Freddy talks to an Army Veteran having trouble adjusting to civilian life - Frank, an Army Veteran completed a 15-month deployment in Iraq, where he saw a lot of combat. He has been experiencing PTSD symptoms, including trouble sleeping, flashbacks, and depression, and he wanted to talk to a counselor.  Information Services Representative (ISR) Freddy shared his own similar experiences coming home from the war, and assured Frank that what he was experiencing was common to many returning Vets.  Freddy talked to Frank about some coping strategies and therapies, and gave him a list of local counseling resources.  Freddy stayed on the phone with Frank for an hour, after which Frank said he was feeling better, and said that he would follow-up on the Veterans counseling services Freddy had given him, as well as information about VA benefits that he is entitled to. 

Apolonio helps Chris with his PTSD - Chris called the Lifeline for Vets™ after weeks of struggling with his PTSD, alcoholism, and difficulty working with his local VA Medical Center in Tucson Arizona.  Chris was diagnosed with PTSD in February.  He served two combat tours in Afghanistan.  After his diagnosis, he had been prescribed anti-anxiety medication and had been to three VA counseling sessions. He felt that the medication was not working. The doctor informed him that he would be prescribed a different medication after his file had been reviewed.   In the absence of any medication, Chris began drinking, after more than a year of sobriety, and was on the verge of doing something drastic when he saw the NVF’s website.  Information Services Representative (ISR) Apolonio put Chris in touch with his area’s Global War on Terrorism Outreach Coordinator, suggested a counseling group at the Tucson VA Medical Center, and connected him with the local VFW post for peer support.  Apolonio also counseled Chris on the disability benefits that may be available to him now that he has been diagnosed with PTSD and gave him the information to start a claim. 

Eric Helps the Wife of a Marine Vet with PTSD Get Some Help - Eric received a call from Norma, the wife of a Marine Veteran. Her husband served two tours in Iraq and had been exhibiting symptoms of PTSD.  Since he had been home, he has had trouble sleeping and has been prone to angry outbursts, among other symptoms. Recently, he stopped taking his medication.  The night before Norma called, her husband had suffered a severe flashback.  The couple has two children and Norma is worried about them, but refuses to give up on her husband.  Eric suggested that she get her husband treatment immediately He gave her some strategies for talking about it and encouraged her to get her husband to call the NVF Lifeline for Vets™.  Eric gave her a number of counseling and other support resources asked her to call him back if she needs anything else. 

For help with PTSD, call the NVF Lifeline for Vets™ at 888-777-4443