Bill Nicholas is a wise friend and mentor of mine who also happens to be a hero. He served in the armed forces in Vietnam and was awarded the bronze star with V device. Spending time with him has enabled me to see many things from a different perspective. Though he is talented in music and art, among other things, he is also a simple man, humble and kind. He lives daily with both physical and mental pain. Even though he has been through so many trials in his life, he continues to try and give of himself to those he meets, to try and make a difference in their lives. His kindness toward me has not gone unnoticed. Bill is more than just a friend, more than a mentor. He is my hero.
Jacquelynn
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Monday, July 4, 2011
Combat Migraines
Those in the armed services that have been exposed to traumatic brain injury (TBI) by engaging in war conflicts often suffer with combat migraines. The fact that our government has been extremely slow to support our military personnel with these problems is discouraging. From vague guidelines to diagnose and treat them to few programs set up for education and research needed to find a successful cure, without help these men and women will likely come home to suffer years with this condition. Thankfully a movement is taking place to encourage others to motivate our government to be more proactive when it comes to migraines and our military heroes.
Click here to read more about combat migraines and what is being done to raise awareness and government support.
Our government owes it to these brave men and women who have sacrificed their lives to help defend our freedoms. It is a insult to see them return home only to find their own country deny them the support they so rightly deserve. Let's get proactive. Write your congressman or senator today.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
PTSD
Image via WikipediaI could see my 16-year-old daughter was exhausted. She had been up all night, she told me, on Facebook consoling a friend whose friend attempted suicide. He was in a coma and they were not sure if he would live. My daughter's friend was taking it pretty hard, and my daughter did her best to console her. As the story began to unfold, I was saddened once again by the reality of what war can do to people. For this young man had recently returned from active duty. He had been diagnosed with combat post-traumatic stress disorder. "They aren't sure if the PTSD is the reason behind why he attempted suicide or not, but we may never know the real reason now." She said.Sometimes I wish a virtual reality room were create where people could spend some time and 'experience' what these brave men and women have had to go through. The movies, though they would try to make war look realistic, also glamorize it at the same time. We walk away with that warm, fuzzy feeling celebrating the victory of the hero(s). But this isn't reality. What they don't show is the hero that returns home only to continue to suffer from the aftereffects, unable to erase the horrific visions permanently etched in his mind/psyche.
Thankfully post-traumatic stress disorder today is now considered an official diagnosis in the DSM and can be used as a claim for disability for (some) veterans. Though this disorder is not limited to just military personnel, I have included links that are specific to the armed forces below.
If you have served in the military and suffer from PTSD, arm yourself with understanding and get the help you need and deserve.
http://www.ptsdhelp.net/index.html
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/227200.php
http://ptsdcombat.blogspot.com/2010/04/latest-military-combat-veteran-suicide.html
http://www.ptsd.va.gov/about/ptsd-awareness-day/ptsd_awareness_day.asp
http://www.pbs.org/now/shows/339/index.html - (watch the video)
http://www.vva.org/benefits/ptsd.htm
http://www.giveanhour.org/skins/gah/home.aspx
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