2014 Veterans Day Discounts and Freebies
Search Site for Veterans Day Discounts by Zip Code
#Veterans #Military #MilitarySpouse #MilSpouse
#VeteransDay #VeteransDayDiscounts #Freebies
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Friday, September 12, 2014
Until They All Come Home!
We wear Red on Fridays! We show our support, and try to gain others support as well. In doing so, we provide comfort to those that see us before deployment, and a guiding spirit to those deployed. May our patriotic support be the guiding light that shines overseas to those looking for the light at the end of their long journey of deployment. May our Red appearance display our love for those that sacrifice so much for our Freedom. May Red display our appreciation boldly and proudly. May Red be our "Thank You For Your Service"
Wednesday, August 6, 2014
PTSD - Coming Home From War
Return from War
A Guide for Families of Military Personnel
This guide can help family members with reintegration following war. Learn how other families and military members dealt with common challenges.
Help with Flash
A Guide for Military Personnel
This guide is to help military personnel understand what to expect when returning from a war zone, and to help them to better adapt back to home life. Includes full color photos, stories, and live links! View online or print for handouts.
Deployment Information for Servicemembers and Veterans
Videos
- Mental Health Effects of Serving in Afghanistan and Iraq
An overview of the mental health effects of serving in OEF/OIF. - Help for Veterans with PTSD
Answers to questions about PTSD and service-connected disability that are frequently asked by Veterans. Provides information about resources for treatment.
Deployment Information for Families
- Coping When a Family Member Has Been Called to War
Provides tips and resources to help families cope before, during, and after a family member is deployed to a war. - How Deployment Stress Affects Families | Dé qué Manera el Estrés de una Movilización Puede Afectar a las Familias
Explains how deployment of a service member to a combat zone can be extremely challenging for a family. - Children Coping with Deployment
Explains how children react to a parent's going to war, with suggestions for helping children cope.
PTSD - Women Veterans with PTSD
Issues Specific to Women
We now know a great deal about women's experiences of trauma and PTSD. The most common types of traumatic experiences women have are different than men. Also, while both men and women report the same symptoms of PTSD, some symptoms are more common for women or men. Some research shows that women may also be more likely to seek help after a traumatic event.
This section provides information about trauma, PTSD, and treatment that is specific women.
General Information for Women
- Women, Trauma, and PTSD
Learn about trauma and PTSD in women. - Sexual Assault against Females
Defines sexual assault, how often it occurs, and the characteristics of perpetrators. Discusses women's reactions to sexual assault and what to do if you have been sexually assaulted.
Combat-Related Trauma in Women
- Traumatic Stress in Women Veterans
Discusses stressors faced by women Veterans and what can help. - Women's Mental Health Services in the VA
Describes services offered to women Veterans, including the Women Veterans Health Care Program. - Rape of Women in a War Zone
Summarizes the prevalence and effects of war-related rape on women in a war zone, such as in Kosovo and Bosnia.
Monday, August 4, 2014
The Service Animal assists the disabled person overcome their physical and/or emotional disability as an owner/handler team. Originally a Service Animal was only a Seeing Eye Dog used to help with only the physical disability of loss/severe reduction [legal blindness] of eye sight. Later Service Animals of all types were introduced to help by alerting people who are deaf, pulling wheelchairs, alerting and protecting a person who is having a seizure, or performing other special tasks such as assist with balance while walking. More recently title Service Animal includes treating of patients with psychological complications such as PTSD and combat related stress disorders. This use of Service Animals [Dogs in particular] has proven that the reduction of PTSD related symptoms occurred in as many as 82% of patients studied.
More and more Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans are being written prescriptions for Service Animals to help combat related PTSD. Service Animals can help alleviate stress, loneliness, anxiety, the feeling of a vulnerable back. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that owning a Service Animal can decrease your blood pressure, cholesterol levels, triglyceride levels and feelings of loneliness; they also increase your desire for exercise, outdoor activity, and opportunity for socialization. Caring for a Service Animal requires responsibility and adherence to a daily schedule which are very beneficial in treating combat related PTSD.
