It’s that time of year again where people start making New Year’s Resolutions. If volunteering is on your list, as trauma therapists, there is a great way to give to your community – “Give an Hour“.
This non-profit organization has arranged a national network of therapists who donate one hour a week of counseling to the military service men and women who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan, as well as their families.
This is a non-political organization whose focus is on providing mental health services to those impacted by these wars. There are psychological issues specific to war that these men and women are experiencing when they come back from duty, which also has an impact on their family members. Many are suffering from PTSD symptoms, which might include:
- Disturbing memories, thoughts
- Nightmares
- Having trouble sleeping
- Feeling irritable or angry
- Having trouble concentrating
- Feeling hyper-vigilant or on guard for fear of danger
- Flashbacks
For more information on PTSD check out our blog:
11/11 PTSD and Trauma Awareness Day
It is estimated that 1.6 million troops have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan to date, and as high as 30% of those men and women need mental health services upon return of duty.
This organization is providing support necessary to help these people get back into civilian life. Treatment includes individual, marital, and family therapy; substance abuse counseling, PTSD, and individuals suffering from traumatic brain injuries.
As an EMDR therapist, it is helpful to be familiar with military culture and issues before working with this population. There is support on their website to understand these issues better. Only mental health professional that have training and experience with the treatment of PTSD should list themselves.
It is important to reach out, give them respect they deserve, and help them move through the trauma so that they can re-enter their lives with the respect that they deserve.
Give an hour today.