Veterans Find PTSD Support in the White House

The government has been successful in providing beneficial programs for veterans such as the GI Bill and The Yellow Ribbon Program but it seems they have issues fully supporting medical treatment. Many veterans have suffered for far too long without adequate attention to a gigantic problem. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is one of the most devastating effects of war for veterans and one of the most under-treated. The symptoms are brutal and can often be debilitating without proper treatment.

President Obama recognized the great need of those suffering from this tragic condition on Monday, July 10th, 2010, in his weekly address to the nation.

“Too many suffer from the signature injuries of today’s wars: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury. And too few receive the screening and treatment they need,” the President said.

Looking at military PTSD statistics reveals the incredible need for sufficient attention to this problem for veterans. President Obama vowed to change the current situation for PTSD patients by expanding mental health counseling and services. This comes as good news for veterans and veterans’ families suffering from its devastating effects.

“But for years, many veterans with PTSD who have tried to seek benefits – veterans of today’s wars and earlier wars – have often found themselves stymied,” the President stated. “They’ve been required to produce evidence proving that a specific event caused their PTSD.  And that practice has kept the vast majority of those with PTSD who served in non-combat roles, but who still waged war, from getting the care they need.”

But, veterans seeking therapy for PTSD need not despair. Change has seemingly come and veterans with PTSD across the nation can sleep a little easier knowing that adequate care will be accessible and their voices will truly be heard.

“On Monday, the Department of Veterans Affairs, led by Secretary Eric Shinseki, will begin making it easier for a veteran with PTSD to get the benefits he or she needs,” President Obama said.

Options for Veterans with PTSD

In addition to government aid and assistance, there are many PTSD support groups that can facilitate recovery. PTSD veterans often meet together to create a place where they can gain and lend support to each other.

There are groups meeting all around the nation and there are online support groups as well. There are many websites, such as this blog, dedicated to PTSD research and support which contain information regarding news, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment.

The most important thing is to get immediate help and counseling for you and/or your loved one(s). If you’d like to learn more about the new regulations for PTSD treatment set out by the government’s Department of Veteran Affairs check out their website regarding those changes.