Noteboom The Law Firm

VA and DoD Applauded For Their Efforts In Helping Those With PTSD

November 4, 2010 - The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) have spent a significant amount of time working to help those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Last week the considerable results from their efforts were recognized.

As the wars have changed and the diseases affecting soldiers have changed, the VA and DoD have had to change along with them. Convincing people to get help has been one huge wall they have had to overcome. A big reason for this wall is soldiers refusing to seek help because of the stigma attached to being diagnosed with PTSD.

The efforts of the VA and the DoD have lowered the percentage of soldiers not seeking help from 90% to 50%. The armed services taking an active role in developing an "emotional resilience" in soldiers on the same level as they develop their physical training was highlighted and applauded. Teaching people to be more resilient may be a strong step in helping to fight PTSD.

The VA's approach to treating PTSD includes employing 3,000 therapists specializing in PTSD and the DoD has an additional 500 therapists. Soldiers who need help can get treatment while they're in the service and if they still need help, they can continue at the VA once they get out of the service.

The military is training their medics to recognize signs in their troops in the field so they can get involved as early as possible if they notice something wrong. Both the VA and the DoD attempt to involve the soldiers' families into treatment as much as possible. The VA and the DoD's efforts have undoubtedly saved lives and will hopefully continue to do so.