your body continues to send out stress signals, which lead to PTSD symptoms. Over time, PTSD changes your brain and the area that controls your memory will become smaller. A primary reason for seeking treatment early.
There are many effects of PTSD. They may include disturbing flashbacks, trouble sleeping, emotional numbness, angry outbursts and feelings of guilt. One might also avoid things that remind them of a past event, and lose interest in doing things.
Symptoms usually start within three months of a trauma, but they might not show up until years afterward. Without treatment, one can have PTSD for years or the rest of their life.
PTSD interferes with your life. It makes it harder for one to trust, communicate and solve problems. This often leads to problems in relationships with family, friends and co-workers. It also affects one’s physical health. In fact, studies show that it raises your risk of heart disease and digestive disorders.
There is no cure for this condition. But one can successfully treat it with therapy and an understanding of what it is. With proper treatment, some may stop having PTSD symptoms. For others, they may become less intense.
Although there are treatment resources at every VA medical center, there is enough evidence that Delaware should have a PTSD Center. A medical resource center fully dedicated to not only diagnosing but prescribing medicine, such as antidepressants. With prompt and proper treatment, veterans may stop having PTSD symptoms and begin to feel good again.
In a professional center, Psychotherapy for PTSD involves helping the veteran learn skills to manage symptoms and develop ways of coping. Therapy also aims to teach the veteran and his or her family about the disorder, and help the veteran work through the fears associated with the traumatic event.
This article is based on research by Carol DerSarkissian and personal experiences working directly with veterans as a member of The Board of Directors of Operation Home Front.
Victory Village’s Rehab & Wellness Center
This Rehabilition and Wellness Center is needed to insure care and provide high quality, patient focused, cost effective care for veterans who are displaying a wide variety of symptoms that they are experiencing post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or moral injury.
Since the Vietnam War (1960-1975), Post-Vietnam War (1976-1989), The Desert Era (1990-2000) and Post 9-11 (2001-Present), approximately 68% of the men who served in combat have experienced these symptoms. With the increase in veterans needing health care and the latest news about the VA’s NEW “Wait List” problem, the need for PTSD centers has become a legitimate concern for all health agencies.
The Veterans Health Administration is America’s largest integrated health care system, providing care at 1,240 health care facilities, including 170 medical centers and 1,061 outpatient sites of care of varying complexity (VHA outpatient clinics) serving 9 million enrolled Veterans each year. The VA Medical Center is my primary provider.
Although this is commendable, VA researchers are looking for better treatments for Veterans with Gulf War Illness, a group of symptoms found in about one third of Veterans deployed in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield. This is only one example of the research and resources that are being exhausted to help our veterans.
Although much research is being accomplished to cure these symptoms, there seems too be little effort in establishing centers dedicated to meeting the immediate needs of veterans displaying these symptoms. There is an abundance of facts / data to support the existing problem that there is a definite need for a PTSD center in Delaware.
I personally feel that there is enough evidence to support the establishing of a PTSD Center in Delaware. But, the process to make it cost-effective and efficient as a proactive and positive solution to the problem would have to involve utilizing the professional resources of the Veterans Medical Center and financial support from our State and federal agencies as well as corporate partners. The success of the PTSD center would be in direct proportion to the Center’s program values:
