Custer, Montana may be a small town nestled in the rolling hills of Big Sky Country, but its impact on veterans suffering from PTSD is anything but insignificant. With a population of just over 200 residents, Custer may seem like an unlikely hub for veterans seeking help for their invisible wounds of war. However, the community has come together to provide support and resources for those who have served our country and are struggling with the aftermath of their service.
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, such as combat or military service. 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 town like Custer, where many residents have ties to the military, the prevalence of PTSD among veterans is all too real.
One organization in Custer that is making a difference in the lives of veterans with PTSD is the Custer Veterans Support Group. Founded by a group of local veterans and community members, the support group offers a safe space for veterans to share their experiences, connect with others who understand their struggles, and access resources to help them cope with their PTSD.
The Custer Veterans Support Group meets twice a month at the local community center, where veterans can participate in group therapy sessions, mindfulness exercises, and outdoor activities like hiking and fishing. The group also hosts guest speakers, such as mental health professionals and fellow veterans who have successfully overcome their PTSD, to provide education and inspiration to its members.
In addition to the support group, Custer also boasts a number of mental health professionals who specialize in treating PTSD in veterans. Dr. Sarah Jensen, a licensed clinical psychologist who has been practicing in Custer for over 15 years, has worked with countless veterans to help them manage their PTSD symptoms and improve their quality of life.
Dr. Jensen utilizes a combination of evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), to help veterans process their traumatic experiences and develop coping mechanisms to manage their symptoms. She also works closely with the local VA clinic to ensure veterans have access to the resources and support they need to heal.
One veteran who has benefited from the services of the Custer Veterans Support Group and Dr. Jensen is Army veteran John Smith. After serving two tours in Iraq, John struggled with severe PTSD, experiencing flashbacks, nightmares, and feelings of isolation. Through the support group and therapy sessions with Dr. Jensen, John has been able to confront his trauma, learn healthy coping skills, and rebuild his life.
“I never thought I would be able to live a normal life again after coming back from Iraq,” John says. “But with the help of the support group and Dr. Jensen, I’ve been able to find peace and purpose again. I’m forever grateful for the support I’ve received in Custer.”
In a town like Custer, where the vastness of the Montana landscape can sometimes feel isolating, the sense of community and support for veterans with PTSD is a beacon of hope. Through the dedication of organizations like the Custer Veterans Support Group and professionals like Dr. Sarah Jensen, veterans in Custer are finding healing and resilience in the face of their invisible wounds of war. As the sun sets over the rolling hills of Custer, the spirit of camaraderie and compassion shines bright for those who have served our country and are now seeking peace within
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