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PTSD & Suicide Prevention Town Hall for Area Veterans Jan. 20




Battles are still being fought by many Sumner County and surrounding county veterans. Now, back home, there’s another battle to take on: Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) and suicide.

Battles are still being fought by many Sumner County and surrounding county veterans. Now, back home, there’s another battle to take on: Post-Traumatic Stress (PTSD) and suicide.The conflicts for many veterans are not over as memories of war provide that PTSD has major consequences: depression, family conflicts, homelessness and, sadly, suicide. It can be triggered by a terrifying event, either witnessed or experienced and symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.”More American service members, both active-duty and veterans, have committed suicide over the past decade than made the supreme sacrifice in Iraq and Afghanistan combined,” Barry Rice, President of the Tennessee State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America said.”When called to duty, Vietnam veterans answered. Now, as citizens, we are answering the call of our brothers in arms, and families, in their darkest hour of need.”There are 2.3 million veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan wars, and somewhere between 2% and 14% have been diagnosed with PTSD. According to a 2006 analysis of military records from the National Vietnam Veterans Readjustment Study, between 15 and 19 percent of Vietnam veterans experienced PTSD at some point after the war. Yet PTSD is not a new phenomenon. It goes back to Biblical times as literature, drama, and poetry about the experiences of war illustrate.In keeping with Vietnam veterans of America Founding Principle, “Never again will one generation of veterans abandon another”, the Tennessee State Council, Vietnam Veterans of America, co-sponsored by local VVA Chapter 240, is conducting a PTSD & Suicide Prevention Town Hall Meeting, January 20, 6PM – 9PM at 1st Baptist Church (in the Chapel), 106 Bluegrass Commons Blvd in Hendersonville for veterans of all conflicts, active duty military, families and area 1st responders. Presentations on the history and causes of PTSD, symptoms and treatment options, hear from treatment providers, visit with Veterans Service Officers, and much more. For further information, contact Barry Rice, barryrice.tsc@gmail.com

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