Give an Hour - The Wounds of War Are Not Easy to See
Over 2.3 million troops have deployed to Afghanistan and Iraq since September 11, 2001. Of these, over 1 million, or 43 percent, have deployed more than once. There have been more than 6,300 war zone deaths and nearly 50,000 wounded, including more than 1,300 amputations.
The VA estimates that 18 veterans commit suicide every day. The VA also reports that PTSD occurs in 11-20 percent of veterans returning from combat duty. Approximately 20 percent of troops have suffered a traumatic injury. According to the journal Military Medicine, 62 percent of service members reported receiving some kind of mental health care since returning home from Iraq or Afghanistan. About 12.1 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are unemployed, compared with 9.1 percent of Americans nationwide, according to the U.S. Labor Department.
Returning veterans suffering from combat-related stresses are not routinely seeking the mental health treatment they need. Many fear that seeking mental health services wil jeopardize their career or standing. Given the military's emphasis on confidence, strength, and bravery, others are reluctant to expose their vulnerabilities to counselors who are often military personnel themselves.
Debbie White, LCSW, SAP has joined the network of Give an Hour. Give an Hour's services are absolutely free and separate from the military establishment offering an option for men and women who might otherwise fail to seek or receive appropriate services. To locate a provider and schedule your first appointment go to www.givenanhour.org.
The VA estimates that 18 veterans commit suicide every day. The VA also reports that PTSD occurs in 11-20 percent of veterans returning from combat duty. Approximately 20 percent of troops have suffered a traumatic injury. According to the journal Military Medicine, 62 percent of service members reported receiving some kind of mental health care since returning home from Iraq or Afghanistan. About 12.1 percent of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans are unemployed, compared with 9.1 percent of Americans nationwide, according to the U.S. Labor Department.
Returning veterans suffering from combat-related stresses are not routinely seeking the mental health treatment they need. Many fear that seeking mental health services wil jeopardize their career or standing. Given the military's emphasis on confidence, strength, and bravery, others are reluctant to expose their vulnerabilities to counselors who are often military personnel themselves.
Debbie White, LCSW, SAP has joined the network of Give an Hour. Give an Hour's services are absolutely free and separate from the military establishment offering an option for men and women who might otherwise fail to seek or receive appropriate services. To locate a provider and schedule your first appointment go to www.givenanhour.org.
"The best way out is always through".
Robert Frost
