New Bern, North Carolina is a picturesque town with a rich history, but hidden beneath its charming facade lies a dark reality that many residents grapple with – veterans suffering from PTSD. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing a traumatic event, such as combat, and affects a significant number of veterans in the area.
The prevalence of PTSD among veterans in New Bern is a pressing issue that has garnered attention from local organizations and community members. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, an estimated 11-20% of veterans who served in Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom suffer from PTSD in a given year. With North Carolina being home to a large population of veterans, it’s no surprise that New Bern is not immune to this crisis.
One local organization that is making a difference in the lives of veterans with PTSD is the Veterans Employment Base Camp and Organic Garden (VEBCOG). Founded by Vietnam veteran Jim Degenhart, VEBCOG provides a supportive environment for veterans to heal and reintegrate into civilian life through hands-on work in their organic garden and job training programs. The therapeutic benefits of gardening have been well-documented, and VEBCOG leverages this to help veterans cope with the symptoms of PTSD.
In addition to organizations like VEBCOG, the New Bern community has also shown its support for veterans with PTSD through various initiatives and events. The annual Veterans Stand Down event, for example, brings together local businesses, healthcare providers, and volunteers to provide resources and services to homeless and at-risk veterans, many of whom struggle with PTSD. This event not only raises awareness about the issue but also offers practical solutions to help veterans in need.
Despite the efforts of organizations and the community, veterans with PTSD in New Bern still face significant challenges. The stigma surrounding mental health issues, especially in the military community, can prevent veterans from seeking help and getting the support they need. Many veterans also struggle to access adequate healthcare services due to long wait times and limited resources.
One veteran who has experienced the impact of PTSD firsthand is John, a Marine Corps veteran who served in Afghanistan. John returned home to New Bern with physical injuries as well as invisible wounds that would come to define his post-deployment experience. “I felt like I was constantly on edge, like the war was still happening around me,” John recalls. “It took me years to seek help because I was afraid of being judged or labeled as weak.”
John’s story is not uncommon among veterans in New Bern and across the country. PTSD can have devastating effects on a person’s mental health, relationships, and overall quality of life. It is crucial for veterans to know that they are not alone and that help is available.
If you or someone you know is a veteran struggling with PTSD in New Bern, there are resources and support networks in place to assist you. Whether it’s through organizations like VEBCOG or local mental health services, reaching out for help is the first step towards healing and recovery. Together, we can ensure that veterans in our community receive the care and support they deserve.
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