Dear Abby Letter on Combat PTSD Today

Dear Abby:

Although I am not a mental health professional, I am concerned for the welfare of "Stressed in Pennsylvania" (Nov. 22), who is suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder due to his tour of duty in Iraq.

As a current commander of troops and a two-time returnee from "down range," I take caring for soldiers seriously, and I would opine that the writer's healing process already has begun. It began as soon as the soldier acknowledged he had demons he could not deal with.

Regardless of a soldier's location in the continental United States, the Department of Veterans Affairs has a steady stream of counselors available for any soldier — past and present — dealing with the aftermath of his experience in Iraq. In addition, depending on his location and current status (active duty, primarily), he can go to any base and seek assistance through the Community Mental Health Agency. Within that office, he will find a host of professionals ready and able to assist him with the symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder. More>>