One female Army Veteran said she appreciates the Chalk Walk because PTSD impacts so many others with whom she served
Chalk Walk raises awareness for Atlanta Veterans suffering from PTSD
To raise awareness for PTSD and available treatments for Veterans, the Atlanta VA HealthCare System hosted the second annual "Chalk Walk" event at its Atlanta VA Clinic on Jun 23. Staff and Veterans used different colors of chalk to decorate the sidewalk near the front of the clinic with inspirational and informative messages of awareness and hope.
"It's a sort of visual representation to inspire people, because Veterans inspire us with everything they do and how they have served," said Dr. Lauren Ramshur, Atlanta VAHCS mental health physician.
Dr. Ramshur said it is important to understand PTSD is an anxiety-based disorder and some Veterans are not even aware that they are suffering from it.
"Many of our Veterans suffer in silence, and they think they're alone," Dr. Ramshur said. "It's something we call silent injury because you can't always see what is happening.”
One female Army Veteran said she appreciates the Chalk Walk because PTSD impacts so many others with whom she served.
"It's critical for us to bring attention to the reality that the VA provides great treatment for mental health and that it is ok to seek help," she said.
Dr. Ramshur says that Veterans who think they may have PTSD and their families interested in learning more should look for helpful information about screening and treatment at http://ptsd.va.gov.