Lake Geneva, Wisconsin is known for its picturesque landscapes, charming downtown area, and crystal-clear waters of Geneva Lake. However, beneath the surface of this idyllic town lies a hidden struggle that affects many of its residents – veterans suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat in a war zone. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, up to 20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD in a given year. In Lake Geneva, this statistic hits close to home as many local veterans have returned from their service with invisible wounds that can be just as debilitating as physical injuries.
One local organization that is working to support veterans with PTSD in Lake Geneva is the Veterans Suicide Awareness and Support Group. Founded by Army veteran Sam Thompson, the group provides a safe space for veterans to share their experiences, connect with others who understand what they are going through, and access resources for mental health support.
Thompson, who served two tours in Iraq, knows firsthand the challenges that veterans face when they return home. “PTSD is a silent enemy that can consume you from the inside out,” he says. “Many veterans struggle in silence, feeling ashamed or afraid to seek help. Our group aims to break the stigma surrounding mental health and provide a lifeline for those who are struggling.”
The Veterans Suicide Awareness and Support Group meets weekly at a local community center, where veterans can participate in group therapy sessions, mindfulness exercises, and peer support activities. The group also organizes outdoor excursions, such as fishing trips and hiking expeditions, to help veterans reconnect with nature and find peace in the midst of their inner turmoil.
One member of the group, Marine Corps veteran Emily Walker, shares her experience with PTSD and how the support group has helped her on her journey to healing. “After my deployment to Afghanistan, I struggled with nightmares, anxiety, and flashbacks that made it hard to function in daily life,” she says. “Joining the support group has been a game-changer for me. I no longer feel alone in my struggles, and I have learned coping mechanisms that have helped me manage my symptoms.”
In addition to local organizations like the Veterans Suicide Awareness and Support Group, Lake Geneva also offers resources through the Veterans Affairs Medical Center in nearby Milwaukee. The medical center provides specialized mental health services for veterans with PTSD, including individual therapy, medication management, and trauma-focused therapies like cognitive processing therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
Despite the challenges that veterans with PTSD face, there is hope for healing and recovery. By raising awareness, providing support, and connecting veterans with resources, communities like Lake Geneva can make a difference in the lives of those who have served our country. As Sam Thompson says, “No veteran should have to fight their battles alone. Together, we can create a safe and supportive environment where veterans can heal and thrive.”
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