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The Final Project

To: Dr. Saviour From: Brianna Montes Date: 4 December 2013 Subject: War Is Trauma Recommendation Report Dear Dr. Saviour, War Is Trauma has dedicated their most valuable time and efforts to researching and developing treatments designed specifically to fit each and every veterans needs in order to decrease the symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. The occasion for this report is to inform those reading of the positive impact that has been made on multiple occasions of patients with PTSD. War Is Trauma has demonstrated an incredible success rate and continues to treat and support numerous PTSD victims. War Is Trauma has every intention on defeating Post Traumatic Stress Disorder within Albuquerque and bettering the community.

War Is Trauma 2700 Campus Blvd Albuquerque NM 87106

Introduction
The contents of this report will cover the logic behind our organization. First, we discuss the issue at hand. The issue is the increasing rate of veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. To get a bit more in depth with the issue we go on to confront the fact that there are no PTSD crisis centers within the state of New Mexico. This explains the necessity of our organization, to provide aid and treatment to veterans that have suffered highly traumatic experiences out in the fleet, while on deployment, or during their time of service. Also mentioned, is our charity 5k that was profoundly effective in raising awareness of the disorder and raising money to help other victims. Finally discussed is how War Is Trauma plans on minimizing the issue.

Description
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder is a serious mental condition which results from traumatic experiences. The disorder was initially brought to the attention of the medical community by war veterans. Also known as battle fatigue syndrome or shell shock, the disorder is quite common among veterans due to the extreme trauma soldiers face on a while deployed and out in the fleet. PTSD is an anxiety disorder that does not typically disappear on its own. although this scenario is not unheard of. The many reactions of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder include shock, fear, severe anxiety, anger, and nervousness. If these symptoms persist and are not taken care of, it is quite likely that the severity will increase and in turn become incredibly more serious. These symptoms create a fear of life for the victim as if the traumatic experience is haunting them and they are trapped within the experience. It becomes difficult to sit through fireworks on the fourth of july because the sound of a firework resembles gunshots and suddenly the victim of a traumatic war experience is taken back to the situation and feels as if they are being shot at. These factors make daily life incredibly strenuous. The more serious of symptoms are typically grouped into three main categories. These categories consist of the following. 1. Reliving the situation. People that relive their traumatic experiences are usually set off by sounds, smells or anything that reminds them of the experience. Reliving the situation consists of hallucinations, flashbacks, and nightmares. anything that has to due with the experience causes the victim an immense amount of stress. 2. Isolation. The victim may begin to detach themselves from anything that reminds them of the trauma, which may include any particular persons and/or family members. The victim may discontinue socializing with people all together.

3. Increased arousal. This can mean an increase in emotion variation for the victim. They may begin to experience symptoms somewhat similar to bipolar disorder in which their emotions are greatly intensified and unstable. The victim may be a nervous wreck so to speak. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder may have a great influence on not only the psychological factors of the victim but also the physical effects. This can cause an increase in blood pressure, increase in heart rate, muscle tension, heavy breathing and nausea.

The rate of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in soldiers upon return of their deployment has greatly increased throughout recent wars. Taking a look at the above chart we can correlate that the greater the length of the deployment, the greater risk one has to experiencing trauma and later suffering from PTSD. However, upon their return, PTSD treatment is not readily provided for those who are suffering, and can be hard on finances as counseling and other treatments are not as inexpensive and easily accessible as they should be for veterans. Over the recent years, doctors have gained a better understanding of how to cope with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. As military personnel or even the family or friends of those defending our freedom, it is crucial to understand the signs and symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder in order to recognize it within its earliest stages to ensure that the most appropriate measures are taken.

There are essentially two types of treatment for those with PTSD. The most common treatment among victims is therapy through counseling. Seeking out help

through a psychologist can provide the victim with a better understanding of what they are going through and can also provide them with mental practices of dealing with the experience. The disorder begins as a psychological disorder and may only worsen into a physical issue. If physical symptoms are not occurring, then it would be ideal to begin battling the issue mentally. In therapy, the victim will learn how to respond to certain ticks that set the trauma off in different, healthier ways. With the more significant patients who suffer physically, a different approach is used on top of counseling. Medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is used against depression to help the victim feel more optimistic and less sad. This is a good first step to take with more severe cases as it provides a leg up in the race against PTSD and helps the patient feel like there is hope for a solution. Once the victim feels a bit more confident, it is very likely that they will take the medication with counseling, making it easier for them to utilize the skills and coping mechanisms throughout their daily lives. Although there are many non-profit organizations throughout the country that provide free services to veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, there are no locations within New Mexico. The subject matter can be a demanding affair as it is.With a lack of any local providers, it becomes a larger challenge to receive help. This means the cost increases for traveling expenses, etc. Receiving assistance for a traumatic experience should be put as simple as possible for the victim because the more stressful it is just to get help, the less attracted the victim will be to the idea of receiving help at all.

