Identifying a critical need for mental health services for returning troops. Peace For Our Troops is a program of Operation Rapid Response and was established to provide awareness, education and information for people and families suffering from mental health issues caused by service time.
Depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are the most common mental health problems faced by returning troops.
•Common symptoms of PTSD include: difficulty concentrating, lack of interest/apathy, feelings of detachment, loss of appetite, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response, and sleep disturbances (lack of sleep, oversleeping).
•PTSD is diagnosed after several weeks of continued symptoms.
•About 15% of veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars (Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom) have been diagnosed with PTSD.
•30% of soldiers develop mental problems within 3 to 4 months of being home.
•15% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans have suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Possible consequences of this internal injury include anger, suicidal thoughts, and changes in personality.
•In 2010, an average of 22 veterans committed suicide every day. The group with the highest number of suicides was men ages 50 to 59.
Donor's support will help us reach as many current and former armed service members as possible and get help for these very serious and often life-threatening conditions. |
