Army veteran Steven Moon, who shared his personal struggles with PTSD after serving three tours in Iraq. (SBG Photo) TOPICS: Veterans PTSD Mental health Treatment Suicide Conference San Antonio Awareness SAN ANTONIO – On average, one veteran in Texas commits suicide every day, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.This stark statistic underscores the urgent need for mental health support among veterans, particularly those grappling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We spoke with Army veteran Steven Moon, who shared his personal struggles with PTSD after serving three tours in Iraq.
Moon initially enlisted to secure funding for college and escape early life challenges. "PTSD is something that many veterans struggle with," Moon said. He noted that what began as a four-year commitment unexpectedly turned into a 24-year military career.
Upon returning home, Moon faced the harsh realities of PTSD, which included hypervigilance, irritability, and changes in cognition and mood.
Studies show that 29% of veterans who served in Iraq experience PTSD at some point in their lives. To address these issues, U.T. Health San Antonio and the Strong Star Consortium recently hosted a Combat PTSD Conference aimed at raising awareness and developing new treatment strategies for post-9/11 veterans.
Alan Peterson, aprofessor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, said this has become a rising trend.
"There’s been a big emphasis over the past decade and a half on developing new treatments for post-9/11 veterans," Peterson said.
Moon advocates for even more customized approaches to treatments that can meet the individual needs of veterans.
Dr. Tracey Foster from the South Texas Veterans Healthcare System highlighted that these personalized strategies are already being implemented. "Getting in the door and meeting with a professional is becoming more tailored to fit each specific veteran," Dr. Foster said. "Treatment is really a holistic matter." Both Moon and Dr. Foster agree that breaking the stigma surrounding mental health is essential to reducing suicide rates and providing effective treatment. "You have to directly address this," Dr. Foster said. "We will see people able to get the help they need, focusing […]
Get Creative with Cannabis: The Ultimate Guide to Painting and Pottery Workshops
Creative with Cannabis Cannabis and creativity go hand in hand—especially
