PTSD Awareness

Apr 14th, 2010 By: Scott Krahling
Topics: General Blog, PTSD Awareness

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           Last year at this time, I wrote about a friend of mine who took his own life after returning from the war in Iraq . He suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and I vowed to do all in my power to shine light on this debilitating condition that affects so many of our heroic returning warriors.

In my efforts to learn about and increase awareness of this disorder, I've come to realize that PTSD affects anyone who has suffered from a traumatic event. I focused on returning veterans because of my specific experience, but it is important for all of us to know that this information has broad applications across society.

Following the lead of the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners in 2009, momentum is picking up at the state and national levels to designate a day each year as PTSD Awareness Day.

I believe that at the community, state and federal levels, we have a collective obligation to educate ourselves on PTSD symptoms and to be unrelenting in referring those who are symptomatic to places where they can seek fellowship and counseling from others who have ‘been there’ and understand the inherent challenges of re-adapting to normal life after living through significant trauma, such as the horrors of war.

The symptoms of PTSD are difficult to deal with because retreat and withdrawal are a part of the disorder. Other symptoms include avoiding social situations, self-isolation, loss of hope for a full and rewarding future, and irritability. Anyone who thinks that their friend or loved one is suffering from PTSD should seek professional help in how to approach the subject immediately.

             If you have a loved one who experienced a traumatic event and is suffering from these symptoms, you need to know that PTSD is very real and that you are not alone. It will be worthwhile and rewarding to seek help to find pro-active ways to approach the subject. There are therapists who can help you understand how to help those you love. Don't make the mistake that I and so many others did in thinking that it will go away on its own.

             When it comes to veterans, we are fortunate in southern New Mexico to have the Las Cruces Vet Center and the Veterans’ Service Center as resources. But the fact that those resources are in place does not mean that all veterans are aware of them. They should be. The Las Cruces Vet Center , (575) 523-9826, is located at 230 S. Water St. , in downtown Las Cruces . The Veteran Services Center , (575) 524-6220, is located at 2024 E. Griggs Ave. , in Las Cruces.

              For non-veterans, counseling is available through churches, private therapists and various non-profit organizations. For veterans and non-veterans alike, PTSD has the proven ability to wreck lives, and many of its victims are reluctant to reach out. I believe that reluctance on their part translates to responsibility for the rest of us to pay attention, speak up and point sufferers toward help.

              On Tuesday, April 27, the Doña Ana County Government Center will proclaim April 28 as the Second Annual PTSD Awareness Day in Doña Ana County . I urge you and your readers to join us in reaching out to our returning warriors and others who suffer in hopeless silence.