The transition combat veterans face when returning to their home is unlike the experiences most others face. There is trauma, depression, and the anxiety of conforming to civilian life.
For most people its difficult to adapt from youth to adult life full of bills, stress, and staying healthy. These are common issues that occur along the road to stability. Marriage, parenthood, and careers demand a certain amount of effort that is given on a personal basis. For those that have fought in the war in Iraq these tasks are not easily done overseas. Returning home to countless responsibilities and carrying the traumatic memories of experiences endured can make this happy moment stressful. The kinds of transitions that combat heroes face after returning home are those and much more. This is where Operation I.V., a non-profit organization plays a key role in assisting those with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
The organization is driven by donation revenues and offers veterans and their families a chance to live free from PTSD. There is a demand for the resources that are made readily available with many soldiers. According to NBC News, a study shows 1 in 8 soldiers comes back suffering from PTSD, but most don't receive the necessary help. The lack of attention to the problem is driven by fear or not knowing where to locate the proper resources. Handling PTSD on ones own can lead to suicide, drug abuse, and domestic violence.
Operation I.V. strives to make the lives easier for those that are the reason the United States of America is a free country, free of a war zone. The favored program, Veteran Intervention Plan is a free service that is confidential and focuses on all the relationships and aspects of life. Focusing on these areas allows for an understanding of how to beat PTSD while improving the home lifestyle that veterans were once accustomed to.
The resources offered vary from both medical and traditional to suit the need of the soldier. Service dogs are also trained to sense the signs of PTSD or flashbacks and bring it to their owners attention to deal with positively. The dogs are trained beforehand and assigned to a soldier that the dog lives with. Treatment varies by the person and their needs. Families may enjoy the company of a dog, and others may benefit from having an individual basis verbal session with a specialist.
All in all, more attention needs to be given to the soldiers that may not be aware of their options in recovery. This distinguishes Operation I.V. among the non-profit industry and the soldiers that have benefited from the services.