Mental Health

LVMAC Forward Observer: Need to Talk to Someone Over the Afghanistan Situation?

LVMAC Poster Art 2005With the sometimes venal political beat-ups over decisions made past and present in regard to the recent events in Afghanistan, compounded by local reporters trying to solicit comments from any current era veterans about their thoughts over the matter for the sake of a story and the blitz of media video and pictures,  it is should be no surprise that a few veterans are in a funk; or, in extreme cases, experiencing a resurfacing of post-traumatic stress.

While for the majority, a listening ear from family, friends, and associates is all that might be necessary, it is also good to know bona fide resources for more serious situations.  Many of these can be found through the Answers Desk section of this website, but are re-listed here for convenience.  Our thanks to Jenna Jordan of Spectrum News, Cleveland, Ohio, who actually did something useful through contacting the VA. One or two of the resources might surprise you: (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer: Bethany UM Adds to Its Military Veteran Family Support Services

LVMAC Poster Art 2005As we reported in a 19 September blog, Bethany United Methodist Church located in the Macungie/Wescoville area, intended to conduct two workshops to promote a better understanding of PTSD with the ultimate intention of starting a peer-to-peer support group afterwards.

As a result of those meetings, we have learned that the church has started two of these types of support groups instead:  one for male veterans and another for women, whether veterans or spouses or ‘significant others’ — which makes this group unique to the valley when looked at from a veteran’s context. (more…)

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LVMAC Tidbit: Chess, “the Fairy Tale of 1001 Blunders”, Finds a Purpose

According to some, there is a growing body of empirical evidence that chess can help ease the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — helping with both cognitive functioning and mental health.  In some parts of the country, chess clubs have actively worked with U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs hospitals and the VFW.  And, chess brings people from all walks of life together more casually through the pleasure of a game — something often missing in our society.  Its benefit can be manifold. (more…)

By LVMAC, ago

Forward Observer: Bethany Church Launches Effort to Address PTSD and Trauma

LVMAC Poster Art 2005It is in the formative stage, but the Bethany Church located in the Macungie area, will be hosting two workshops to promote a better understanding PTSD — with the intention of starting a peer-to-peer support group afterwards, if successful.  Led by Scotty Coyle, Pastor of Discipleship and also a current war, combat veteran, the approach is non-clinical, for he is not a clinical psychologist.  However, he is an experienced counselor who has studied PTSD treatments.

It is unfortunate that some veterans (more…)

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Forward Observer: Vet Center Counseling Now Available During Training or Drill Weekends for the Guard– BUT NOT SO MUCH IN THE LEHIGH VALLEY?

LVMAC Poster Art 2005On 27 August the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced it had formalized a partnership with the Department of Defense formalized a partnership on 28 June between VA’s Vet Centers and the National Guard Bureau, to provide Vet Center counseling, outreach staff and other services to members during training or drill weekends to decrease their suicide rate — a reputed problem in the Pennsylvania National Guard. (more…)

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