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Talk focuses on vets with post traumatic stress disorder

Feb. 21, 2008

KALAMAZOO--Two sessions of a talk on "Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: What Faculty and Staff Need to Know" will be held later this month at Western Michigan University.

The talk will be given at 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 27, and 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 29. Both sessions will take place on the second floor of the Bernhard Center in the Brown and Gold Room and be presented by Dr. Carman Stark, a clinical psychologist with the PTSD Clinic at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center.

Gerry Schma, a University advocate in WMU's Advocacy Office for Transfer Student and Military Affairs, notes that combat stress may impact some veterans' study skills, classroom functioning, and interaction with other students and faculty.

"Many of our student veterans return to classes immediately upon their return from overseas deployment," Schma says. "Often they're in a state of transition from the war zone to the daily routines of American life. Most veterans experience a very normal transition, but others have real difficulties that can impact their ability to function academically."

Stark's talk will address some of the challenges combat military face, especially challenges dealing with PTSD. All faculty and staff are urged to learn more about this disorder, which is a disease that is now predicted to affect as many as 40 to 70 percent of returning combat soldiers.

"Post Traumatic Stress Disorder: What Faculty and Staff Need to Know" will help members of the campus community better understand the indicators of PTSD as well as the ways they and the University can best support combat veterans with this disorder.

To obtain additional information or register to attend one of the two PTSD sessions, contact Eric McConnell in the Advocacy Office for Transfer Students and Military Affairs at eric.mcconnell@wmich.edu or (269) 387-0740.

Media contact: Jeanne Baron, (269) 387-8400, jeanne.baron@wmich.edu

WMU News
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