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| Korean Veterans Memorial |
Gordon Matilla, and staff writers----Post-traumatic stress disorder is a complex mental health condition that requires patience and perseverance on the part of families and friend. Often it is difficult to get an individual to seek mental health help, but here is one that offers privacy.
The Veterans Administration provides a number of outreach programs for individuals and families. When a serviceman comes back from the wars and is diagnosed with PTSD, the options, for the most part, include counseling services under mental health services. But many individuals resist getting help, especially if they believe others might find out. The shame that comes from admitting a mental health problem predominates with many men who retain that same macho image and brotherly notions that come about when both men and women are placed in combat positions with one another. Who wants to admit he or she is frightened or has residual feelings about the violence experienced or witnessed?
The privacy issue has long plagued mental health counselors, until the advent of the Internet, that allows people to interact with a counselor in a one-on-one situation without having to sit outside an office as other people come and go. Especially during those early months after diagnosis, the trauma survivor continues to protest nothing is wrong, as the sequences in accepting the truth are difficult, given the training in the military that accents physical and mental strength and endurance.
Now the Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD has launched an online coach to assist individuals who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder. 17 different self-help tools are available, and a coach helps individuals to deal with symptoms that include sleeping problems, anger and memories of the trauma. This allows them to express themselves and learn how to manage their symptoms at home.
According to the VA, 8% of Americans will suffer PTSD some time in their lives. So having the independence of the Internet and access to support online allows people to continue their daily lives while receiving mental health services specific to the condition.
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Gordon Matilla has worked as a counselor and has seen many individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder, including his own father. He writes about mental health problems as well as environmental issues for this Journal as a guest.
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