In an effort to continue to help Veterans dealing with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), the Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder has begun a new online initiative called the AboutFace Campaign. The announcement of the campaign coincides with the month of June which has been dubbed PTSD Awareness Month.
“We must do all we can to help Veterans identify possible indicators that they may be suffering from PTSD,” said Secretary of Veterans Affairs Eric K. Shinseki. “It requires a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to be effective. We hope that this initiative, while just one aspect of our program, will play an important role in that effort.”
According to the department, the AboutFace campaign uses personal videos from Veterans all eras, who, through treatment for PTSD, have been able to make their lives better, to show those dealing with PTSD that help is possible.
AboutFace is a new component, targeted specifically for PTSD, of the VA’s Make the Connection (www.MakeTheConnection.net) campaign. This larger campaign, makes use of personal testimonials to illustrate true stories of Veterans who faced life events, experiences, physical ailments, or psychological symptoms; reached out for support; and found ways to overcome their challenges.
“VA is committed to ensuring the men and women who bravely served our Nation can access the resources and services tailored for them that can lead to a more fulfilling life,” said Dr. Robert Petzel, VA’s under secretary for health. “We want Veterans to recognize themselves in these stories and to feel optimistic that they can overcome their challenges with proper treatment. We set aside this month of June to urge everyone to increase awareness of PTSD so those in need can get effective treatment that will enable them to lead productive, fulfilling and enjoyable lives.”
More information about the AboutFace campaign can be found on the National Center for PTSD website at http://www.ptsd.va.gov.