AUGUSTA, Ga () – June is PTSD Awareness Month, around 7% of veterans will experience PTSD at some point in their career.
Colisha Amos-Douglas, a Licensed Professional Mental Health Counselor at the VA in Augusta, emphasizes the significance of having a basic understanding of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
“Many veterans have sacrificed greatly to ensure our safety as a nation. Having insight and comprehension of what they might be going through is crucial because to provide them with the necessary assistance, we must possess some level of awareness and understanding,” stated Amos-Douglas.
The VA provides a variety of interventions, including exposure therapy, skills training for affective and interpersonal regulation, and cognitive-behavioral conjoint therapy.
One of the more common treatments is cognitive processing therapy.
“Help us to identify some of those unhelpful beliefs, more unhelpful beliefs that’s tied to the trauma by being able to have that veteran write out all the details of that trauma and have that constant exposure to that trauma memory. It’s so important for us to go through the problem and not around the problem,” Amos Douglas said.
She says seeing veterans go from struggling to thriving during their time getting help is impactful.
“To really see that transition, to see that person go from observing life to living life. To see that person increase their own quality of life, by the time they walk out this door. They’ve given the ultimate sacrifice and so now it’s time for them to start living,” Amos-Douglas said.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD do not hesitate to reach out to the VA or call the Veteran Crisis Hotline.
