"Nassau County - Long Island, New York"

In recognition of National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month, Nassau County Executive Edward P. Mangano is partnering with counseling and treatment centers to highlight services that are available to residents affected by this disorder.

One in thirty adults will be diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their lifetime, with twice the number of women suffering than men. The stress of war, a difficult job market, and the traumatic events that befall 70% of Americans all play a role in this disorder. PTSD is a growing mental health problem with more teens and young adults diagnosed each day – the average age of onset in adults is 23.

“We observe National Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month and recognize our returning military service men and women who may be suffering from this illness,” said County Executive Mangano. “I urge all who may be suffering from this debilitating disorder to utilize the professional mental health services and resources that are available in our region. I am proud of this partnership as we work together to support all of our residents in Nassau County.”

One of the most difficult components in treating PTSD is the identification and diagnosis. Many individuals are not aware of the signs and symptoms, the available resources and treatment options. It is important for friends and family to keep an watch for symptoms of PTSD, especially if someone they know has undergone a traumatic experience. Symptoms include: reliving the traumatic event; recurring bad dreams and difficulty sleeping; frightening or anxious thoughts; feelings of strong guilt, depression, or worry that lead to emotional distance; losing interest in formerly enjoyable activities; tenseness or an “on edge” feeling that allows a person to be easily startled; sporadic outburst of anger; and many others. Children experiencing PTSD may also experience bed wetting, refrain from speaking, and reenact the traumatic experience during play time.

Nassau County has partnered with the Federal Department of Veterans Affairs, the Mental Health Association of Nassau County and the Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island to offer a variety of free services to returning veterans. Below is a listing of Nassau County partner groups that provide counseling and treatment services for people who may be suffering from PTSD.

FOR OTHERS SUFFERING WITH SYMPTOMS OF PTSD:

Mental Health Association of Nassau County: 504-HELP

Central Nassau Guidance: (516) 822-6111

Family Wellness Center at LIJ Hospital: (516) 562-3260; No charge

Peninsula Counseling Center: (516) 569-6600; Tricare Approved

24/7 Veterans Suicide/Crisis hotline: 1-800-273-TALK (8255)

Nassau County Veterans Services Agency: Veterans' benefits counselor trained and certified in suicide awareness and prevention available to assist veterans 5 days a week 9am to 4:45pm. Call (516) 572-6565, or visit Building Q, behind Nassau University Medical Center. http://www.nassaucountyny.gov/veterans.

Northport VA Medical Center www.Northport.VA.gov. Call (631) 261-4400 to access medical and mental health treatment programs and services.

Long Island Vet Center: (631) 661-3930

Nassau County Veterans Treatment Court: Contact Rosemary Walker at (516) 572-2563. Workers have been trained by the VHALI in Combat-Related PTSD; Cognitive Processing Therapy - for PTSD; and SAFETALK, a suicide prevention technique.

Mental Health Association of Nassau County: Contact Lauren Hagemann (516) 489-2322 ext. 1260 or lhagemann@mhanc.org. The Mental Health Association of Nassau County provides veteran and family peer support groups, wellness Training and suicide prevention.

Family and Children's Association Veterans Resource Center, Hicksville: (516) 516-935-6858

Veterans Affairs VET Center, Hicksville: 970 S. Broadway, call (516) 348-0088; Provides free counseling to Combat Veterans and families, of all generations.

Veterans Health Alliance of Long Island, in conjunction with Nassau County Department of Mental Health and Chemical Dependency, provides substance abuse treatment and mental health services related to PTSD, Traumatic Brain Injury, military culture, issues of Older Veterans, Women Veterans, Military Sexual Trauma, Suicide Prevention and Homelessness. Call 516-504-HELP.

Veterans Chat for veterans, family members or friends in crisis at 1-800-273-8255 or http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/Veterans/Default.aspx.

Liberty Home Land Support: 1-800-990-3785 Tricare approved for veteran and family.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES ON PTSD:

SAMHSA's Mental Health Services Locator: http://store.samhsa.gov/mhlocator

NIMH and National Institutes of Health fact sheets and information on clinical trials and scientific studies on PTSD:

Mangano Combats The Effects Of PTSD