NMCP Educates Staff, Patients on National PTSD Screening Day

PORTSMOUTH, Va. (NNS) -- Naval Medical Center Portsmouth's Force and Family Medicine Department recognized National Post-traumatic Stress Disorder Screening Day June 20.

Personnel handed out resource information and T-shirts, water bottles and tote bags to raise awareness about the signs, symptoms and treatment of PTSD.

The resource information included the signs and symptoms of PTSD, anonymous screening website, suicide risk questionnaire and a list of websites to visit for more information about PTSD and how to get help.

"Research shows that between 11 and 20 percent of service members returning from Iraq and Afghanistan have PTSD, yet some estimate that as many as two thirds of veterans avoid getting treatment for it," said Eva Long, the limited duty nurse case manager. "Some fear for their career, others worry about reliving the event, while still others don't want to appear weak to friends and family."

PTSD can affect people who go through, see or learn about a traumatic event, such as combat exposure, serious accidents, sexual or physical abuse or natural disasters.

"PTSD is an illness that can be diagnosed and treated," Long said. "Early treatment can make a difference. Many programs have been developed to address PTSD. There are also many resources and websites available."

NMCP's Traumatic and Operational Stress Services Clinic offers a "Back on Track" program that is geared toward helping service members with combat traumas return to full duty, and is tailored for combat veterans who are struggling with mental traumas.

"I hope people take away an understanding that PTSD is a real issue that affects many people," said Hospital Corpsman 3rd Class Gina Hannack, Deployment Health assistant leading petty officer who helped hand out materials. "It may not be you who is affected, but if you have the information you might be able to help someone else."

"We are out here to bring awareness to PTSD," Long said. "It's important because a lot of people are not aware they have PTSD, so our main goal is to make sure we bring that awareness to the population. Anyone can be affected; you don't have to have gone through combat. Any type of traumatic experience can bring about PTSD symptoms. There is no shame in seeking help."

Symptoms of PTSD include fear, anxiety, sadness, depression, guilt, shame, anger, irritability or any type of behavior changes.

For more news from Naval Medical Center Portsmouth, visit www.navy.mil/local/NMCP/.