Essington, Pennsylvania, a small town nestled along the Delaware River, is home to many veterans who have bravely served our country. While these men and women may have returned home from war physically unharmed, many of them are silently battling a different kind of enemy – post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, such as combat. Symptoms can include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. For veterans in Essington, dealing with the effects of PTSD can be a daily struggle.
One local veteran, John, who served in the Army during the Iraq War, opened up about his experience with PTSD. “I thought I could just push through it and move on with my life, but the nightmares and anxiety never went away,” he shared. “It got to the point where I couldn’t even leave my house some days because I was so overwhelmed with fear.”
John’s story is all too common among veterans in Essington and across the country. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, it is estimated that around 11-20% of veterans who served in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from PTSD. However, the actual number could be much higher, as many veterans do not seek help for their symptoms.
In Essington, there are resources available for veterans struggling with PTSD. The local Veterans Affairs (VA) hospital offers a variety of mental health services, including therapy and medication management. Additionally, there are several non-profit organizations in the area that provide support and resources for veterans with PTSD.
One such organization, the Essington Veterans Support Group, was founded by a group of local veterans who wanted to create a safe space for their peers to share their experiences and receive support. “We understand what it’s like to come back from war and feel like you’re alone in your struggles,” said Mark, a Vietnam veteran and founding member of the group. “Our goal is to let our fellow veterans know that they are not alone and that there is help available.”
The Essington Veterans Support Group meets regularly at the local community center, where veterans can participate in group therapy sessions, yoga classes, and other activities aimed at improving their mental health. The group also organizes community events, such as fundraisers and picnics, to bring veterans together and foster a sense of camaraderie.
Despite the resources available, many veterans in Essington still face barriers to seeking help for their PTSD. Stigma surrounding mental health issues in the military community, lack of awareness about available services, and logistical challenges such as transportation and childcare can all prevent veterans from getting the support they need.
As a community, it is important for us to come together to support our veterans who are struggling with PTSD. Whether it’s checking in on a neighbor who is a veteran, volunteering with a local veterans’ organization, or advocating for increased funding for mental health services, there are many ways we can show our gratitude for their service and help them on their journey to healing.
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