New PTSD Recovery Program Launches in Charleston

News Summary

Charleston is set to launch the Deep Recovery Program, a free 12-week course starting January 9 to support first responders and veterans in overcoming PTSD. The program, hosted at St. Timothy’s Anglican Catholic Church, will offer a safe space for participants to gain skills and insights to manage their mental health. As PTSD rates are notably high within these communities, this initiative comes at a pivotal time. The program aims to provide much-needed support and healing for those who serve our communities.

New PTSD Recovery Program Launches in Charleston for First Responders and Veterans

Charleston is gearing up for an exciting new initiative aimed at supporting our heroes! Starting on January 9, the city will unveil the Deep Recovery Program, a free, 12-week recovery course focused on helping first responders and veterans tackle the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Understanding the Program

This innovative program is designed to assist those who have bravely served our communities—like police officers, firefighters, emergency medical services (EMS) personnel, hospital staff, and veterans. It’s not just about treating the symptoms of PTSD; it’s about diving deep into the changes that traumatic experiences can impose on someone’s mental well-being.

The Deep Recovery Program boasts a comprehensive curriculum that encourages participants to explore their own “God-intended design”. The goal is to help them work through harmful thoughts, actions, and emotions that frequently arise following traumatic events. Not only will they gain practical skills to manage their PTSD, but they’ll also learn how to interpret their experiences in a constructive manner, leading to healthier thoughts and feelings.

Where Can You Join?

The program will take place at St. Timothy’s Anglican Catholic Church, located in West Ashley, under the guidance of Rev. Daniel Farley. The welcoming environment aims to create a safe space where participants can feel comfortable as they navigate their recovery journey. Whether it’s learning how to manage stress or rethinking negative thought patterns, this program promises to be an invaluable resource for those in need.

Why It Matters

There’s an urgent need for support among first responders and veterans dealing with the aftereffects of their intense and often dangerous jobs. Remarkably, studies have shown that the rates of PTSD and depression can be five times higher in first responders compared to the general population. Furthermore, these brave individuals frequently find themselves in the middle of traumatic incidents, contributing to significant mental health challenges.

In light of these circumstances, new legislative changes are also paving the way for better mental health support. The recently passed Ashley Wilson Act in Georgia offers PTSD coverage for first responders and law enforcement. This act is set to go into effect on January 1 and provides crucial benefits, including a $3,000 lump-sum payment following a clinical diagnosis, as well as income replacement disability benefits for up to 36 months.

The act is named after a police sergeant who experienced severe PTSD after her partner was injured in a shooting while on duty. Thanks to the recognition of her symptoms by a supervisor, she was able to receive much-needed help. Unfortunately, many first responders hesitate to seek assistance due to the fear of potential job repercussions, which highlights the importance of programs like the Deep Recovery Program.

The Bigger Picture

According to the “Ruderman White Paper on Mental Health & Suicide by First Responders”, suicide rates among firefighters and law enforcement officers are alarmingly high—exceeding even the number of in-the-line-of-duty fatalities. The importance of comprehensive mental health support cannot be overstated as these brave men and women confront stressors that most of us can scarcely imagine.

As Coweta County Commissioner Bill McKenzie pointedly noted, there is a pressing need for improved coverage and resources for first responders dealing with mental health challenges. Programs such as the Deep Recovery Program aim to serve not just as a lifeline, but as a beacon of hope and healing for those who risk so much for our communities.

Mark your calendars for January 9—Charleston is ready to embrace this transformative program, providing a path to recovery for those who bravely serve and protect!

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Additional Resources

• ABC News 4
• Count On 2
• Times-Herald
• Wikipedia: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Post-traumatic Stress Disorder