Local Faith Leaders Team Up To Fight Combat Stress Disorders

By: Patti Moon

COLORADO SPRINGS – Dozens of faith leaders say it’s their responsibility to help soldiers and their families deal with combat stress disorders such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Traumatic Brain Injury.

About 70% of soldiers who need medical attention don’t seek help. Veterans say many times it’s because they are scared it will damage their careers or soldiers are simply in denial.

That’s why the Faith Community Education Collaborative sponsored a free training on Thursday at the Crowne Plaza Hotel in Colorado Springs. Faith leaders say more church communities need to get involved in helping soldiers and their families.

They say the best thing the community can do is reach out and offer help to those who need it.

Helen Griggs is the wife of a Vietnam veteran who suffers from PTSD. She says her husband is not the same man she married. He is not abusive, but says he is completely dependent on her.

“For weeks, he sat on the couch, just an absolute basket case,” said Griggs.

Griggs currently attends a support group. She considers it the best way for families to cope with combat stress disorders. She encourages more people to attend.

Some days are better than others. Griggs says she sees glimpses of the man she married, but knows not to get her hopes up. She says the best thing she can do is stand by his side.

“He’s in there somewhere,” Griggs said. “Of course I’m going to take care of him.”