Suppressed Traumatic Memories

Suppressed Traumatic Memories

(Excerpt from The Endless Journey Home by Specialist Joe Collins) In many cases, when a person is exposed to a traumatic event, they will often suppress the memory of it. It is a survival mechanism built into us to help us … Continued
Mood Swings

Mood Swings

(Excerpt from The Endless Journey Home by Specialist Joe Collins) These are both common symptoms of PTSD and can be interrelated. Mood swings are very apparent and easy to notice. Usually, when it comes to PTSD and the soldier begins to … Continued
Addiction and Self Medication

Addiction and Self Medication

(Excerpt from The Endless Journey Home by Specialist Joe Collins) This is one of the most important symptoms to watch out for, and the most dangerous. If it is not caught early enough, or if the soldier is misdiagnosed, the soldier … Continued
Personal Hygiene

Personal Hygiene

(Excerpt from The Endless Journey Home by Specialist Joe Collins) This is another important symptom that is common among PTSD sufferers. It is often progressive and the person can easily be diagnosed with Depression when it is really a symptom of … Continued
Self-Mutilation

Self-Mutilation

(Excerpt from The Endless Journey Home by Specialist Joe Collins) Self-mutilation, which can be burning or cutting of oneself, can be a symptom of PTSD sufferers. If you or someone that you know is doing this, it is extremely important to … Continued
Support System

Support System

(Excerpt from The Endless Journey Home by Specialist Joe Collins) Having a support system (family and friends) to be there for you when you are suffering from PTSD is absolutely necessary for recovery. In my own personal experience, there was … Continued
Recovery and Living with PTSD

Recovery and Living with PTSD

(Excerpt from The Endless Journey Home by Specialist Joe Collins) With proper counseling and medical treatment and support, it is possible to make a complete recovery from PTSD and function as a normal member of society again. Although when I … Continued
Process Changes Needed When Caring for PTSD

Process Changes Needed When Caring for PTSD

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder can happen to normal people who have witnessed a traumatic event. Military training does not cause a person to be immune from trauma. War, by its very nature is a series of traumatic events. Problem: Military … Continued
PTSD Resources

PTSD Resources

VFU is a not-for-profit organization that offers a comprehensive website and resource bank for identifying and helping veterans and families who may need assistance in understanding and coping with war-related illness. Financial resources are not available, but information on how … Continued
Veteran Coping Skills

Veteran Coping Skills

Veterans have amazing coping skills. The war and survival skills that a veteran used to stay alive during conflict and to return home are extraordinary and resulted in him/her doing just that, staying alive and returning home. The skills that the … Continued