All in all it is rare to read articles about VETS struggling with PTSD getting the care they need....and that is effective....Please do read the article attached to the title, it is about a program in Montana that is having good effect....
from the Truthout Article explaining what Montana coordinated in less than 15 monthes:::
"Probably most important was that soldiers returning from deployment receive a mental health assessment every six months for the first two years after their return. Counselors probe for signs of stress, including anxieties, sleep disorders, family problems and excessive alcohol use. It's a mandatory requirement, so it reduces the stigma of a soldier reaching out for help with an emotional disorder. And it recognizes that many soldiers don't begin to experience the symptoms of PTSD or TBI until they've been home for six months to a year.
Second was the creation of crisis response teams made up of unit officers, NCOs, personnel officers and a chaplain. When a soldier quits coming to drill, they're activated to find out why and provide help. They can also respond to concerns voiced by family members of other soldiers.
In addition to that, TriWest Healthcare has provided the funding to station counselors with the Army National Guard and the Air National Guard during their drill weekends. They're on hand to talk with personnel and observe. The theory is that soldiers feel more comfortable talking with counselors in a less formal setting, and it seems to be working because TriWest has recently renewed its one-year pilot program."
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This is something that is so ignored. Some doctors at the VA still deny it even exists and so then they won't treat it or allow the vets to even claim it. Even if one doctor, the Primary care doctor diagnoses the GI or the Vet with PTSD, if they cannot get the Psych doctor to say they have it, the VA will not cover it. Since there are still Psychiatrists who still deny that it exists, and refuse to diagnosis it, it becomes impossible to get treatment, it becomes impossible to get benefits, and that is why the suicide rates are up, that is why we are seeing the murder rates up, the spousal abuse rates up. Everything is all linked back to PTSD...
I know this is happening because I have dealt with these doctors with my family.
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