ADVA Vet News

OCTOBER 3, 2011

There are several positions open at the Little Rock National Airport that need to be filled immediately.

These individuals must be able to pass a FBI background check, have a phone and dependable transportation.

Please contact Mr. Phil Davis 501-547-0136 if you are interested or have any questions.

If you know of any veterans looking for a job, please pass the word. Thank you!

Kendall Thornton
Public Information Specialist
Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs
501-992-0192
http://www.veterans.arkansas.gov


JUNE 27, 2011
June 27 is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day

________________________________________
June 27, 2011
________________________________________
Important Telephone Numbers
Veterans Crisis Line: Dial 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Defense Centers of Excellence (DCoE) Outreach Center: 866-966-1020
VA Caregiver Support Line: 1-855-260-3274
Wounded Warrior Resource Center: 1-800-342-9647
________________________________________
Personal Stories about PTSD

Army Sgt. Robert Bartlett said, recalling the roadside bombing he survived in Baghdad, "I can still smell it."...years later, the memories of this life-altering moment on an Iraqi highway remain fresh in Bartlett's mind. But after undergoing more than 40 surgeries and persevering through an arduous regimen of therapy, the sergeant has learned to shed the post-traumatic stress that once enveloped his life.
Maj. Gen. David N. Blackledge, Commanding General, U.S. Army Civil Affairs & Psychological Operations Command (Airborne), spoke with National Alliance on Mental (NAMI) about his own experience with Post-Traumatic Stress and the military's current efforts to address mental health issues. In the interview, Maj. Gen. Blackledge shares his combat experience and speaks to the factors that contributed to his own experience with PTSD, including his recovery.

Military Spouses & PTSD
"My husband’s PTSD manifested itself in different ways. I remember Fourth of July at Fort Huachuca, Ariz., when we were all standing outside listening to the band, enjoying the picnic and listening to fireworks. The fireworks bothered Adrian because they sounded so much like gunfire. It made other soldiers upset too, and we all went inside..."

A Video Profile: Dealing with the Demons, a PTSD Story
"I think the reason why I waited so long to get help with my PTSD, it wasn’t that I was afraid that my command was going to look down on me, or because they weren’t there to support me, or I’d be black labeled – nothing like that. I basically had to swallow that lump that they call pride.”
David Sharpe served in the U.S. Air Force Security Forces where he endured several incidents that, at the time, didn’t affect his personal relationships with his family, friends, and colleagues (or so he thought).

________________________________________
Dispelling the Myths About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) & Other Psychological Health Issues
________________________________________
Now you can register for a "MyNRD" account. Learn more about the NRD's new personalization features that let you vote on information you find on the site, create saved searches and more.

In recognition of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Day, the National Resource Directory would like to bring to your attention some of the many resources available that can help Veterans, Service Members and families affected by PTSD. Experts think PTSD occurs in up to 20% of Veterans of Operations Iraqi and Enduring Freedom and about 30% of Vietnam Veterans. PTSD touches family, friends, neighbors and co-workers. Share your story on the National Resource Directory’s and the National Center for PTSD’s Facebook pages, and check out these ten ways to better understand and learn more about PTSD. Visit the National Resource Directory for more information and resources for Veterans, Service Members and their families and caregivers.

________________________________________
What Is PTSD?

According to the National Institute on Mental Health, PTSD is an anxiety disorder that some people get after seeing or living through a dangerous event. When in danger, it’s natural to feel afraid. This fear triggers many split-second changes in the body to prepare to defend against the danger or to avoid it. This “fight-or-flight” response is a healthy reaction meant to protect a person from harm. But in PTSD, this reaction is changed. People who have PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they’re no longer in danger.
There are many myths and misunderstandings surrounding PTSD, including this one described on the National Center for PTSD’s Facebook page: Some people believe that PTSD affects only people of 'weak character.' Think again. PTSD can happen to anyone... PTSD results from a complex interaction of biological, psychological, historical and social factors. PTSD is not the result of moral failing or character weakness.

Here are some more resources that explain what PTSD is and some of its signs and symptoms:

• PTSD screening tool from MyHealtheVet
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder – a guide from the National Institute on Mental Health
• Information about PTSD symptoms from the Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Alliance
• Virtual PTSD Experience – Combat Veterans can enter a virtual world to learn about PTSD causes, symptoms and resources for information and care. Visitors use an avatar to enter virtual reality areas, experience simulations of combat events that are common causes of PTSD and talk with other visitors.

Treatments for PTSD

• There are many effective treatments for PTSD. Learn about treatment options and care after trauma from the National Center for PTSD.
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is one type of counseling. It appears to be the most effective type of counseling for PTSD.
• Watch a video about some of the PTSD treatments that VA provides.
• Complementary and alternative medicine is sometimes offered along with more traditional therapies to treat PTSD.
• Watch Paws and Effect – a video about how “man’s best friend” can help people recover from PTSD.

Help Is Available

• Visit the National Center for PTSD to find mental health services in your area.
• The PTSD Coach mobile app can help you learn about and manage symptoms that commonly occur after trauma. It also has direct links to support and help.
• A trained health resource consultant is ready to talk, listen and provide the guidance and resources you’re looking for on Real Warriors Live Chat
• VA’s Women's Trauma Recovery Program treats women Veterans, active duty Service Members, National Guard and Reservists with PTSD. It is the first residential program of its kind and is open to women across the country.
• Each VA medical center has PTSD specialists who provide treatment for Veterans with PTSD.
• The National Alliance on Mental (NAMI) Illness has chapters in every state. NAMI works to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by mental illness.
• The Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration’s Mental Health Services Locator can help you find counseling services near you.
• The U.S. Department of Health & Human Services' Office on Women's Health has information for women Veterans with PTSD.

Self-Help Methods for Coping with PTSD

• Information from the National Center for PTSD about managing stress reactions and what to expect following a traumatic event
• Take this short online course from MyHealtheVet if you are considering getting professional help.
• People with PTSD need to take active steps to deal with their symptoms. Often these steps involve making important lifestyle changes.
• If you have the symptoms of PTSD, you may try to deal with problems in ways that cause more harm than good. This is called negative coping.

Effects of PTSD on Families & Relationships

• PTSD can affect how couples get along with each other. Read about the most common relationship problems for people with PTSD.
• When someone has PTSD, it can change family life. A person with PTSD may act differently and not want to do things you used to enjoy together. Learn about how you can help a family member who has PTSD.
• Trauma survivors with PTSD may have trouble with their close family relationships or friendships. The symptoms of PTSD can cause problems with trust, closeness, communication and problem solving.