Friday, July 25, 2014
R.E.D. Friday
Today, Veterans stand guard overseas protecting the interests of our Nation in the defense of our freedom. Their sacrifice and service is well deserving of our remembrance. Let us wear red on Friday to show our devotion and support for their service in the name of freedom. May everyone witness this sea of red, and respect our fortitude and unity. May this display provide the morale needed for our soldiers to continue on with their mission, knowing that we await their safe return.
Today, We honor those that never returned with this shining sea of red. With full knowledge of their ultimate sacrifice, we will never forget them. Our act of wearing red is a further example of our dedication to their commitment. This is proof that there are those too that serve those who served the citizens of this Nation at any cost.
Today, Remember Everyone Deployed, Until They All Come Home.
#TYFYS
Veterans PTSD
#veterans #military #milspouse #militaryspouse #REDfriday#remembereveryonedeployed #untiltheyallcomehome #SupportOurTroops#SupportOurMilitary #SupportOurVeterans #Deployed #deployedsoldier#soldier #Army #Navy #AirForce #Marines #NationalGuard #Reserves#NeverForgotten #POWMIA #woundedwarrior #silentsoldier #Vet #Troops#warrior
Tuesday, July 22, 2014
Veteran Suicide and Prevention
22 Veterans commit suicide everyday. 1 is too many, 22 is an injustice and a complete breakdown of our society. There are resources available for our Heroes. If you are a Veteran that needs help, please reach out. The Veterans Crisis Line is a resource available to all, including friends and family. Please, take the first step towards saving a life. Every Veteran is an invaluable part of our way of life, and needs to be preserved at any cost.
People experience emotional and mental health crises in response to a wide range of situations—from difficulties in their personal relationships to the loss of a job. For Veterans, these crises can be heightened by their experiences during military service. When emotional issues reach a crisis point, it’s time to call on the Veterans Crisis Line for support.
Sometimes a crisis may involve thoughts of suicide. Learn to recognize these warning signs:
- Hopelessness, feeling like there’s no way out
- Anxiety, agitation, sleeplessness, or mood swings
- Feeling like there is no reason to live
- Rage or anger
- Engaging in risky activities without thinking
- Increasing alcohol or drug abuse
- Withdrawing from family and friends
The following signs require immediate attention:
- Thinking about hurting or killing yourself
- Looking for ways to kill yourself
- Talking about death, dying, or suicide
- Self-destructive behavior such as drug abuse, weapons, etc.
If you are a Veteran or know a Veteran who is experiencing any of these signs, call the Veterans Crisis Line immediately. Responders are standing by to help.
You can also learn to identify and understand risk factors for suicide.
Identifying the Signs
Many Veterans may not show any signs of intent to harm themselves before doing so, but some actions can be a sign that a Veteran needs help. Veterans in crisis may show behaviors that indicate a risk of harming themselves.
Take a Self-Check Quiz
Crisis, stress, depression, and other issues affect people in different ways. Maybe you’re having trouble sleeping or feel out of control. Maybe your energy level is down or you feel anxious all the time. If these issues and others seem to be leading to a crisis, treatment can help. Take a confidential, anonymous risk assessment to see how you might benefit from VA or community-based services.
You are not alone.
Help is available.
If you are a Veteran in crisis or know one who is, call1-800-273-8255 and Press 1 to confidentially speak with a trained, caring VA responder and get connected to services that can make a difference. Chat online or text with a VA responder to receive anonymous support now. Deaf or hard of hearing individuals using TTY can call1-800-799-4889.
Resource Locator
You can use the resource locator to find VA and community-based support in your area. See how you can connect with VA Suicide Prevention Coordinators, local crisis centers, VA Medical Centers, and more.
If you or a Veteran you know is in crisis, find a facility near you.
Support for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
The Veterans Crisis Line is accessible to individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Learn more about support for deaf and hard of hearing individuals.
Get Involved and Learn More
Find out how you can support Veterans in crisis. Watch a video about reaching out for help. Learn about resources for homeless Veterans. Or just check out resources VA and other organizations have to offer.
