Tuesday, July 26, 2016

Graves: We must provide veterans with resources to battle PTSD

(From Sixth District Congressman Sam Graves)

Our armed service members face so many challenges when they return home from combat and work to readjust to life in America. But from physical injuries to trauma and everything in between, we have an obligation to do everything possible to provide them with the care they need to overcome those challenges.

One of the biggest trials for far too many vets and activity duty servicemen is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Usually associated with recurring nightmares, disrupted sleep and anxiety, PTSD is increasingly prevalent among soldiers and veterans. Those suffering from PTSD also face much higher instances of sleep apnea than the general population. And when it’s left untreated, sleep apnea can make the symptoms of PTSD even worse.

This month I introduced a resolution in the House of Representatives that will help combat high rates of PTSD and other complications facing U.S. veterans. H.Res. 825 seeks to reduce the connection between PTSD and sleep apnea, provide access to care for soldiers and veterans suffering from the condition, and further explore viable treatment options for PTSD.

With this resolution, I hope we can find solutions to this very real problem and begin providing our veterans with the resources needed to curb the effects of PTSD. Our soldiers bravely sacrifice so much to protect our freedoms, the least we can do is give them everything they need to lead healthy, successful lives once they come home.

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