18 veterans die daily from PTSD
Sherry Mazzocchi
Issue date: 5/5/08 Section: News
Last week, the Department of Veterans Affairs admitted that on average, 18 veterans commit suicide everyday. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is common among returning Iraq and Afghanistan war veterans. According to a recent RAND Corporation study, one in five veterans suffer from PTSD. If left untreated, PTSD can lead to suicide.
While Baruch does not have the largest CUNY veteran population, faculty and administrators foresee the need to prepare for their return. Dr. David Cheung, director of the counseling center at Baruch, said veterans often hesitate to come to counseling. "There is a stigma attached," said Cheung.
Just like members of police and fire departments, Cheung said soldiers often feel that if they seek psychological counseling, their superiors will think something is wrong with them and they will be ostracized. "Paramilitary and military organizations have a reluctance to show any signs of weakness," Cheung said.
PTSD may take time to manifest. Cheung, who has worked at the Counseling Center long enough to have helped Vietnam veterans transition back into civilian life, said practical matters like money and work are usually the first areas of concern. Psychological issues are often not immediate.
PTSD can emerge in a variety of ways. Symptoms of anxiety and depression may appear. There may also be an increase of drug and alcohol use. Cheung said, "It is easier for soldiers to deal with physical ailments. If they lose a leg, others can see they are not faking their illness. People will ask 'Why can't you snap out of it?' There is no understanding if they can't see it."
Since many do not receive counseling on their own, family and friends are essential in encouraging loved ones to seek help if they show signs of PTSD. "If you've been traumatized, it's not unusual to feel that way," said Cheung.
Dr. Glen Petersen, professor of anthropology at Baruch College and a former Vietnam veteran, said he started his military career at the height of the anti-war movement. When he returned home, he had no one to talk with about his experiences. "I had to suppress it and it came back to haunt me," he said. "I look at our students and I don't want them to have that experience."
Petersen said that as more veterans return from the war, they should create a central location at Baruch where they can get information about medical and psychological issues, the G.I. Bill and the best ways to navigate the complex Veteran Affairs Department.
"John Jay College is famous for having large populations of veterans," he said. "LaGuardia and Brooklyn also have long standing programs for them. We simply don't have it. If we did something effective, it would be a draw."
Dr. Corlisse Thomas, assistant vice president of student affairs, said that while Baruch does not have the types of initiatives that John Jay has, Baruch hosted a Veteran Student Forum last fall where students had the opportunity to ask questions and have their concerns addressed. She suggested that the Office of Student Life should help veterans form a student club that would serve as a social support group.
While Baruch does not have the largest CUNY veteran population, faculty and administrators foresee the need to prepare for their return. Dr. David Cheung, director of the counseling center at Baruch, said veterans often hesitate to come to counseling. "There is a stigma attached," said Cheung.
Just like members of police and fire departments, Cheung said soldiers often feel that if they seek psychological counseling, their superiors will think something is wrong with them and they will be ostracized. "Paramilitary and military organizations have a reluctance to show any signs of weakness," Cheung said.
PTSD may take time to manifest. Cheung, who has worked at the Counseling Center long enough to have helped Vietnam veterans transition back into civilian life, said practical matters like money and work are usually the first areas of concern. Psychological issues are often not immediate.
PTSD can emerge in a variety of ways. Symptoms of anxiety and depression may appear. There may also be an increase of drug and alcohol use. Cheung said, "It is easier for soldiers to deal with physical ailments. If they lose a leg, others can see they are not faking their illness. People will ask 'Why can't you snap out of it?' There is no understanding if they can't see it."
Since many do not receive counseling on their own, family and friends are essential in encouraging loved ones to seek help if they show signs of PTSD. "If you've been traumatized, it's not unusual to feel that way," said Cheung.
Dr. Glen Petersen, professor of anthropology at Baruch College and a former Vietnam veteran, said he started his military career at the height of the anti-war movement. When he returned home, he had no one to talk with about his experiences. "I had to suppress it and it came back to haunt me," he said. "I look at our students and I don't want them to have that experience."
Petersen said that as more veterans return from the war, they should create a central location at Baruch where they can get information about medical and psychological issues, the G.I. Bill and the best ways to navigate the complex Veteran Affairs Department.
"John Jay College is famous for having large populations of veterans," he said. "LaGuardia and Brooklyn also have long standing programs for them. We simply don't have it. If we did something effective, it would be a draw."
Dr. Corlisse Thomas, assistant vice president of student affairs, said that while Baruch does not have the types of initiatives that John Jay has, Baruch hosted a Veteran Student Forum last fall where students had the opportunity to ask questions and have their concerns addressed. She suggested that the Office of Student Life should help veterans form a student club that would serve as a social support group.
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