Military Families Support Group
Today's military family faces a lifestyle that is comprised of frequent deployments, which results in increased family separations. This often proves to be a stressful challenge for military families. This community is dedicated to the families that are dealing with the unique challenges of distance and military-related stress.
I am new to this group. I have a guy friend in the Army right now. I am incredably passionate about our Military getting the help they might need when they come back from deplyment. I am not a professional but I have personal expeience about mental illness and trauma. I really do not know much about the support on the bases or the va I just feel that not enough is done. People do not always have rserious trouble as soon as they come back from deployment it could be down the road. Any suggestions or input is welcomed.
Even though the Military is offering PTSD therapy and saying that there is no stigma and it will not effect a Soldier's career, many Soldier's do not believe this. So, it may be a good idea while your loved one is deployed to do a little research and find some civilian therapists who have experience with PTSD and maybe even Vets. Expect to pay out of pocket-most Soldiers will not want this showing up on Tri-Care, so depending on your finances, ask about sliding scales and payment plans.
Planning ahead can make all the difference..having a few therapists lined up ahead of time so your Soldier isn't scrambling to find one while in crisis makes a big difference.
If, by chance, your Soldier needs more intensive care, think ahead, and get used to the possibility of inpatient care. Nobody likes this idea, but sometimes it is neccessary, and it can be life saving if you feel your loved one might hurt themselves. Good Inpatient facilities are hard to find, so you may have to travel.
Here is one program specifically for Military, it is privately funded, so it has great resources, the facility itself is in great condition, and the food is good, and I have known people whose commanding officers put them on a waiting list for a bed here rather than have them sent to a facility at a hospital that treats the general public. Soldiers need specialized treatment.
http://www.ubhdenton.com/SpecialtyPrograms.aspx
The name of the program is called the Freedom Care Program.
The last resource I can think of is PTSD Service Dogs for our Veterans.
Here's the link- http://soldiersbestfriend.org/
I love this program- A vet rescues a shelter dog, and then trains his dog to become his own PTSD service dog.
Best, LuLu
You can also try Military and Family Life Consultants (MFLC). I've gone to them before and I highly recommend them. I've referred numerous Airmen to them and they really do help. Normally 2 MFLCs are stationed on the base and they're only there for about 3-4 months. You can see them for up to 10 sessions and they never write anything down. You can even meet them off base and in your civilian clothes so they don't know your name or rank (neither of which you have to tell them). They only time they'll report anything to the command is if you're homicidal/suicidal. The best parts are that they're certified counselors and they're free.
Just so you know, there are resources out there for our military members, but we don't always want to use them because of the stigma of how our careers would be affected. In reality, our careers are rarely ever affected, but there's still the fear.