Air Date: June 13, 2012

Early intervention when dealing with psychological health concerns can have positive outcomes.

NARRATOR:

This is Real Warriors—Real Advice.

Warriors may experience psychological health concerns following one or more traumatic incidents during combat or due to the accumulation of stressful events during the course of a deployment. This may include symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder, also known as PTSD.

For retired Army Capt. Adrian Veseth-Nelson, who earned the U.S. Army Bronze Star for Valor as a result of his actions while deployed to Iraq, symptoms included angry outbursts and trouble sleeping. He sought and received care for PTSD from a psychologist at his installation.

CAPT. (RET.) ADRIAN VESETH-NELSON:

It’s very much a sign of strength and of personal awareness to say that you’re wounded and you need help. Posttraumatic stress is the invisible wound, it's still a wound. We can’t heal it on our own. So, there’s nothing wrong with, just like if you’re shot in combat, with taking a knee and saying, “Medic,” it’s the same thing.

NARRATOR:

Veseth-Nelson points out positive outcomes associated with seeking psychological health care such as returning to full mission readiness. He also believes that if left untreated, psychological health concerns may negatively impact warriors:

CAPT. (RET.) ADRIAN VESETH-NELSON:

That’s when you start making the bad decisions, that’s when you start drinking to cover it up or because you can’t sleep, and I know, I’ve been there. That's when you’re really in a lot of danger of making decisions that really are going to end your career.

NARRATOR:

Today, Veseth-Nelson shares his experiences coping with PTSD to help other warriors, veterans, and family members understand how reaching out for support can lead them to the care they need and make a positive difference in their lives. Find out more about psychological health concerns and how you or someone you know can get needed support by accessing information and resources 24/7 at realwarriors.net or by calling 866-966-1020.