- Spread the Word – download materials for print or web to show support for our Veterans
- Videos – watch encouraging messages of support
- Homeless Resources – learn what support is available for homeless Veterans
- Additional Information – resources for Veterans and their loved ones from VA, military, and civilian communities
- MakeTheConnection.net – connects Veterans and their friends and family members with information, resources, and solutions to issues affecting their health, well-being, and everyday lives. Hear inspiring stories of strength. Learn what has worked for other Veterans. Discover positive steps you can take—all in the words of Veterans just like you.
Veterans PTSD, Inc. asks that everyone that knows of someone at risk of suicide should contact a suicide prevention professional immediately. You can be a hero, just make the call. #TYFYS
Military Sexual Trauma: Disability Compensation
COMPENSATION: MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA (MST)
DISABILITY COMPENSATION FOR PERSONAL ASSAULT OR
MILITARY SEXUAL TRAUMA (MST)
Some Veterans may have experienced personal assault or sexual trauma while serving in the military. These kinds of experiences can sometimes affect Veterans’ mental and physical health, even many years later. Veterans can apply for disability compensation for any current difficulties that are related to their service, including difficulties related to personal assault or military sexual trauma (MST). You do not need a VA service-connected disability rating to be eligible for free MST-related treatment through VA. No documentation is required to receive MST-related treatment.
How Does VA Define Personal Assault and Military Sexual Trauma (MST)?
VA defines personal assault as physical or psychological violence, domestic battering, or stalking. One type of personal assault is MST, which is defined by Title 38 U.S. Code 1720D as “psychological trauma…resulting from a physical assault of a sexual nature, battery of a sexual nature, or sexual harassment which occurred while the Veteran was serving on active duty or active duty for training.” Sexual harassment is defined as “repeated, unsolicited verbal or physical contact of a sexual nature which is threatening in character.”
Can You Develop Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) or Other Mental Health
Disorders as a Result of Personal Assault or Military Sexual Trauma?
Yes. Exposure to any trauma can potentially result in PTSD or another mental health disorder. PTSD is the most common mental health diagnosis related to experiencing a personal assault or MST.
What Evidence Can Support a Disability Claim for PTSD as a Result of Personal Assault or Military Sexual Trauma?
Department of Defense forms used in reporting incidents of sexual assault or harassment, as well as
investigative reports during military service, are direct evidence to support these claims. However, VA knows
that events involving personal assault or sexual trauma are not always officially reported. Therefore, VA has
relaxed the evidentiary requirements and looks for “markers” (i.e., signs, events, or circumstances) that provide
some indication that the traumatic event happened, such as;
-Records from law enforcement authorities, rape crisis centers, mental health counseling centers, hospitals, or physicians.
-Pregnancy tests or tests for sexually transmitted diseases.
-Statements from family members, roommates, fellow Servicemembers, clergy members, or counselors.
-Request for transfer to another military duty assignment.
-Deterioration in work performance.
-Substance abuse.
-Episodes of depression, panic attacks, or anxiety without an identifiable cause.
-Unexplained economic or social behavioral changes.
-Relationship issues, such as divorce.
-Sexual dysfunction.
How Can You Apply for Disability Compensation?
You can apply for disability compensation by completing VA Form 21-526, Veteran’s Application for Compensation and/or Pension. You may also apply online at http://www.ebenefits.va.gov/ MST specialists and/or Women Veterans Coordinators are available at every VA Regional Office to assist male and female Veterans filing claims related to personal assault or MST. You can find a list of VA Regional Offices by calling 1-800-827-1000 or visiting http://www.va.gov/ For more information about MST-related treatment, visit
www.mentalhealth.va.gov/msthome.asp.
For More Information, Call Toll-Free 1-800-827-1000 or Visit the VA Web Site at http://www.va.gov/
#veterans #military #MST #PTSD #sexualassault #sexualharassment#sexualabuse #rape #depression #anxiety #panicattacks #flashbacks#militarysexualassault #militarysexualtrauma #stopthestigma #helpavet#supportourtroops #militaryspouse #protectourtroops
#TYFYS
Veterans PTSD
Information and Directional Resource Services and Education - Military, Veterans and Supporters
Non-Profit Organization: 794 like this
eBenefits - Homepage
www.ebenefits.va.gov
PTS Fact Sheet- Summary of Veterans Statistics for PTS, Depression and Suicide
PTS Fact Sheet:
Summary of Veterans Statistics for PTS, Depression and Suicide.
