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 now have our PTSD Support Group Schedule for the new fiscal year! Starting October 22nd we will hold support group meetings at The Ranches Fire Department Training Room in Eagle Mountain, Utah at 7:00PM. Support Group Schedule is as follows:

If you want to participate in a group session, please email us to let us know. If we don't have people sign up for the dates set, we will not be in the office at that time.

We are always available for personal counseling, please email us and one of our volunteers will call to set this up for you.

October 22, 2009 at 7:00PM for rank E4 and below /8:00PM for E5 and above

January 22, 2010 at 7:00PM E4 and below/8:00PM E5 and above

February 25, 2010 at 7:00PM E4 and below/ 8:00PM E5 and above

March 25, 2010 at 7:00PM/ E4 and below/ 8:00PM E5 and above

April 22, 2010

May 27, 2010

June 24, 2010

July 22, 2010

August 26, 2010

September 23, 2010

Group Sessions are split into two groups thanks to some input from some of our fabulous service members ... a rank of E4 or below will meet at 7:00PM and E5 and above will meet at 8:00PM. Please email soldierspromise@yahoo.com if you are interested in coming to the meetings so we have an idea of how many will be in attendance. We will not contact you unless you ask us to, the email is solely to make sure we are prepared for the numbers of members in attendance.

The schedule for the Equine Therapy sessions will begin Spring of 2010. Pleas check back frequently for new schedule.

Family members... we need your input. We would like to start a family support group for family members of someone suffering from PTSD. We would be teaching you about the symptoms of PTSD and teach you how can help your family member get through this difficult time. It would also be a great way for you to vent your frustrations in an environment that will give positive feedback and helpful advice to get you both through the hard part. Let us know what you think by filling out the contact sheet on this website. We will not contact you unless you want us to, please let us know if you would like us to respond to your email. Thank you for your input.

 

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

PTSD usually begins 3 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.

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. 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 get the support you need, help yourself, enjoy life in the here and now, and take back your freedom!