Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Trauma and Recovery A Veteran’s Perspective

post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma and recovery:

a veteran’s perspective

Walter Gensemer, Vietnam Combat Veteran, Mentor, Hospice Volunteer and Survivor

“I could have left Vietnam after one year, but voluntarily stayed for a second year. I didn’t recognize the damaging effects of my combat deployments until years later. While reading about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in a veteran’s newsletter, the signs -including irritability, emotional numbness, difficulty sleeping and trouble concentrating – hit home and I sought help. By this time, I was out of the Army for about 20 years before I was finally diagnosed with PTSD. PTSD affects 80% of all combat veterans. I always thought that was for the weaker soldiers. I was strong. I was tough. Over the years, I learned it doesn’t matter how tough you are,” Gensemer said.

PTSD is a mental health condition that can affect ANYONE; it is triggered by a terrifying event you have experienced or witnessed. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, depression, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.

The names for PTSD have changed over the years; Soldiers Heart (Civil War), Shell Shock (WWI), Combat Fatigue (WWII), Operational Exhaustion (Korea), and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) (Vietnam and after). A few years ago, discussion began on changing its name again to post-traumatic stress injury (PTSI). Professionals felt changing it from disorder to injury would reduce the stigma that is related to this disorder. 14 common symptoms of ptsd: 1. Having unwanted nightmares, vivid memories, or flashbacks of the event that make you feel like it’s happening all over again. 2. Feeling upset by things that remind you of the event. 3. Feeling irritated or having uncontrollable, angry outbursts. 4. Avoiding people, places and/or things that remind you of the event. 5. Feeling emotionally cut off and distant from others. 6. Isolating yourself from family and friends. 7. Feeling numb and losing interest in things you once used to care about. 8. Constantly feeling on guard or hypervigilant. 9. Having difficulty sleeping. 10. Having trouble concentrating. 11. Being jumpy or easily startled. 12. Constant use of drugs or alcohol to numb the pain. 13. Considering harming yourself or others. 14. Overworking often to keep your mind off what happened.

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what can you do if you feel you have ptsd? Complete a PTSD screening with PTSD Screening Instruments - PTSD: National Center for PTSD (va.gov) and discuss the results with your doctor, a mental health specialist or a counselor. Talk to another veteran. Talk to a family member or friend.

There are two types of treatment that have been shown to be effective in treating PTSD: counseling and medications. Professional therapy or counseling can help you understand your thoughts and reactions and help you learn techniques to cope with those challenging thoughts. Medications can also be used to help reduce tension, irritability, and even help improve your sleep.

Integrated Counseling and Physical Health and Wellness Services serving Adults, Youth and Families.

Here are a few of the services we offer:

• Outpatient Substance Use

Disorder Counseling • Outpatient Mental Health Counseling • Individual and/or group therapy • Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) • Certified recovery/peer specialists • Physical health and wellness services • Genoa Pharmacy on site (for both you and your family)

Dr. Netaji -

MAT Specialist

Dr. Netaji, is board certified in Addiction Medicine and specializes in Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Dr. Netaji is a caring and compassionate physician who can help you on your road to recovery – always in a judgement-free zone.

A Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic/Integrated Community Wellness Center

Learn how we can help you or someone you love by calling 610.373.4281

“We know that these freedoms were bought at a price … and we honor those who laid down their lives so that we can enjoy those freedoms,” said Gensemer.

If you are suffering from any disabilities you believe to be related to your active-duty military service, please reach out to a local Veterans Service Organization/Officer(VSO) OGC - Accreditation Search (va.gov) to support you and represent your claims into the Veterans Affairs. Advocacy services are free and could result in access to VA benefits such as VA Healthcare and monthly, tax free VA Compensation benefits (among other benefits).

If you are experiencing a Mental Health Emergency or are having suicidal ideations, please call 9-8-8 and Press 1 for veterans.

You can learn more about VA Benefits at www.va.gov or by calling 1-800-MYVA-411.

Walter Gensemer is a Vietnam Combat Veteran, Purple Heart Recipient who earned three Bronze Stars and several commendations for Heroism. Walter is a Berk County Military Hall of Fame inductee-Class of 2010 and was a recipient of the 2021 American Red Cross Hero’s Award. 2021 American Red Cross Hero.

Safe Medication Storage and Disposal

Do you have unused or expired medications?

In Berks County, 49 percent of teens who said they had misused prescription drugs in the 2019 PA Youth Survey claimed to have acquired them “from someone living in my home.” You can help prevent misuse and protect our enviroment by safely disposing of your medications.

Medication Lock Boxes

The locking medicine case allows for organization and secure storage of medicines and medical supplies.

Free to Berks County residents while supplies last.

Drop Box Locations

Take your unused, expired medications (including pet) to one of the 29 drop boxes throughout Berks County.

Find a list of accepted items and locations on the COCA website.

Disposal Bags

Dipose of unused or expired medications safely at home! This disposal process works on pills, patches and liquids. The bag and its contents can then be safely disposed in a household trash can.

Bags are available at no cost to Berks County residents.

(610) 376-8669 I cocaberks.org/rxsafety

About COCA

Bern Twp Bethel Twp

Serving the community since 1971, the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) is the coordinating agency for publicly supported drug and alcohol programming in the county. COCA and its partners provide an array of prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery services.

TODAY THERE’S HOPE

for affordable and accessible life-saving treatment. Hoy hay esperanza para un tratamiento a bajo costo y accesible que salve vidas

When it comes to addiction, every second counts.

Today, there’s hope for saving a life with NARCAN®. Berks County residents have access to free NARCAN® opioid overdose reversal kits.

There’s hope for recovery, too. Residents have access to safe, affordable, and accessible drug and alcohol treatment options right here in Berks. Virtual telehealth options are also available. Cuando se trata de adicción, cada segundo cuenta.

Hoy, existe la esperanza de salvar una vida con NARCAN®. Los residentes del condado de Berks tienen acceso a kits gratuitos de reversión de sobredosis de opioides NARCAN®.

También hay esperanza de recuperación. Los residentes tienen acceso a opciones de tratamiento de drogas y alcohol seguras, asequibles y accesibles aquí mismo en Berks. También se encuentran disponibles opciones de telesalud virtual.

Paid for with PA taxpayer dollars.