With PTSD, Admitting You Have a Problem May Be the First Step, But It Isn’t Easy
Another mundane day in the office; stocking patient rooms, prepping a few IV lines because our intel is that we had 75/25 chance of getting rocketed tonight, sweeping the Iraqi dust out of our makeshift aid station, when suddenly my heart starts pounding, tears spring to my eyes and I feel out of control.
Veterans Alternative Offers Service Dog Friendly Retreats
Veterans Alternative is a Holiday, Florida based organization that specializes in providing services to Veterans who are experiencing symptoms of PTSD caused by their time in combat and/or military sexual trauma. They also welcome Veterans who served in support of combat, and the Veteran’s family. Veterans Alternative offers both daily programming for local vets and week-long Veteran’s retreats for eligible Veterans (out of state Veterans are welcome), and both opportunities are Service Dog friendly!
Dogs For Our Brave Fall 2016 Open Enrollment
Dogs For Our Brave is a 501(c)3 organization based out of St. Louis, Missouri. They place Service Dogs with veterans in all 50 states at no cost to the veteran or their family, and they cover the cost of caring for the dog for the team’s entire working life. Twice a year, they have an Open Enrollment period for the next class of dogs. Fall 2016’s Open Enrollment is in progress now, so if you know a veteran in need of an Assistance Dog, pass this info on!
VA Service Dog Access Regulation Changes
For many veterans across the United States, their Service Dog is a lifesaver, literally. However, current VA regulations limit access to VA facilities to "seeing-eye dogs and other animals as authorized at the discretion of a VA facility head or designee." The proposed Service Dog access regulation changes would open VA properties to more types of Service Dogs. Right now, the VA is holding open commenting and is inviting your input.
Depression, Suicide and Robin Williams
It’s all over social and mainstream media: Robin Williams lost his battle with mental illness this week by taking his own life. From the lunch table to conference meetings to online encounters, the loss of one of the world’s greatest comedians is a main topic of conversation. Far too many see only the suicide, though, and not the root cause: depression.
EEOC issues revised publications on the employment rights of people with specific disabilities
Dogs for the Deaf in Oregon has launched one of the first programs in the country to train Autism Assistance Dogs — and they were featured a few months ago on KDRV Channel 12 in Medford, Oregon. A news crew came to film Dogs for the Deaf President and CEO, Robin Dickson and Canine Instructor, Carrie Brooks in a local mall where they were introducing the program to the public.
Using your phone while driving can harm more than yourself
We all know the dangers of texting and driving. But many still use their smartphones to check their Facebook status, send a Tweet or look up something on the Internet. Please don't risk disability or death — to you or others — or your Service Dog.
Have PTSD? There’s an app for that.
PTSD is a very complex issue. Sometimes, those who have it aren't even aware at first. Others are aware, but aren't sure what to do about it, or are reluctant to seek help for fear of appearing weak. Perhaps they feel like they should feel lucky, that there's others out there that have it worse, and that they should try to ignore how they feel.
It’s PTSD Awareness Month
June is PTSD Awareness Month. And June 27th is PTSD Awareness Day — established in 2010 by the United States Senate to raise public awareness about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Help for military spouses dealing with PTSD
Shawn Gourley has written a new book titled “Being A Military Spouse: Stand By Your Soldier” to spread awareness of spouses dealing with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). It will give an understanding of what it is like living with a veteran who has PTSD through her personal experience.