Rocky Mountain High

An editorial out in the Denver Post today points out that Fort Carson is having a hard time caring for their soldiers who need mental health care.

"When Iraq veteran Jessica Rich was killed in a collision driving the wrong way on Interstate 25 last month, the Fort Carson Army reservist was undergoing therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder - after having been on a waiting list for more than a year. "

In 2005, Pfc. Stephen Sherwood, on leave from Iraq, killed his wife and himself days after returning to Fort Carson. He had been a "stellar soldier."

Returning from an overseas tour or from combat is going to be stressful no matter how you do it. The fact remains that obtaining care in a timely manner is key to beginning to make progress.

PTSD is being called the invisible but most widespread wound suffered by perhaps tens of thousands of troops in Iraq and Afghanistan. The cause can be emotional or stem from injuries caused by explosives jarring delicate brain tissue. The injuries later manifest themselves in such symptoms as depression, suicidal tendencies, nightmares, anxiety and flashbacks.

We need to ensure that our government provides the appropriate care for our troops who need the most intensive treatment. Unfortunately, if the best care is only available after months of waiting, it may be too late.

We'll be exploring the current methods used by the government to treat PTSD and trauma, along with a variety of alternatives. Keep watching, 'cause good things are coming!

To your healing.

Mike