Veterans Day advice | The Salt Lake Tribune

This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2012, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

The Veterans Advisory Council on mental health at the VA Medical Center encourages any veteran experiencing nightmares, flashbacks, hyper-vigilance or other symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder to seek services at his or her nearest VA health care facility.

Many veterans continue to needlessly suffer from PTSD. Some have looked for relief in the past but have not found the help they needed; others continue to try to simply "live with it." Help is available.

If you've participated in unsuccessful PTSD programs, things have changed. New evidence-based therapies go beyond the "coping skills" of the past. New medications relieve many of the symptoms. You, your family and your friends need not suffer from the effects of PTSD.

Services are available throughout the region in outpatient and mobile clinics. PTSD assessment sessions are held at the VA Medial Center every Tuesday at 11 a.m. in the new outpatient mental health facility (Building 16). Veterans experiencing any mental health crisis can receive help there. Just walk in and ask for help. Or go anytime to emergency in the main VA building.

Peer counselors (veterans who have experienced their own recovery) are available to discuss paths to recovery. Call (801) 582-1565 ext. 2784.

Life can get better.

Walt Moore Chairman, Veterans Advisory Council VA Medical Center

Salt Lake City