10 Stories for 10 Years
Individual experiences, regardless of their nature, can lead to feelings of isolation between people. The ability to understand, be aware of, and express other people’s emotions can bridge the gap.
“Chris,” a 44-year old Caucasian Veteran in the South, weathered his fair share of battles alone. After serving in the U.S. Army for over a decade, combat-related PTSD had taken its toll on him, leaving him struggling with serious suicidal thoughts. But it wasn’t just the memories of war that haunted him; it was the loss of his children to his estranged wife. Chris was determined to get help to stop living in darkness.
Chris worked with a CAMS Trained™ clinician to find ways to cope with the tremendous pain. Through prolonged exposure therapy, he confronted his wartime traumas head-on, and gradually, the grip of PTSD began to loosen. His clinician also helped him navigate the complexities of family law, connecting him with a JAG attorney who fought for his right to joint custody of his children. Lastly, he made the difficult decision to leave the army, transitioning into civilian life with the help of VA services, including vocational rehabilitation.
As Chris’ CAMS journey was ending, he was proud to express his gratitude for the treatment that transformed his life. He remarked, “This treatment really helped me. For the first time in my life, I feel like someone understood what it was like to be me!”