- there are over 2.3 million American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (compared to 2.6 million Vietnam veterans who fought in Vietnam; there are 8.2 million “Vietnam Era Veterans” (personnel who served anywhere during any time of the Vietnam War)
- at least 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have PTSD and/or Depression. (460,000 veterans with PTS and Depression)
- 50% of those with PTSD do not seek treatment
- out of the half that seek treatment, only half of them get “minimally adequate” treatment (RAND study)
- 7% of veterans have both post-traumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury
- rates of post-traumatic stress are greater for these wars than prior conflicts
- in times of peace, in any given year, about 4% (actually 3.6%) of the general population have PTSD (caused by natural disasters, car accidents, abuse, etc.)
- recent statistical studies show that rates of veteran suicide are much higher than previously thought. The U.S. military acknowledged that suicides hit a record in 2012, outpacing combat deaths. An estimated 22 veterans committed suicide in America each day in 2010, according to a report released Friday by the U.S Department of Veterans Affairs.
- PTSD distribution between services for OND, OIF, and OEF: Army 67% of cases, Air Force 9%, Navy 11%, and Marines 13%. (Congressional Research Service, Sept. 2010)
- recent sample of 600 veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan found: 14% post-traumatic stress disorder; 39% alcohol abuse; 3% drug abuse. Major depression also a problem. “Mental and Physical Health Status and Alcohol and Drug Use Following Return From Deployment to Iraq or Afghanistan.” Susan V. Eisen, PhD
- More active duty personnel died by own hand than combat in 2012 (New York Times).
- The wives, husbands, children, family and friends of the 460,000 recent veterans with PTS and Depression enlarge effects this problem into the millions. Historically, data show that veterans who suffer from PTSD are likely to experience “difficulties maintaining emotional intimacy,” and have a “greatly elevated risk of divorce.” Children of deployed parents, even those as young as three, have been shown to have increased behavioral health problems compared with children without a deployed parent. Deployments may also lead to an increase in the rates of child abuse in military families.
PTS: Simple and Complex
Steve Andreas
The term PTSD is sometimes applied very loosely to any unpleasant memory of an event that continues to trouble someone. Having a deprived childhood, repeated failure in school or business, or being dumped by a lover may be very unpleasant, but it is not usually a life-threatening event. The DSM 5 criteria for PTSD are fairly specific: an exposure to a terrifying life-threatening event, followed by multiple symptoms that persist and don’t resolve over time.
Bill was driving the lead Humvee in a convoy in Iraq when an IED exploded by the roadside, killing several men in the vehicle. Ever since this, Bill has had trouble sleeping because of nightmares reliving the explosion, and frequent daytime flashbacks whenever he hears a loud noise. Since then he has been isolated, drinking too much, feeling depressed, and sometimes exploding into rage.
Bill’s experience satisfies all the DSM 5 criteria for PTSD: The core of PTSD is essentially a phobic response to the terrifying event itself, and can usually be successfully treated using the RTM phobia cure, in which Bill can learn how to view the event as if he were an uninvolved bystander seeing himself going through it from the outside. This is the core of PTSD, and for some sufferers, that’s all there is. The description of John, in chapter 7 ofHeart of the Mind, (pp. 61-63) is an example. One session with the phobia cure resolved all his symptoms.
However, there may be many other aspects that contribute to PTSD, and these are often confused with the core phobic response, even by “experts” in the field. These additional aspects are very different from the core phobic response, and each requires a different intervention to achieve resolution. Some of these are closely associated with the incident itself, while others occur before or after the traumatic event. Let’s explore Bill’s experience further to illustrate these additional aspects.
