PTSD: Why Wait?
By Adam Swager, Public Affairs Specialist
June is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. It’s a time to recognize and remember that some of the scars that Veterans bear from their Military Service are not visible. PTSD Awareness month is also a time to learn and remember that PTSD Treatment Works.
When Veterans engage in evidence-based treatments for PTSD, Veterans can achieve recovery. So why wait?
VA has trained providers to offer evidence-based psychotherapies that significantly reduce symptoms, often times to the point where individuals no longer meet criteria for the disorder. These treatments include Cognitive Processing Therapy, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing. All the evidence-based psychotherapies are available via virtual appointments by VA Video Connect. Many Veterans find that medications help them manage symptoms of PTSD, and medication treatments for PTSD symptoms are also available through VA.
VA National Center for PTSD is a leader in PTSD research, education and treatment. According to the National Center for PTSD, taking a VA National Center for PTSD self-screen can help Veterans learn if their feelings and behaviors may be related to PTSD. Things that bother Veterans now or keep them from doing things they want or need to do could be related to a trauma in their past.
PTSD Teams are ready to answer any questions Veterans have about evidenced-based psychotherapies for PTSD and discuss possible referrals! Check out the PTSD Awareness Month Calendar to see how you can take a more active role in PTSD Awareness, or visit National Center for PTSD to learn more. Battle Creek VA offers education on available treatments and works with Veterans to identify both outpatient and residential rehabilitation treatment options that the Veteran prefers and are the best fit for them.
Please let Veterans know they are not alone, and that there are PTSD treatments that work. So, why wait? Feel free to contact the PTSD Program Manager, Dr. Theodore Wright at theodore.wright1@va.gov or x31118 for further information.