Written by Megan Broadnax
APSU Intern
Fort Campbell, KY – Blanchfield Army Community Hospital’s behavioral health team has diligently been promoting post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) awareness to the Fort Campbell community this week.
The awareness events culminate on National PTSD Awareness Day Friday, June 27th as chief of behavioral health Maj. Joe Wise and Blanchfield Army Community Hospital commander Col. George N. Appenzeller spoke to staff and patients about PTSD at 11:30am in the hospital’s “A” building entrance lobby.
BACH’s behavioral health team also promoted PTSD awareness at the Post Exchange June 23rd.
Hospital staff and patients lined up to receive the PTSD awareness t-shirts, which grab attention with large letters on the front stating, “Proud, Tough, Strong, Determined,” and the words, “It takes a different kind of courage,” imprinted on the back.
Both Appenzeller and Wise emphasized that PTSD Awareness Day is an opportunity to highlight Army Medicine’s Top Priorities – “Readiness and Health of the Force,” and “Health of Families and Retirees” to increase and optimize health, build resiliency and promote healthy behaviors. They shared different options for treatment and the importance of encouraging loved ones to seek help.
“Anyone can be affected by PTSD, from Soldiers and civilians to children and the elderly,” said Wise. “Although anyone may be at risk for PTSD following traumatic experiences like car accidents, combat, sexual assault and natural disasters, not everyone who experiences trauma gets PTSD,” he explained. “In fact, the majority of people are able to naturally heal.”
Wise explained that many PTSD treatment options are available at Fort Campbell for Soldiers and Families. “For those who do get PTSD, it is important to note that it is a very treatable condition,” said Wise. “Here at Fort Campbell, we offer evidence-based psychotherapy as well as medication for this condition, which have been demonstrated as effective treatments for PTSD.”
Appenzeller explained that recovery begins within a safe and supportive environment where behavioral health treatment can be sought and received by those who need it.
“The most important thing that our friends and Families can do is encourage their loved ones to get help when they need it,” said Appenzeller. “As Family and close friends, it is important to let the Soldiers know that seeking help is a sign of strength and we want to encourage that in all of our Soldiers and our Family members.”
The free and anonymous self-assessment and resources are available at www.mlitarymentalhealth.org
Military Pathways representatives Haley Fishman and Samantha Rogers flew from Massachusetts to promote the PTSD events at Fort Campbell this week. Fishman said the purpose of their visit was all about awareness. “We really like to promote our site that has online mental health self-assessments that are free and for anyone to go online and take, said Fishman. “The best thing is that it is anonymous; you can do it on your own.”
Rogers said that she feels getting a conversation started helps address the problem. “By raising awareness with the t shirts and the logos, it gets people thinking and a conversation started,” said Rogers.
If you know someone who is suffering with PTSD symptoms and has not sought help, please refer them to their primary care provider so they can begin seeking treatment right away. Early intervention and treatment of behavioral health diagnoses and symptoms promotes improved well being.