Aspects closely associated in time. Bill knew that a pop bottle at the side of the road could be a marker for an IED, but he chose to ignore it, so he feels regret for not stopping, and constantly berates himself for his poor judgment, and feels guilty for the deaths that resulted. Bill’s best buddy was killed in the Humvee explosion, and Bill is grieving this loss. In the frenzy of the attack that followed, Bill shot at anything that moved, including two women and several children, and he feels great shame about having caused their deaths.
Aspects that developed afterward. Bill’s legs were severely damaged in the explosion, and had to be amputated, so Bill is also grieving this loss of many different treasured sports and activities. In addition he has TBI, and he is depressed by the formidable task of adapting to these disabilities. He was engaged to a woman with whom he was intensely involved. When she found out about his injuries, she dropped him like a hot rock, and it was as if a part of him died, depriving him of love and support when he needed it most. This is when he started drinking too much, and his rages became worse and more frequent.
Aspects that developed beforehand. Long before Bill joined the army, he suffered repeated verbal (and some physical) abuse from his father, and he internalized this voice, which constantly criticized him no matter what he did. Bill had spent almost a year in the red zone, under constant threat of attack 24/7. The constant anxiety had already made him habitually hypervigilant, sleeping poorly, and reacting instantly to any surprise by becoming fully alert and ready to respond with violence. Bill entered the army as an idealistic gung-ho warrior, but he had already become disillusioned by the gritty reality of war, and had decided that it was a tragic and futile waste, making his burdens utterly meaningless.
Regret, grief, guilt, shame, physical disability, loneliness, insomnia, rages, drug use, self-criticism, depression, generalized anxiety, hypervigilance, violence, disillusion — all of these (and more) may be part of what is often called PTSD. Each of these tends to make the other aspects worse, in a “perfect storm” that often seems to the sufferer to be part of one confusing and tangled ball of chaos and emotional instability. To work successfully with this it is vitally important to be able to separate the different aspects and work with each using different processes that are appropriate.
There are a great many PTSD sufferers, and there is a desperate need for rapid and effective ways of working with them. Most current treatment approaches are simplistic and grossly ineffective. When I asked an Iraq vet I worked with recently about her previous 5 years of treatment, she said:
“I think I saw 8 or 9 different shrinks, and all they wanted to do was give me meds, and then they had all these stupid things they wanted to do, like a tapping thing where you thought about the war and they did this tapping thing, and that was supposed to make it lessen. And they had this finger thing, follow the finger while you thought about the bad — it was stupid! That didn’t do anything; it just kind of pissed me off — and then off to the next shrink. That was a waste of my time… . I like having tools [that I taught her] now because they didn’t give you any of this when we came back… Now I have a way to cope with everything — something to do at least to make it better.”
Frank’s PTS 9-11 Work:
Frank worked in NYC from September 2011 to August 2012. He had responsibility for the psychological rehabilitation of 850 survivors of the AON Corporation all of whom were above the 100th floor of the World Trade Center and 250 of whom had severe PTS symptoms. It was during this time that he realized the effectiveness of the RTM protocol and the need for its’ widespread utilization for traumatized clients.
Nearly a Quarter of New York Veterans Face Mental Health Challenges; More Coordination of Resources Needed, Study Finds
January 26, 2011 (Albany)—Military veterans from New York state who served in Iraq and Afghanistan are at high risk for mental health problems, according to a new study conducted by the RAND Corporation and funded by the New York State Health Foundation.
Nearly a quarter of veterans (22 percent) in New York State were found to have a probable diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder and/or major depression. Compared to similar individuals in the general population, the veterans studied were at an eight-fold greater risk of probable PTSD and a two- to four-fold greater risk of major depression.
While many services are available to those in need, more than 40 percent of veterans report being unaware of what help is available or uncertain about how to navigate the systems that provide assistance. Outreach to connect veterans with services and better coordination among government and community agencies is needed, according to the study, which is the first to look at the needs of returning veterans and their families in New York State.
“This study underscores that many returning veterans have mental health needs that require substantial attention from both the Department of Veterans Affairs and other service providers in New York State,” said Terry Schell, the study’s lead author and a senior social scientist at RAND, a nonprofit research organization. “While many services are available, more needs to be done to make sure veterans get the help they need.”
