Mental Health Awareness Month is of special significance for me. As a former practicing psychotherapist of 20 years, I worked with individuals suffering from PTSD due to sexual assault and/or domestic violence. Each conversation with my clients truly was a gift that built a deeper understanding of a very complex diagnosis. Aspects of these personal conversations could be shared in one form or another with the next client, progressing all of them to a state of recovery. I feel great respect for the men and women that took this vital step in their lives.
During May, the VFW and AL Posts I follow on Instagram for CTC have also highlighted PTSD along with depression, anxiety disorders, and substance abuse. The VA and the AL take the stance that the path to mental health recovery begins with a conversation as no one should suffer in silence. Sharing our experiences with those that have been in our position is a remarkable healing tool, and there is no one better than the service members and families of our local VFW and AL posts to listen. Inevitably, that military service bond connects you, and the addition of listening can reshape the understanding of your stories.
As the Marketing Director for ClearTrust Claims, LLP I´ve researched and heard from veterans about the long-term psychological weight that asbestos exposure burdens them with; namely, the anxiety and depression that can be triggered knowing that exposure increases the risk of cancer. What is true is that asbestos exposure has a silent impact on physical and mental health as symptoms can take up to forty years to present themselves after exposure.
Although your local VFW and AL posts are not directly discussing the mental health issues that slowly emerge after asbestos exposure during a veteran’s service years, your communities of followers have shown tremendous support this month to those in need of a friendly listener. I believe deeply that our show of kindness to those suffering in silence has a lasting impact.
If you or someone you know is suffering from asbestos-related disease and wish to explore the Asbestos Trusts Fund options we offer please reach out to us. We are here to listen and to help.
