Walter Dunn

@wwp A5: Talking about mental health in the same context as physical injuries can help destigmatize mental health issues. Seeking care is about improving and strengthening the warrior to make them a more effective friend, family member, and co-worker. #WWPChat #CombatStigma

Q5: According to the WWP 2021 #AnnualWarriorSurvey, 2 in 3 warriors report feeling embarrassed in seeking mental health care. What can be done to get veterans to #CombatStigma of seeking mental health care? #WWPChat

@wwp Veterans can expect the best care science and medicine has to offer from the Warrior Care Network ! #WWPChat #CombatStigma

Q4: What is the WWP Warrior Care Network and what can a veteran expect during their treatment? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp A4: The Warrior Care Network is a group of academic medical centers across the country working with WWP to provide intensive mental health, neurological, and surgical treatment for veterans. This includes Operation Mend at UCLA in Los Angeles, CA. #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp A3: Trauma can affect the brain in many different and unique ways depending on the individual and their personal history. Generally, the brain learns from the event to protect you from future trauma by heightening your sense of anxiety & avoiding similar situations

Q3: How does trauma affect the brain? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp A2: PTSD is a very personal & individual experience. No two situations are alike. Common symptoms include nightmares or anxiety. After trauma, these symptoms are common but typically resolve over time. If they continue then a diagnosis of PTSD is possible. #WWPChat #CombatStigma

Q2: How do I know if I’m experiencing PTSD? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

@wwp A1: PTSD is a cluster of symptoms resulting from exposure to a traumatic or stressful event. These symptoms and behaviors can include anxiety, hypervigilance, low mood, and avoidance of thoughts or places that remind them of the trauma. #WWPChat #CombatStigma

Q1: What is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? #WWPChat #CombatStigma

Thanks for hosting this event. I'm a former Marine and a psychiatrist for Operation Mend at UCLA. Good to be here. #WWPChat #CombatStigma