Pieces - Stephen Cochran

Complementary and Alternative Treatments for PTSD

Veterans Health Administration Update
PTSD Research Quarterly

 Broadly conceptualized, the term “complementary and alternative medicine” (CAM) refers to treatments not considered to be standard to the current practice of Western medicine. “Complementary” refers to the use
of these techniques in combination with conventional approaches, whereas “alternative” refers to their use in lieu of conventional practices. Of course, many treatments and techniques (e.g., acupuncture) that are considered CAM within U.S. borders are elemental to conventional medicinal practices in other parts of the world. As Western practitioners and consumers increasingly adopt these approaches, the boundaries between conventional medicine and CAM continue to shift. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM) has proposed
a five-category classification system for CAM therapies: 1) natural products (e.g., herbal dietary supplements); 2) mind-body medicine (e.g., meditation,
acupuncture, yoga); 3) manipulative and body-based practices (e.g., massage, spinal manipulation); 4) other alternative practices (e.g., movement therapies, energy therapies); and 5) whole medicine systems (e.g., traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurvedic medicine). The current review does not address natural products, which fall outside our area of expertise, nor does it address whole medicine systems, as our interest is in exploring applications of CAM within conventional Western medicine.

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Call to Veteran/Military Artists

Please help us with a promotional video project by submitting a drawing of 'feet'.

Art Supplies Needed

In a time when many veterans are struggling for food and shelter the purchase of art supplies seems remiss. It is very important to understand the therapeutic value of art, even art exploration, on mental wellness. If a few basic art tools can create an opportunity that will introduce veterans to a medium that can alleviate symptoms of PTSD, Substance Abuse, Major Depression and other related conditions then it has value beyond understanding. If art classes can prevent a single suicide what value can we place on this effort?
Your donations, however small, can help with the success of this program - and perhaps save more than one life.

We are currently canvasing for basic art supplies - sketch books, art paper, pencil sets, charcoal, erasers, pastels, and drawing pens. These will be used for free art classes offered to veterans and military families.
Help us to Help Veterans Heal! 

Development of PTSD and other symptoms

There are multiple trajectories that Active Duty, National Guard, and Reserve Service Members, and Veterans (Service Members) can experience following exposure to a traumatic event that may or may not include physical injury.
Research shows that the majority of Service Members who are exposed to traumatic events during the course of duty do not go on to develop clinical symptoms that impair functioning; however, an estimated 10%-18% of Service Members and Veterans develop symptoms that impair functioning and are significant enough to result in a clinical diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Hoge et al., 20041; Vasterling et al., 2006; Hoge et al., 2007).
 Of these individuals, some may experience symptoms that resolve on their own, some may respond well to treatment, and some may not respond well to treatment (medication and/or psychotherapies) (Friedman, Keane, and Resick, 2007).
There are also individuals who may be suffering from PTSD, but still functioning in their occupation or social/family life, albeit at an impaired level. While some of these individuals do not seek treatment, a number of them eventually will, but often only after the onset of frequently associated chronic comorbid symptoms such as depression, anger/aggression, relationship problems, and substance use/abuse.

Mother to Mother #2

Mother  to Mother

 by Mavis H McDowell

            Like other  mothers, I get inspiration from several magazines that often have very helpful articles. These include;

Scientific American ,   Scientific American MIND, and Psychology Today. Those  three you will have to subscribe to. There are on line versions.

  Neurology Now is free. For  free home delivery of the magazine go to www.neurologynow.com   If you want a free download for your ipad go to your ipad home screen open the app store icon. Search for Neurology Now, tap free to install on your ipad.  Then you can download back issues. Let me know what you find that is helpful to you and your loved one.

Art Supplies Needed

Art has an amazing healing effect and often the one that can receive the greatest benefit has never sought the opportunity -- many times simply because it was something never tried. Operation Revamp will be offering free art classes to veterans and military families and is seeking the supplies needed to carry this out.

We are currently canvasing for basic art supplies - sketch books, art paper, pencil sets, charcoal, erasers, pastels, and drawing pens. These will be used for free art classes offered to veterans and military families.

Help us to Help Veterans Heal! 

Learn More

Coping and Support for Military Veterans at Real Warriors

Common reactions to combat include fear, sadness and distress. Real Warriors is here to help you identify when you need to reach out, seek treatment or develop new coping skills to manage your stress. We provide tips to help you recognize when you need help, treatment options and community and military health care resources.

Coping and Support for Military Veterans at Real Warriors

Alcohol Use Disorders, Military Alcohol Abuse at Real Warriors

It’s common for service members and veterans to feel stress as a result of deployment or other life transitions. Often this stress can be managed safely through coping skills such as breathing techniques, exercise and peer support -- but in some instances it can trigger other serious challenges, including alcohol abuse and dependence. If you or someone you know is using alcohol in a way that may cause either physical or psychological harm, or is experiencing a strong urge to drink alcohol, it is important to reach out for care and support. Alcohol abuse and alcohol dependence (also known as alcoholism) are serious matters that can pose risks to your physical and psychological health, including relationships with loved ones and creating financial strain. Fortunately, there are a variety of military and civilian resources that can help you access treatment and care to overcome unhealthy alcohol use as well as help you to maintain responsible drinking habits.

Alcohol Use Disorders, Military Alcohol Abuse at Real Warriors