For many veterans in Asheboro, North Carolina, the scars of war go far beyond physical injuries. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common and often debilitating condition that affects many who have served in the military. In Asheboro, a small town with a strong military presence, the issue of veterans PTSD is one that hits close to home.
Asheboro is home to the North Carolina National Guard’s 113th Sustainment Brigade, a unit that has deployed multiple times to Iraq and Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Many of the soldiers who have served in this unit have returned home with the invisible wounds of war, struggling to readjust to civilian life and cope with the trauma they experienced on the battlefield.
One such soldier is Army veteran John Smith, who served two tours in Iraq with the 113th Sustainment Brigade. Upon returning home to Asheboro, Smith found it difficult to sleep, experienced frequent panic attacks, and struggled with anger issues. It wasn’t until he sought help from the local Veterans Affairs clinic that he was diagnosed with PTSD.
“I didn’t want to admit that I was struggling,” Smith said. “I thought I could just tough it out, but the nightmares and flashbacks were taking over my life. Getting help was the best decision I ever made.”
Smith’s story is not unique in Asheboro, where many veterans are dealing with the mental health effects of their service. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 11-20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD in a given year.
Fortunately, Asheboro has resources available to help veterans struggling with PTSD. The Randolph County Veterans Services Office offers counseling services, support groups, and assistance with navigating the VA system. Additionally, the local VA clinic provides specialized mental health care for veterans dealing with PTSD.
One organization making a difference in the lives of veterans in Asheboro is Operation Healing Forces, a non-profit that provides therapeutic retreats for combat-wounded veterans and their spouses. The organization’s retreats focus on building resiliency, improving relationships, and providing a safe space for veterans to share their experiences.
“PTSD is a complex and challenging condition, but it is treatable,” said Dr. Sarah Johnson, a psychologist at the Asheboro VA clinic. “Through therapy, medication, and support from loved ones, veterans can learn to manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.”
Despite the challenges they face, many veterans in Asheboro are finding ways to cope with their PTSD and thrive in their post-military lives. Some have turned to art therapy, yoga, or outdoor activities like hiking and fishing as a way to manage their symptoms and find peace.
Asheboro may be a small town, but its veterans are a resilient and tight-knit community. Through their shared experiences and support for one another, they are breaking the stigma surrounding mental health and showing that it’s okay to ask for help.
The issue of veterans PTSD in Asheboro is a reminder that the wounds of war are not always visible. By raising awareness, providing support, and fostering a culture of understanding, Asheboro is working to ensure that its veterans receive the care and respect they deserve.
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