It is estimated that 22% of solders come back from deployment with PTSD or significant depression, 34% have other significant mental concerns while only 1 out of 3 ever seek help.
This day is to help raise awareness among veterans but also friends and family of those who need help. The VA
I was fortunate enough to be able to sit down with Dr. Joseph Thornton who is the Associate Chief of Staff for the Mental Health Service Line (MHSL) at the North Florida/South Georgia Veterans Health System (NF/SGVHS).
When asked about PTSD Dr. Thornton said,
“The problem is the verbiage. …show more content…
If you know someone who is suffering without help use this time to open a dialogue. VA.Gov has a multitude od resources to help. While attending a conference the VA organized about mental health the representative from the VA admitted they were never designed for the sheer quantity of need out there. They have begun working with non profit organizations pairing the person with the organization that can best help them.
Even with the help available it is up to family and friends to be engaged with solders and encourage those who need help get it. It is mind boggling that every minute 22 more solders take their own life.
PTSD is not a disease it is an after effect of experiences that those of us who have never served can not even comprehend. If you know someone who is suffering use this day to start a conversation. Let them know they are not alone.
The Hero Run was started because of a young man grieving the loss of a beloved Uncle wanting to find a way to help make sure no others lost their battles against the demons that follow them back from war.
There are tons of organizations ready and willing to help it just takes the veteran and their family to take the first step and ask for that help.
Place to start https://www.ptsd.va.gov this site has a ton of information to help suffers and