A Soldiers Promise is dedicated to supporting our military men and women who suffer/ or think they may suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.The support group is completely free to our service members. It's our way of saying Thank you for your service!

 

We currently have several programs running...

 

-Group Support Meetings

-Family Support Meetings

-Equine Therapy

-We are looking into a Ski Therapy group right now, check back often for new details.

 

If you are interested in any of these programs, please contact us at soldierspromise@yahoo.com, or you can submit a form on our "contact us" page right here on our website.

 

 

 

Military life has unique stresses, from pre-deployment stress to transitioning back to civilian life after deployment.

PTSD usually begins a few months after combat or other traumatic events. It shares many symptoms of combat stress, but people with PTSD have symptoms that last longer than 3-4weeks. PTSD can last anywhere from 1month to years if not treated quickly and consistently. A person with PTSD may relive the traumatic event through nightmares, flashbacks, or persistent unwanted memories. Other symptoms of PTSD may include trouble sleeping, depression, anxiety, loss of interest in normal activities, listlessness, anger, irritability, sadness, easily startled, substance abuse, digestive problems, short term memory loss, troubles with feeling affectionate, more aggressive or violent, avoidance of certain places or situations that bring back memories of trauma, feeling on guard, feeling detached or numb, trouble working or socializing, and losing touch with reality.

Getting the right diagnosis is important and only a health-care provider or mental health professional can diagnose PTSD.  They can also determine if a person has some other combat related stress reaction, even if the person does not meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. We strongly encourage you to seek professional help in diagnosing your problem so they can prepare a custom plan for treatment that is best for your situation. A lot of service members are afraid to get professional help in fear of getting put on profile or losing their postition in the military. Thankfully, the military is more aware of PTSD and much more responsive in getting help for their service members so you can continue your career with the military. Until this stigma is gone, many of you have contacted us for guidance and counseling. We are anonamous and we will never share your identity or information without your written consent. We are not meant to replace proper medical treatment for PTSD, rather, a helpmate to show you your "promise". We do have counseling, therapy, and group sessions to help you along your path of recovery, but we can never prescribe medications or diagnose you with PTSD.

PTSD and other combat-related stress reactions are manageable. With treatment, most service members and veterans with combat-related stress reactions can lead full, satisfying lives. Generally symptoms lessen over time. Some people may experience continuing flare-ups of their symptoms- for example, when they are exposed to a situation or event that reminds them of the old trauma. But they can learn to manage their symptoms.

Asking for help is a sign of strength- not weakness. It's the first step you must take to manage a combat related stress reaction. Your military service is there for you, but if you are not comfortable contacting them, we are here to help you find the peace and reassurance you need. There are many options and resources available to you and we can help you identify those resources available. Depending on whether you are currently on active duty, a Reserve or National Guard member or a veteran, you can get help. Learning about combat related stress reactions is a powerful step. A health care provider or mental health professional can give you information about combat related stress reactions, including PTSD.  Some combat related stress reactions can be managed with only rest and support. But other combat related stress reactions, such as PTSD, may require treatment. Treatment may involve: psychotherapy, medications, self help techniques, such as anger management and ways to control stress reactions. Ignoring a combat related stress reaction won't make it go away, it can make your problems worse. If you don't seek help, you may find that you: are isolated from you loved ones, friends and family, use anger to control others, have trouble getting along with others at work, feel more and more depressed or anxious, or use alcohol or other drugs to manage your feelings.

Taking steps to manage traumatic stress puts you in control so you get the support you need, help yourself, enjoy life in the here and now, and take back your freedom!