READJUSTMENT
A sizable segment of the veteran and active duty population suffering from the unseen challenges of Post Traumatic Stress Conditions do not have the range of support services that they need and deserve.
One of the early writings regarding “Readjustment Problems Among Veterans” .. was authored by Psychologist Jim Goodwin, and published by the Disabled American Veterans Foundation in the early 1980’s.
Goodwin wrote that “following their wartime experiences.. most Vietnam veterans.. have adjusted well to life back in the United States. That’s a tribute to these veterans, who faced a difficult home-coming, to say the least.” However.. a very large number of veterans.. haven’t made it all the way home.
Many still lead lives plagued by serious war related readjustment problems - -
Depression.. anxiety.. flashbacks to combat.. Isolation.. feelings of alienation..
avoidance of feelings.. anger.. resentment… survivors guilt.. shame.. nightmares..
and sleep disturbances.. often drug or alcohol problems … and .. perhaps.. even
suicidal feelings”.
Thankfully, over the years, researchers have dramatically increased our understanding of what causes PTSD, and how to treat it. Psychotherapy, and counseling, can, and do, help a traumatized person understand their thoughts and reactions, and help them learn techniques to cope with challenging situations as they arise.
Today.. significant concerns.. need to be directed.. to the current generation of Warriors; the post 9/11 veterans. Many researchers believe, that due the duration of the most recent conflicts, and multiple deployments, into these combat zones, these young men and women, will quite likely experience greater PTSD challenges than prior generations.
By some estimates.. as many as 7,500 veterans commit suicide every year.. latest indications are.. 17 per day.. nearly 1 ever 85 minutes. While veteran suicide.. is not limited to younger veterans.. a recent poll found that.. more than half of post 9/11 veterans.. know at least one colleague.. who has committed suicide.. or .. are having thoughts of suicide.
These dedicated warriors deserve.. the transition support that they need.. and we as a society that sent them to war, owe it to them to properly welcome them back home.
