suffers from PTSD, understands this well. One of her friends, At Ease co-founder Scott Anderson of Omaha, enlisted her to form the program’s first peer support group.
About 200 military members or family members have
received more than 2,100 hours of clinical therapy from At Ease. Nearly 65 percent of participants were diag- nosed with PTSD or severe depression upon entrance. All have seen a reduction in risky behavior once in treatment.
The program is growing. In 2011, At Ease opened a second office in Grand Island to serve 22 counties in central Nebraska. By the end of 2012 leaders expect to serve more than 300 clients. Paul Greenwell, therapist and At Ease program super-
visor, sees a variety of people. Some are combat veter- ans adjusting to life back in the U.S. Others are dealing with a wide range of issues directly or indirectly tied to their service. Anger and anxiety are common, as is self- medication, usually in the form of alcohol and drugs. Once the program’s therapists determine “what’s
troubling for you, and why is it troubling for you, we work from there,” Greenwell said.
Not used to asking for help
During one peer support group, Carl, a former Marine infantryman, said he’s struggling to find permanent, full- time work. “I’m trying to get off this homeless thing,” he said. “I’m working at getting back to living.” Dawson, a former first sergeant, explained his grief: he once oversaw predator drone attacks in Afghanistan. “I killed people for a living,” he said. “With drones it was sterile, detached for me. But that’s what I did.” During active duty, Dawson realized he was expe-
riencing PTSD, “but I fought it,” he told the group. “I thought, ‘Look at my decorations. Look at everything I’ve done. I’m fine.’ ” He retired, however, taking on a role at Offutt. Then PTSD hit again, Dawson said. This time he sought help through At Ease’s one-on-one therapy and Vets4Vets groups.
In military culture there’s often a stigma associated with mental health issues. Many active-duty members avoid treatment within the Veterans Affairs health sys- tem, worried that it could affect their military careers or reputations. According to the U.S. General Accounting Office, only 40 percent of veterans entitled to PTSD ser- vices through the VA seek help. “Asking for help is a definite issue,” Greenwell said.
“They’re used to serving, not being served.” For this rea- son and countless others he and Robino-West “provide
confidentiality,” Greenwell said. “We want this to be a place where people feel comfortable. That’s our No. 1 priority.”
Mark, a Marine during most of the 1990s, said he understands the stigma and military machismo that leads many to bottle up their feelings rather than seek help. “We don’t think there’s trouble until trouble finds us,” he said. “At Ease helps. I’m looking forward to the time when we need a room 12 times this size for group meetings.”
Mark, who suffers from bipolar disorder, is the uku-
lele player. When he strums along at group meetings, the others appreciate the soothing acoustic music. Even Robino-West has a ukulele now. “Music is something we’ve been given that helps us relax,” Mark said. “Music makes us human.”
“Have you thought about where you were one year ago?” Robino-West asked William. A year ago, William spoke softly, if at all, and couldn’t sit still. The Army vet wouldn’t look group members in the eye. Just getting to the At Ease office was difficult, as he rarely left his house.
When William answered, he said he has no time to think about his progress with PTSD. “I just work,” he said, adding that individual and group therapy have helped immensely. Along with getting more work and more sleep, William recently enrolled at a community college. “He’s opened up so much [and] become a bit of a
leader for us,” Robino-West said. New to the group, John, a former Army infantryman, had never met anyone in the room, save for a 20-minute introductory meeting with an At Ease staff member. But he walked in and unloaded. He talked about his deploy- ment to Iraq 12 years into his National Guard commit- ment, and what it’s like adjusting to being back in the U.S. with his wife and 13-year-old son. He shared his nervousness, anxiety, anger and the difficulty of discuss- ing what he’s going through. “Infantry, you don’t talk about your problems,” John said. But he does anyway. “I think I have PTSD,” he added.
John’s openness isn’t surprising, Robino-West said. “Everyone here is a vet, the family member of a vet, or both. And no one knows a veteran like another veteran,” she said. “You don’t have to explain things here.” Some members continue to talk after the group meet- ing. John pulled Robino-West aside to thank her. He told her about another vet who could benefit from a trip to At Ease. “It means so much to have someone you can relate to,” he said. “I’ll be back.”
July 2012 17
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