Kathryn Barrs, Denver Veteran Center - Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injuries

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Unlike physical wounds, these conditions affect mood, thoughts, and behavior and are often invisible to others. Trauma results when overwhelmingly stressful events shatter your sense of security, making you feel helpless and vulnerable. These presentations provide readily understandable and immediately useful information on what Post Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injuries can do to important areas of our lives as well as methods and resources for healing. Recent studies say that as many as 30% of veterans are returning from Iraq and Afghanistan may have sustained a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI), and that 20% have Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). 59% of veterans who sustained a physical injury in these conflicts also have a mental health diagnosis. This presentation will explain the underlying physical causes of PTSD and TBI, describe the symptoms, and talk about how the combination of the two can affect our returning military. Particular attention is paid to the resulting impact on educational achievement. Presented on May 20th, 2011 at the University of Denver, Graduate School of Social Work. A presentation of the Center for Multicultural Excellence, the Chaplain's Office, the Graduate School of Social Work, and the Health & Counseling Center. Videography by Ethan Crawford. Editing by Christopher Dennis