Resiliency is the norm for traumatic stress survivors

  • Published
  • By Dr. (Maj.) Mitzi Mitchell
  • 48th Medical Group
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England --  The Department of Defense recently awarded 25 million dollars to a study targeted at determining the most effective interventions for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in combat veterans. 

The increased attention on treating PTSD has been accompanied by efforts to prevent symptoms. 

Research indicates that the majority of individuals exposed to trauma experience short-term symptoms such as sleep problems and nightmares, which completely resolve with time. However, a minority of people exposed to trauma develop PTSD. A current focus is on identifying factors which lead to trauma survivors' resiliency and recovering, and then bolstering those factors in veterans. 

The Traumatic Stress Response program, which replaced Critical Incident Stress Management Air Force-wide in 2006, was created to foster resiliency for those who likely will be or already have been exposed to potentially traumatic stress. The TSR program provides both preparatory education for those likely to experience potentially traumatic stress as well as education, screening, psychological first aid and referral for those who have been exposed. Examples of potentially traumatic events include aircraft mishaps, on-duty deaths and serious injury to rescue personnel. 

The TSR team, which consists of personnel from Mental Health, the Chapel and the Airman and Family Readiness Center, is notified by the base command post if there is a potentially traumatic event. The TSR team then closely coordinates with the unit commander to determine what services are desired for the unit. 

Following a potentially traumatic event, individuals can seek up to four one-on-one meetings with any member of the TSR team. These meetings are for the purpose of education and counseling. They are not for medical assessment and treatment; therefore, there is no documentation in the medical record for these visits. This approach is designed to encourage participation in the program by reducing concerns regarding negative career impact for seeking help. 

Please call the RAF Lakenheath Mental Health clinic at 226-8603 for more questions regarding the TSR program.