‘Bounce back’: Services available in Tennessee to help veterans with PTSD

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) – The VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System is hoping to raise awareness about treatment options for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to the VA, PTSD is a mental health condition that can happen after being a part of or seeing a traumatic event, such as combat, physical or sexual assault, serious accidents or natural disasters. The department said PTSD impacts 6% of the general population and 7% of Veterans.

The National Center for PTSD found that Veterans who use the VA for healthcare are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD than those who use other services. Researchers believe it may partially be because the VA screens for PTSD in all veteran patients.

Dr. Amy Owen, a licensed clinical psychologist at VA Tennessee Valley Healthcare System, said what seems to be the main difference between those who recover and those who don’t is that some choose to struggle in silence instead of asking for help.

“Oftentimes, folks have this mentality of ‘suck it up and drive on,’ and I think that makes a lot of sense when it comes to a military setting, but it can be unhelpful after a traumatic event when we know that actually experiencing one’s emotions helps them to work through it and bounce back from a terrible experience,” Owen said.

She emphasized that PTSD is treatable and it’s never too late to take action and seek care.

“As the providers, we’re like the spotter at the weight bench,” Owen said. “We’re guiding them through the steps that they need to take and how much they need to push themselves on what specifically they need to work on. It’s going to be uncomfortable at first just like working out. You’re going to have sore muscles, but if you stick with it, it gets much easier, and that’s when we start to see the symptoms come down.”

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Veterans are encouraged to visit their local VA Medical Center or VA clinic for PTSD treatment.

If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org . For veterans needing support, dial 988 then press one.

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