"My self esteem has increased. I'm not afraid anymore.'"
Evelyn Chandler, Army Veteran
CUT THE BULL
THE 4-1-1 ON PTSD: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. When in danger, it's natural to feel afraid. This fear triggers split-second changes in the body to defend against or avoid danger. This "fight-or-flight" response is a healthy reaction, but in PTSD it is changed or damaged. People with PTSD may feel stressed or frightened even when they're no longer in danger. Many people go through traumatic events and have difficulty coping for a while, but when symptoms get worse, last months, even years or completely shake up your life, you may have PTSD. (MAYOCLINIC, www.nimh.nih.gov)
WHY DOGS? A 2009 survey of mental health patients and the use of Psychiatric Service Dogs found that 82 percent of patients reported fewer symptoms and 40 percent reported using fewer medications after working with service dogs. Dogs as pets can help to relieve symptoms, but service dogs do much more by accompanying their veterans everywhere they go. A service dog with their handler is permitted access in public places, according to the Americans with Disabilities Act. PTSD usually results in social isolation due to debilitating anxiety, crowd phobia, depression, panic attacks, and hyper vigilance. Leaving the house and entering social situations can become impossible. The support of a service dog can make the difference between PTSD veterans having a chance at life, or being completely shut off from the world. (pitbulls4patriots.org, hounds4heroes.org)
WHERE CAN I GET ONE? There are service dog providers for veterans with PTSD across the country. A few links are listed below:
* Florida - Hounds4Heroes.org, Pitbulls4Patriots.org
* Arizona - SoldiersBestFriend.org
* New York - www.PuppiesBehindBars.com
* California - www.FourPawsForVets.org
* Colorado - www.FreedomServiceDogs.org
