PTSD can affect people from all walks of life, and all age groups
By State Rep. Todd Hunter
AUSTIN, Texas (Texas Insider Report) — PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that sometimes occurs following the experience or witnessing of a life-threatening event such as military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents or serious accidents. An estimated 7-or-8% of Americans will experience PTSD at some point in their lives, with women (about 10%) twice as likely as men (at about 4%) to develop PTSD.
As a result, June of each year the month is designated as National Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. This awareness month began as a way to educate communities about PTSD and provide support and resources to those individuals living with this condition.People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged. These symptoms can be severe and can last long enough to significantly impair the person’s daily life.
It is important to recognize that PTSD can affect people from all walks of life and all age groups. However, our military personnel are disproportionately affected due to their exposure to potentially traumatic events during combat.
Consequently, the U.S. Veteran’s Administration (VA) created the National Center for PTSD to advance the clinical care and social welfare of America’s Veterans and others who have experienced trauma, or who suffer from PTSD, through research, education, and training in the science, diagnosis, and treatment of PTSD and stress-related disorders.
- For more information on the VA’s PTSD Center, you can visit National Center for PTSD.
One resource they provide is Camp Hope's Interim Housing for Veterans. Camp Hope opened in 2012 and is in Houston, TX. In addition to temporary housing, Camp Hope:
- Offers a 90+ day PTSD Recovery Program in which residents:
- Attend Group Lessons & Support Sessions with other Combat Veterans;
- Conduct Individual Mentoring Sessions with Certified Combat Trauma Mentors;
- Participate in off-site Small Group Interaction Activities (fishing, hiking, local activities & events); and
- Get involved with Local Churches, Businesses and Volunteer Organizations to assist in their personal healing and educating the community on the Invisible Wounds of War.
- To learn more about this great program, you can visit Camp Hope or call 877-717-PTSD (7873).
There is a Veterans Crisis Line, which can be reached at 1-800-273-8255, then, press 1.
- Or, for more resources and information, be sure to visit the Texas Veterans Commission Website HERE.
If you would like to follow the Texas House and learn more information on news, committees or other aspects of the legislative body, you can access its website at http://www.house.state.tx.us. The site features live streaming from the House Floor, Committee Hearings, as well as access to a number of other resources.
- You can also follow the Texas Senate at http://www.senate.state.tx.us.
- The Texas Governor’s Official Website can be found at http://governor.state.tx.us.
- If you'd like to review more about the Texas State Legislature, visit the Texas Legislature Online.
As always, we're available at any time to assist you with questions, concerns, or comments.State Representative Todd Hunter serves the constituents of Texas House District 32, which is composed of Aransas, Calhoun, San Patricio and part of Nueces County.
