PTSD AND TBI AWARENESS PROGRAMS LAUNCHED --
Recognizing the symptoms associated with PTSD and
TBI should
now be easier for soldiers and civilian employees
thanks to a new
mandatory awareness program the Army launched
this summer.
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Story here...
http://www.estripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=50046
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PTSD and TBI awareness programs launched
By Charlie Reed
Stars and Stripes
Do you know a soldier who just isn’t acting like himself these days?
If so, he could be suffering from post traumatic stress disorder or
traumatic brain injury as a result of serving in Iraq or Afghanistan.
Recognizing the symptoms associated with PTSD and TBI should now be easier
for soldiers and civilian employees thanks to a new mandatory awareness
program the Army launched this summer. The one- to two-hour
“chain-teaching” program should have been delivered to all units by their
command in mid-October.
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“I think the biggest thing with the chain
teaching is that it kind of identifies symptoms that aren’t very apparent
otherwise,” said Jeri Chappelle, spokeswoman for Europe Regional Medical
Command. “Soldiers may be experiencing these symptoms and don’t know why
they have them.”
Coupled with other efforts — such as Landstuhl Regional Medical Center’s
new proposal to establish a TBI center — the awareness program shows
military officials are devoting more resources to the two conditions,
which affect up to 30 percent of downrange troops.
Furthering the cause is the $900 million Congress allocated earlier this
year for PTSD and TBI, now considered among the war’s hallmark injuries.
“It’s coming from the recognition of the magnitude of the problem,” said
Army Dr. (Col.) Stephen Flaherty, chief of Lanstuhl’s trauma center.
“Education is important. We know this is happening.”
Though they can afflict someone simultaneously, the combat-related
conditions manifest themselves in distinct ways.
Signs of PTSD can surface after experiencing an incident resulting in
intense fear, hopelessness or horror. They can include reliving the
episode over and over again, avoiding reminders of the event and
constantly feeling on edge.
Mild TBI is caused by blows to the head and exposure to blasts and
explosions that result in concussion, which when suffered multiple times
can complicate the condition. Signs include blurred vision, headaches,
aggressive behavior, depression and cognitive issues such as trouble
concentrating.
But perhaps as important as recognizing the signs of PTSD and TBI is
overcoming the negative connotations attached to the conditions, say
military officials.
“There is a stigma is associated with soldiers seeking mental help, but I
think that’s changing," said Chappelle, the ERMC spokeswoman.
“I think everybody is trying to get the word out to soldiers that if they
have problems they should get help,” she said.
And experts agree, the sooner help is sought, the better. While some can
suffer lifelong effects from TBI and PTSD, doctors and researchers say
treatment can help troops fully recover.
A version of the PTSD/TBI awareness program designed specifically for
Family Readiness Groups also is available.
Both versions can be accessed at
www.army.mil. Look for “PTSD/TBI Chain Teaching Program” under
“Strategic Messages” on the right side of the page.
-------------------------
Larry Scott --
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