LULAC Veterans Council 777, which advocates for the welfare of veterans and their family members, encourages members of the community to become informed about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of PTSD, Post-traumatic Stress Disorder.
June 27 is PTSD Awareness Day. In 2014 the U.S. Senate designated by resolution the full month of June as National PTSD Awareness Month to educate members of the Armed Forces, veterans and their families, and the public about the causes, symptoms, and treatment of PTSD.
According to Julie Bazan, president of LULAC Veterans Council 777, “Education and information can make a difference in understanding our veteran population.” She said the courage displayed by each veteran who served the United States
as a member of the Armed Forces can never be duplicated.
“These individuals sacrificed precious time away from family and sometimes their mental and physical health. A number of these brave men and women never returned home to their loved ones, and many who did return home are now enduring health problems and irreversible mental health conditions including PTSD,” she said.
According to the Disabled American Veterans Organization, PTSD has an impact on the lives of 11-20 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan War veterans, approximately 12 percent of Gulf War veterans, and 15 percent of Vietnam veterans.
PTSD is a mental health disorder that includes long-lasting effects following a traumatic or life-threatening event. This condition may impair the ability to lead a life free of nightmares and life-changing behaviors that can be misinterpreted by those who are not familiar with PTSD. In some cases, PTSD health conditions can lead to suicide and behaviors that destroy families.
Learning about PTSD and understanding the culture of veterans is one way to offer respect and appreciation to those who served their country.
Symptoms
Symptoms of PTSD include reliving the traumatic event and experiencing nightmares and flashbacks. Other symptoms include difficulty sleeping, the inability to concentrate, angry outbursts, avoiding situations that bring memories of the traumatic event, negative changes in beliefs and feelings about self and others.
Other ongoing problems can include panic disorders, depression, substance abuse, and feeling suicidal. It is important to note that any of these symptoms can be brought about by triggers in the individual’s surroundings or environment.
Treatments
PTSD is treatable. According to the National Institute of Health, the main treatment is medication and/or psychotherapy. Because everyone is unique, and the severity of PTSD may vary, treatment that works for one person may not work for another. It is important for anyone with PTSD to be treated by a mental health provider who is experienced with PTSD. General programs that provide mental health services include VA medical centers, community-based outpatient clinics (CBOCs), and Vet Centers. Some people with PTSD need to try different treatments to find what works for their symptoms. The National Center for PTSD, part of the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs website www.ptsd.va.gov provides information for anyone interested in PTSD (including veterans, family, and friends) and for professional researchers and health care providers.
The mission of LULAC Veterans Council 777 is based on the Constitution of LULAC, Article III, Aims and Purposes, pages two and three. The Council will also focus on developing resources and information to help veterans on issues that include housing, education, health benefits, burial benefits, medical appeals, claims due to service connected disabilities, the medical appeal process, and other quality of life issues.
For additional information please email lulacveteranscouncil777@gmail.com
