Self-Help Support Group for Veterans Launched in June

 

Charles M. Sakai (USA, Ret.)

 

  Seeing the need for some time to connect with veterans suffering from PTSD,  depression, and bipolar disorder, DBSA Colorado Springs achieved a major goal in realizing its Veterans Initiative Program launched earlier this year by starting a Vets Support Group.  I am pleased to report that the new group began meeting in early June.  We meet at the Renaissance Room, 3rd floor, “29 Bldg”, St. Francis Health Center, on the first and third Mondays of each month.

 

  Our chapter is currently working with the VA and other public and private agencies to reach out to active-duty, former, and retired military members.  So far, we have talked to the VA clinic leaders and posted fliers about our new group.  We recently attended a Veterans Helping Veterans meeting and gave a short presentation and provided handouts.  Next, we plan to contact the leadership of the Wounded Warriors Program at Fort Carson to see how we can help veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan.  The people most active in this new program know from personal experience what it’s like to identify with mood disorders, overcome stigma, deal with problems associated with substance abuse, navigate our way through bureaucracy, and learn new coping skills.

 

  If you are a veteran having flashbacks, suffer from depression and anxiety, or notice that things aren’t right with your world, we encourage you to give us a try.  

DBSA Colorado Springs

Receives Prestigious Award

 

  DBSA Colorado Springs has been awarded the 2007 DBSA Large Chapter Service Award and will be recognized for its accomplishments at the DBSA annual conference, “The Power of Peers”, being held this September in Norfolk, VA.

 

  Other chapters honored this year are DBSA Navarro County (TX) for Professional Advisor Service and DBSA Succasunna (NJ) for DBSA Small Chapter Service. (See page 7 for conference details!)

 

 

 

 

DBSA’s Pride Piece, “Candle in the Dark,”   Starting New Classes Soon!

 

  Were you ever puzzled by depression or bipolar disorder and wanted to know more?  “Candle in the Dark” provides nurses, physicians, social workers, educators, counselors, faith community leaders, public safety professionals, concerned friends and family members of people with these mood disorders with an opportunity to gain knowledge, insight, and hope.  Consumers are also invited to attend.  We have sat through some of the classes, and are confident that the material being presented is scientifically sound and informative.   

 

  The course itself is free - the only thing we ask of you is a $35 tax-deductible donation to cover the cost of training materials.  The only element missing to make this program a continued  success is more students.  To sign up, call 719-477-1515, or via email at: help@dbsacoloradosprings.org.

 

Details:

 

Saturday, July 12, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.,  Colorado Springs Police Department Community Room, Stetson Hills Division, 4110 Tutt Blvd., Colorado Springs, CO 80922

Saturday, August 2, 2008 - 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., University of the Rockies, 555 E. Pikes Peak Avenue, Colorado Springs, CO 80903