The Quiet Crisis: PTSD By The Numbers
According to the VA, experts estimate that up to 20 % of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, up to 10 % of Gulf War veterans, and up to 30 % of Vietnam War veterans have experienced PTSD. Consequently, demand for PTSD treatment continues to grow.
* 8 out of every 100 veterans has PTSD.
* PTSD is recognized as a psychobiological mental disorder than can affect survivors not only of combat experience, ... Läs mer
The Quiet Crisis: PTSD By The Numbers
According to the VA, experts estimate that up to 20 % of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom veterans, up to 10 % of Gulf War veterans, and up to 30 % of Vietnam War veterans have experienced PTSD. Consequently, demand for PTSD treatment continues to grow.
* 8 out of every 100 veterans has PTSD.
* PTSD is recognized as a psychobiological mental disorder than can affect survivors not only of combat experience, but also terrorist attacks, natural disasters, serious accidents, assault or abuse, or even sudden and major emotional losses.
* PTSD is associated with changes in brain function and structure and these changes provide clues to the origins, treatment, and prevention of PTSD. Some cases may be delayed, with only subtle symptoms showing up initially and more severe symptoms emerging months after the traumatic event.
* PTSD was once considered a psychological condition of combat veterans who were “shocked” by and unable to face their experiences on the battlefield.
Soldiers with symptoms of PTSD often faced rejection by their military peers and were feared by society in general.
* Those with PTSD symptoms were often labeled as “weak” and removed from combat zones, or sometimes discharged from military service.
* In the past year alone the number of diagnosed cases in the military jumped 50% and that’s only the reported and diagnosed cases.
* 17% of combat troops are women; 71% of female military personnel develop PTSD due to sexual assault within the ranks.
THE PROGRAM
The Project 2.0 program is a three-pronged approach to better manage
post-military life with PTSD. Our program was born specifically from results
of working with a small group of veterans suffering from PTSD and
wanting to create a better version of themselves. Members first receive
professional psychological evaluations and any necessary psychological
support. Once they are cleared for participation, physical fitness
training and team athletic participation and personal nutrition and dietary
programs are implemented. As they start to becoming mentally
and physically stronger, our members are able to utilize the business resource
available - entrepreneurial training, continuing their education,
and business mentorship programs we have available.
Beginning with mental health and PTSD symptom management, members
are evaluated for their level of PTSD and symptom intensity. If additional
therapy or psychological services are needed, the foundation
has a sponsored network of psychologists are available to assist them
in their area.
Once the veteran member has been safely cleared for the program, they
are able to access the physical health aspect. To best initiate a practical
and successful physical fitness regime, both physical training and nutritional
health need to work in tandem. Members discuss their fitness
goals. Nutritionists and licensed dietitians are available for basic checkins
up to a full personalized nutrition plan. The combination of proper
nutrition and physical fitness has been shown to better manage PTSD
symptoms while also removing the dependency and recreational use of
alcohol or drugs.
A few of the physical fitness training programs available for members
range from starting from the beginning of a new fitness regiment to full
Ironman triathlons or races of their choice (Tough Mudders, GoRuck,
CrossFit. Proper training to support the member’s fitness goals better
equip them to remain on task and have better long term results for maintaining control over their PTSD symptoms.
Annually, select members will be asked to participate in a physical fitness
fundraising and marketing event, Race Across America, on behalf of the
foundation. Eight cyclists from our membership will be chosen (and if they
accept) will participate in a one week race from Oceanside, CA to Annapolis,
MD, with crew, staff, and support vehicles to support their efforts. We
enjoy this fundraiser for our foundation, as it gives national coverage to
the foundation and its sponsors, while also providing a 9-month fitness
program for members.
The last element of the three-pronged program is the financial and business
health. This is the process in which veterans can determine what they want
to achieve in business for themselves and their family. Through a process
of self-discovery and discussions with other members and business mentors,
members are encouraged and guided in creating a path to their own
definition of business success. We have partnered with business professionals in various industries to provide additional opportunities to qualified business plans and ideas for further mentoring and financial opportunities.
Whether that would be getting a job in a particular field or
taking advantage of the entrepreneurial resources available
through the foundation, the goal is for members to resume being
financially independent and secure while still maintaining
their fitness and nutritional goals and managing their PTSD
symptoms.
SUPPORT EXTENDS TO THE FAMILY
PTSD’s influence in a family does not stop at just the veteran.
Understanding how PTSD effects the mind and how to live
with someone with PTSD is an important component for
success.
Services for the family:
* Psychologists specializing in family therapy and child psychology
* Informational resources on drug and alcohol dependency
* PTSD symptom management training
* Physical fitness and nutritional training for family members
* Business mentorship training
* Entrepreneurial training
* Nationwide community network of veterans family members
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