On October 15 and 16, the South Carolina Department of Mental Health (DMH) hosted a conference, “Painting a Moving Train - Working with Veterans of Iraq, Afghanistan, and Their Families,” at the William S. Hall Psychiatric Institute Forum in Columbia.
As more and more soldiers return from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, it is inevitable that healthcare providers must prepare for and address the unique issues this population will face. Post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), co-occuring disorders, combat stress injuries, family and marital problems, and the need to find employment are a few of the challenges veterans and their families must meet.
The conference covered the basics of psychiatric treatment related to soldiers returning from Afghanistan and/or Iraq and their families, identified how family relationships are impacted by deployment, discussed referral resources available for soldiers, and provided an opportunity for the attendees to network. Ideally, the care soldiers receive will be better coordinated as a result of this conference. A key presenter, Dr. Rachael Nelson, of W.J.B. Dorn VA Medical Center said, “Hopefully, we have increased sensitivity to the needs and issues of returning veterans.”
According to Terry O’Connor, Yellow Ribbon Coordinator with the South Carolina National Guard, “It is as much about understanding the impact on the families and children as it is about the returning soldier.” South Carolina was one of the first states to study the impact of a parent’s deployment on children in schools. Children experiencing this stress may act out in different ways, which can result in higher absenteeism, increased tardiness, dropping grades, increased aggression, and other negative behaviors. This is a challenge counselors, teachers, and school administrators should expect and prepare for.
The audience of more than 125 professionals comprised Behavioral Health Service providers in many areas, including case managers, social workers, physicians, nurses, counselors, and chaplains. In addition to those in attendance at The Forum, still more took part via video; the conference was broadcast to each of DMH’s 17 Mental Health Centers, located throughout the state, and was sponsored by the S.C. Returning Veterans Policy Academy Team, DMH, and the William Jennings Bryan Dorn VA Medical Center.
“DMH has been proud to lead Team South Carolina since its inception,” said State Director of Mental Health John H. Magill. “We at DMH are so glad to have been able to assist in bringing this valuable training opportunity to the healthcare community and look forward to continuing to support returning veterans and their families.”
For more detailed information on this subject and to view the handouts used at the conference, visit the Upstate Area Health Education Center. For more information about the Returning Veterans Policy Academy, follow these links:
Policy Academy Launch
Policy Academy Covenant Signing
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