Hidden Wounds

PTSD SYMPTOMS

• isolation
• hyper-vigilance/anxiety
• headaches/fatigue
• flashbacks/insomnia/nightmares
• trouble concentrating

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• 2.3 million U.S. vets of Iraq/Afghanistan wars
• 20% have PTSD
• "signature wound" of these wars

Why the Increase?

• Repeated combat tours
• More bombs than bullets

Many Vets Don't Get Help

• Hard to diagnose
• Tough-guy military culture

What do they do?

• Alcohol
• Drugs
• Suicide
• 2012: each soldier killed in action = 25 suicides

Military is Trying to help

• On-site Restoration Center
• Prolonged Exposure Therapy
• Relaxed Rules to prove PTSD

There are Still Obstacles

• VA takes 6-18 months to process disability claim
• VA is over prescribing drugs (oxycodone)

U.S. Military Needs To...

• Limit combat tours
• Increase funds to speed processing of claims at VA
• Address warrior culture

"I'd trade a leg for this in a heartbeat..