Rationale
Veterans should be made to feel like heroes, not to be afraid of the trauma that they suffered while fighting for our country. Veterans within the New Mexico area need to be introduced to a solution for their trauma. War Is Trauma is dedicated to this proposal. We find it crucial that we establish a trauma center within New Mexico to decrease the rates of PTSD of New Mexican Veterans by a minimum of 50%. There is no need for Veterans to suffer for all that they have done. War Is Trauma believes that it is our turn to give back to those who sacrificed so much. Establishing a trauma center in Albuquerque would be a good start as it is in the center of the state and provides untroubling access to New Mexicans opposed to having to travel to the next closest center in El Paso, TX. War Is Trauma has been on a constant researching scheme to perfect this possibility.

Methodology
Numerous methods of research were used to build this organization. The first method used was through surveying. We had multiple volunteers disperse to 18 Veteran Associations throughout New Mexico to find out who works with them for PTSD cases. When we found that none worked through the state we began again with questions regarding the benefits of having an organization in state. It was unanimous. Easy accessibility to a PTSD center in New Mexico was a no brainer. So we began a search for the best doctors and psychologists across the state. We then notified them about the organization and and our goals. Some did not want to be involved and others were more than willing to help once or twice a week. Once we gathered several practitioners we started building more of our team and developed a schedule to have someone available everyday. We eventually reached about 200 volunteers scheduled per month. We calculated the costs of the medications and other utilities needed and got started on planning our fundraising 5k.

Event
War is Trauma 5k run/fitness walk was a 3.2 mile charity event which raised money to provide our patients with quality care and plans designed specifically for each victim as well as medications free of charge. The event was quite the triumph for the first introduction of our center. We had a substantial turnout of which the majority of the crowd were veterans and their families and other supports of the cause who suffer or have suffered or who has known someone who suffers. The awareness raised about PTSD in the community was high-minded and the vets were incredibly thankful for the existence of an Albuquerque center. Flyers were placed in various locations throughout New Mexico and clearly had a successful effect on the participants of the event. First annual War Is Trauma 5k shirts were also made available on the organization website and also for sale at the actual event. The shirt is as follows,

We had many donations made after the event as everyone gathered around for snacks at the finish line. The outcomes have been significant. War Is Trauma made a strong impact as the participants also opened up our eyes to see all the propitious influence we have made with the start of the organization laid out on the table. All the work put into this center has been made worthwhile by just seeing all of the supporters we have standing behind the cause.

Recommendation
War Is Trauma has around 200 active volunteers including numerous local, participating psychologists and doctors. We all stand for one proposition. This proposition simply includes the organization itself. Our plan is to provide veterans of war who are victims of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder with a crisis center within Albuquerque, New Mexico. We will supply the best doctors and psychologists in New Mexico that will work with the organization to design a method of treatment that fits each and every patients needs. Whether that means that a patient needs a year of intense counseling or medication that will calm a nervous tick, we will work with these victims in every way possible to ensure they return to their regular activities. War Is Trauma has many more fundraising events to come in the near future as it is important that we always have the funds to operate as a non-profit organization.

Anyone who is interested in volunteering must go through a series of background checks and classes to ensure the safety of our patients as this is a medical environment. It will be no different from volunteering at a local hospital. You must complete all classes and retain a certificate to volunteer. The four classes will teach things such as basic first aid, basic leadership, how to handle emergency situations, and the final class will be a shadowing of another volunteer where you learn how to do the job. Upon registering for treatment, the new patient will undergo a series of questions to determine their level of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and how often they should be seen. They will then fill out a schedule of times they are available during the week and from there we will match them up with the doctor and/or psychologist that best matches their needs. They will first see the psychologist to determine their method of treatment. Through counseling, the psychologist will put together a plan that will lead the patient to an optimal recovery. If the patient needs to seek out medication, then the doctor will work with the psychologist to formulate the medication into your overall plan for recovery. Everything will remain confidential. Any information shared to a doctor or psychologist will stay within the patients file and between the patient and the doctor and/or psychologist. The well-being of each patient is the most important part of our organization. Everything done through War Is Trauma will be done for the best care of the patient. War Is Trauma is a recovery center in which victims of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder will find peace here. Whatever you want to call it; shell shock, battle fatigue syndrome, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, with this plan, our goal is to greatly reduce the rate of it all among veterans of war within New Mexico.