Montrose - Daily Press

About one-fourth of veterans returning from duty in Iraq and Afghanistan suffer from anxiety, depression, or post traumatic stress disorder, according to the Center for  Mental Health in Montrose.

In an effort to help returning soldiers and their families deal with the effects of combat trauma and transition back into civilian life, the center has started Wednesday night group therapy sessions. These peer support groups provide a confidential, safe place for soldiers to work through trauma reactions and learn techniques to identify and defuse emotional triggers and responses. A therapist and drug and alcohol counselor are on hand to facilitate.

Trauma symptoms can include anger, irritability, depression, isolation, alienation, emotional numbing, survivor guilt, nightmares, negative self image, cynicism, distrust, memory impairment, drug or alcohol abuse, hypervigilance, problems in intimate relationships, flashbacks and suicidal feelings and thoughts.

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Trauma is the body’s natural response to being subjected to threatening situations, said Janine Moderski, a center therapist experienced in working with trauma cases. In the support groups participants learn skills to identify stress response triggers and calm themselves down. If traumatized people don’t get help, the trauma responses continue and escalate. The longer a person waits to get help, the more difficult problems are to treat, Moderski said.

According to a recent Associated Press story, the nation’s military and its veterans are coping with depression, suicide, family, marital and job problems at a level not seen since the Vietnam War era. This is creating a mental health crisis.

Unfortunately, in both the military and civilian worlds, suffering from emotional problems and seeking professional help still carry a stigma in some circles. This is even more pronounced on the Western Slope, where people tend to “cowboy up”  and pick themselves up by their bootstraps, Moderski said.

The center realizes that it may take some time for veterans suffering from trauma to seek help. However, it wants to educate families and the community that the support groups are available when they are ready.

No one who goes to war comes home unchanged. It’s a sign of strength to reach out and ask for help. Our community is fortunate to have the mental health center reaching out in return.

Groups meet every Wednesday night at the Center for Mental Health. Veterans and their families can call the center for more information at 249-9694 or Janine at 497-8952.

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