Nationwide there are more than 2.3 million American veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. In San Luis Obispo County alone, ACTION estimates veterans make up close to 10% of the population. Reports suggest that some 20% of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans suffer from PTSD and/or Depression. It’s believed that 50% of those with PTSD do not seek treatment. PTSD can have potentially lethal consequences. Asking for help is extremely shaming, especially for combat arms soldiers.
So, what is PTSD and what are the symptoms? How common is PTSD? What can I do if I or someone I love suspect is suffering from PTSD? Are there treatments available to help? Join us to raise awareness of PTSD, discuss how to get help and what effective PTSD treatments are available on the Central Coast. Host Kris Kington-Barker is joined by guest David Dorfmeier, Vietnam veteran, retired US Army Sergeant Major, and clinical therapist, as well as Liz Graves, ACSW, a Mental Health Therapist with the County of San Luis Obispo, Department of Behavioral Health, Veterans Outreach Program and Michael Young, LCSW, the Team Leader with the San Luis Obispo Vets Center to talk with us about the many aspects of this serious issue.
Central Coast Voices is sponsored by ACTION for Healthy Communities in collaboration with KCBX.
