PTSD

This #OperationSong spotlight is on the song “Purple Heart” by Army Veteran Joseph Zaragoza.

VBA grant rates for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) related to sexual trauma increased by approximately 22 percentage points since 2015.

Major news outlets for the past few months have focused on the nation’s longest war: Afghanistan. With a high of more than 100,000 U.S. troops in 2010, the number of troops continued to shrink over the past decade. While news coverage debates the decision to cease combat operations, the highest-ranking enlisted service member in the military said Veterans from the war should remember the positive to help reconcile their service.

Dr. Sheila Rauch, director of mental health research and program evaluation at the Atlanta VA Health Care System, led the study. Despite the surprising finding, she says Veterans with PTSD should not delay treatment thinking that their symptoms will improve over time.

When Army Veteran Jason came to VA for help recovering from an IED injury, he didn’t realize he would find a purpose in life.

Veterans are at high risk for experiencing potentially traumatic events during military service. Evidence also suggests that sexual minorities are at greater risk of PTEs, compared with heterosexual peers. However, few studies have documented how traumatic experiences may differ by sexual orientation among Veterans.

Alaska Navy Veteran works hard to better his mental health with VA tools to help him handle his PTSD. Asking for help is a sign of strength.

Army Veteran Peter is a decorated Vietnam Veteran. He has debilitating conditions from exposure to Agent Orange. He gets all his care from VA.

VA trains more psychology profession trainees than any health care system in the nation. The nation’s leading provider of treatments for PTSD, VA offers hope of healing for the silent wounds of war.

VETMotorsports is a Veteran Therapy founded by Peter Cline that uses motorsports to empower Veterans when returning to civilian life.

These Veterans developed PTSD from their military experiences. But they also share something extraordinary: They’ve come out the other side with a renewed sense of life and purpose.

On June 27, National PTSD Awareness Day, the El Paso VA Health Care System held a walk to raise awareness and increase education about Veterans suffering from PTSD. Also to decrease stigma.