About PTSD

PTSD Basics

After a trauma or life-threatening event, it is common to have reactions such as upsetting memories of the event, increased jumpiness, or trouble sleeping. If these reactions do not go away or if they get worse, you may have Post traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). US Dept VA, National Center for PTSD

PTSD & Communities

Whether you are personally involved in a traumatic event, you may come in contact with someone who has experienced trauma or who has PTSD. Sometimes traumatic events affect an entire community all at once, such as a natural disaster. At other times, trauma affects people less directly. For example, you may live near or work with a person who experienced a traumatic event. National Center for PTSD

From 2001 to 2014, the VA found, suicides among U.S. adult civilians increased 23 percent while veteran suicides increased 32 percent — making the risk of suicide 21 percent greater for veterans than civilians (after controlling for age and gender). – ABC News

Knisely, Barker, and Barker (2012) reported within the U.S. Army Medical Department Journal that individuals who engaged in animal-assisted therapies experienced a reduction in their anxiety and depression symptoms. Similarly, research findings suggested that individuals who lived alone or were institutionalized experienced a reduction in symptoms of depression and anxiety after interacting with a therapy dog (Shubert, 2012). – Society for Military Psychology

Veterans in our community:

Partners with our group have the satisfaction of knowing they are contributing to their community. They also learn about the issues of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – it’s not happening in a foreign land – it’s affecting their neighbors, their classmates, and their co-workers. 1 Veterans Foundation strives to raise awareness of this issue and provide ways people can help. Our model serves to demonstrate how each of us can make a difference and to provide knowledge, empowerment and inspiration.