Last year at this time, I wrote about a friend of mine who took his own life after returning from the war in Iraq . He suffered from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and I vowed to do all in my power to shine light on this debilitating condition that affects so many of our heroic returning warriors.

In my efforts to learn about and increase awareness of this disorder, I've come to realize that PTSD affects anyone who has suffered from a traumatic event. I focused on returning veterans because of my specific experience, but it is important for all of us to know that this information has broad applications across society.

Following the lead of the Doña Ana County Board of Commissioners in 2009, momentum is picking up at the state and national levels to designate a day each year as PTSD Awareness Day.

I believe that at the community, state and federal levels, we have a collective obligation to educate ourselves on PTSD symptoms and to be unrelenting in referring those who are symptomatic to places where they can seek fellowship and counseling from others who have ‘been there’ and understand the inherent challenges of re-adapting to normal life after living through significant trauma, such as the horrors of war.

The symptoms of PTSD are difficult to deal with because retreat and withdrawal are a part of the disorder. Other symptoms include avoiding social situations, self-isolation, loss of hope for a full and rewarding future, and irritability. Anyone who thinks that their friend or loved one is suffering from PTSD should seek professional help in how to approach the subject immediately.

             If you have a loved one who experienced a traumatic event and is suffering from these symptoms, you need to know that PTSD is very real and that you are not alone. It will be worthwhile and rewarding to seek help to find pro-active ways to approach the subject. There are therapists who can help you understand how to help those you love. Don't make the mistake that I and so many others did in thinking that it will go away on its own.

             When it comes to veterans, we are fortunate in southern New Mexico to have the Las Cruces Vet Center and the Veterans’ Service Center as resources. But the fact that those resources are in place does not mean that all veterans are aware of them. They should be. The Las Cruces Vet Center , (575) 523-9826, is located at 230 S. Water St. , in downtown Las Cruces . The Veteran Services Center , (575) 524-6220, is located at 2024 E. Griggs Ave. , in Las Cruces.

              For non-veterans, counseling is available through churches, private therapists and various non-profit organizations. For veterans and non-veterans alike, PTSD has the proven ability to wreck lives, and many of its victims are reluctant to reach out. I believe that reluctance on their part translates to responsibility for the rest of us to pay attention, speak up and point sufferers toward help.

              On Tuesday, April 27, the Doña Ana County Government Center will proclaim April 28 as the Second Annual PTSD Awareness Day in Doña Ana County . I urge you and your readers to join us in reaching out to our returning warriors and others who suffer in hopeless silence.

As more and more of our Veterans return home, it is more and more important that we spread awareness of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

In April the DAC commission unanimously supported my effort to increase awareness of PTSD and its effect on our returning Veterans.  Shortly after, Congressman Harry Teague introduced legislation to establish manditory screening for PTSD. He named the legislation after a friend of mine.

Almost two years ago I lost a good friend to PTSD.  He took his own life while suffering and struggling with his new reality. 

Click here to read the column I wrote on my experience.

The following press release came from Congressman Harry Teague's office regarding his efforts.  I am very proud to have Harry as my Congressman and my friend.  Thanks Harry!

Washington, DC – Thursday, The House of Representatives approved a Congressman Harry Teague sponsored amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) to create a post-deployment mental health screening pilot-program.  The adoption of the amendment is seen as a key victory in advancing the fight to make more mental health services available to service members.  Earlier this month, Congressman Harry Teague introduced the Kyle Barthel Veterans and Service Members Mental Health Screening Act a bill calling for mandatory and confidential mental health assessments for service members.  That legislation was named in honor of a Las Crucen who, after returning from service in combat struggled with PTSD and ultimately took his own life.

“Our veterans need and deserve the best care our nation can offer and that includes mental healthcare,” said Congressman Harry Teague, a member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee.  “The program we are establishing with this amendment is a step in the right direction toward stemming the tide of tragic incidents associated with PTSD.”

The amendment would require the Defense Department to conduct a demonstration project at two military installations – active duty and reserve – to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of providing face-to-face post-deployment mental health screening between a soldier and a mental health provider. The two year project will include a combat stress evaluation conducted by a qualified mental health professional within 120 to 180 days after the date the soldier return from combat theater, as well as follow-up phone calls over the next two years.

In 2008, 143 Army soldiers committed suicide – the highest rate since the Army began keeping record in 1980. According to the June 2007 report of the Department of Defense Task Force on Mental Health, 38% of soldiers, 31% of Marines and 49% of National Guard members report psychological symptoms 90-120 days after returning from deployment. 

The bill now heads to the Senate for consideration.