Since October 2001, approximately 2 million U.S. troops have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, and an estimated 85,000 of the troops have returned to New York. Previous national research by RAND has shown that returning veterans are at high risk for mental health disorders and other types of impairments following deployment. (2013 estimates 22,000 PTS affected Veterans in NYS).
“Veterans who have served our country deserve a health system that is easy to understand and easy to access,” said James R. Knickman, president and CEO of the New York State Health Foundation. “This study helps us to understand where there are gaps in services. It should be a priority for the Veterans Administration to improve outreach and coordination of services for all veterans in need.”
The study found that 26 percent of veterans were unsure how to get answers for their questions about treatment. In addition, almost half of the veterans surveyed indicated that they prefer to receive services in the community rather than through the VA system.
In contrast to the high rates of PTSD and depression among veterans, the rate of veterans’ illicit drug use was lower than in the general population, and alcohol misuse was similar to the rate found among comparable individuals in the general population. However, a considerable number of veterans misuse alcohol and might benefit from treatment, according to researchers.
The study also assessed the needs of veterans’ spouses. Spouses reported experiencing several challenges after their veterans return from deployment. Nearly half reported problems dealing with their veteran spouse’s mood changes and 42 percent were worried about the possibility of future military deployments.
RAND researchers say one clear finding from the study is that veterans’ health and well-being are the responsibility of more than just the Department of Veterans Affairs. Veterans are frequently using providers from government-run programs other than the VA and from the civilian health care system.
“The needs of veterans are not addressed solely through the VA,” said study co-authorTerri Tanielian, co-director of the RAND Center for Military Health Policy Research. “Veterans need services that may be better accessed through private providers, non-profit organizations or public health programs. These different systems must work together with the VA to provide veterans access to high-quality, coordinated care.”
Researchers recommend more effort be put into connecting veterans with care coordinators who can provide personalized assistance across a range of service sectors. The existing system often misses the veterans most in need of outreach — those who have not yet enrolled in the Veterans Health Administration.
The study focused on people living in New York state who deployed overseas, then returned to the community. Unlike most other studies of veterans, RAND researchers drew from all veterans across the state, not just those receiving services from the Department of Veterans Affairs.
Researchers surveyed 913 veterans and 293 spouses of veterans from New York, and conducted six focus groups of veterans and their family members across the state. In addition, they documented services for veterans that are currently available in New York state.
The report, “A Needs Assessment of New York State Veterans: Final Report to the New York State Health Foundation,” can be found at www.rand.org. The study is part of the New York State Health Foundation’s Initiative for Returning Veterans and Their Families, which aims to advance solutions to address the needs of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans and their families.
RAND Health, a division of the RAND Corporation, is the nation’s largest independent health policy research program, with a broad research portfolio that focuses on quality, costs and health services delivery, among other topics.
The RAND Corporation is a nonprofit institution that helps improve policy and decisionmaking through research and analysis. To sign up for RAND e-mail alerts:http://www.rand.org/newsletters.html. RAND is a registered trademark
The New York State Health Foundation is a private Foundation dedicated to improving the health of all New Yorkers. NYSHealth has a three-part mission: expanding health insurance coverage, increasing access to high-quality health care services, and improving public and community health by educating New Yorkers about health issues and empowering communities to address them. It was established with charitable funds from the privatization of Empire Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
New York State Health Foundation 1385 Broadway, 23rd Floor | New York, NY 10018 | 212-664-7656
Moral guilt:
- The “elephant in the room” with recent veterans mental problems is the lack of meaning in the recent “discretionary wars” and the effect wars hell has on individuals who do not believe in the underlying purpose of the conflict. See the articles below.
The true Author/Authors of this are not known by Veterans PTSD. This article was found on a Facebook Page: The Research and Recognition Project-The Road Back. We did, however, find the results interesting. We do not endorse, nor support, the findings without knowledge of their legitimacy. We do believe the that the authors intentions are on the right-side of the topic. Please take what you wish from this, and leave the rest behind. #TYFYS
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)