Labs Could Help War Veterans Cope With PTSD
Suffering from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), many war veterans experience psychological wounds that take time to heal. In the US, about 255,000 veterans were receiving treatment for PTSD in 2006, and the numbers increased to approximately 400,000 by 2010. While the soldiers at present stationed in Iraq are likely to come back by the end of 2011, around 40,000 veterans more could need treatment for PTSD. Psychotherapy, cognitive processing therapy and also experimental treatments like acupuncture, yoga and meditation are most commonly utilized to help these brave men and women return to normality.
Ian Lord's battle against PTSD
As documented in a ChicagoTribune.com report, canines have been identified to help veterans experiencing PTSD handle psychological scars effectively. Dogs educated to sense PTSD signs or symptoms and respond will help these vets leave behind violent remembrances. One successful instance of this new technique of treatment is the story of Air Force pilot Ian Lord and Jonas, an Australian Shepherd. Ian Lord is still coping with a harrowing experience in Afghanistan, Iraq as well as the neighboring countries. He still is affected with mental aftershocks when he hears the sounds of a helicopter or bullets. After his return, he was identified as having PTSD after going through a mental breakdown at a simulation training course.
Lord was afterwards discharged from the Air Force honorably. Ian Lord then met Jonas, an upbeat Australian Shepherd, through his wife. Jonas was appointed as his PTSD dog when the couple realized that he responded when Lord exhibited signs of PTSD. Whenever Ian became stressed, disheartened or even had trouble sleeping, Jonas would always dash to him and begin licking and snuggling him. This 2 year old canine is swift to respond to virtually any distress demonstrated by Ian which is helping the war veteran overcome PTSD much faster in comparison to the standard methods. After four years of active service, Lord is now working part time and preparing to sign up for graduate school.
How Jonas helped
Jonas keeps Ian distracted from the aftershocks of the war and influences him to go out. Ian Lord has experienced this change in him and frequently loves to hang out with Jonas playing ball or taking him for a walk. Folks are frequently amazed to find out that Jonas is a PTSD service dog. Playful breeds including the Australian Shepherd and also Labrador Retriever are ideal to keep vets distracted from very painful memories, and they also devote their focus on making their owners feel better. In return veterans shower them with love as well as the occasional lab gift. Yet another exercise PTSD service dogs are trained to perform is referred to as backing. The dog follows the veteran and enables him to feel much safer by walking right behind him.
New studies underway
Research to ascertain the proficiency of this therapy have been completed by a variety of groups to present far better solutions to PTSD patients. A study that includes organizations from Florida and also Colorado is preparing to include 200 canines in the program and test the results after pairing each dog with a war veteran. The study will also include training each dog based on the unique needs of the veteran.
Ian Lord's battle against PTSD
As documented in a ChicagoTribune.com report, canines have been identified to help veterans experiencing PTSD handle psychological scars effectively. Dogs educated to sense PTSD signs or symptoms and respond will help these vets leave behind violent remembrances. One successful instance of this new technique of treatment is the story of Air Force pilot Ian Lord and Jonas, an Australian Shepherd. Ian Lord is still coping with a harrowing experience in Afghanistan, Iraq as well as the neighboring countries. He still is affected with mental aftershocks when he hears the sounds of a helicopter or bullets. After his return, he was identified as having PTSD after going through a mental breakdown at a simulation training course.
Lord was afterwards discharged from the Air Force honorably. Ian Lord then met Jonas, an upbeat Australian Shepherd, through his wife. Jonas was appointed as his PTSD dog when the couple realized that he responded when Lord exhibited signs of PTSD. Whenever Ian became stressed, disheartened or even had trouble sleeping, Jonas would always dash to him and begin licking and snuggling him. This 2 year old canine is swift to respond to virtually any distress demonstrated by Ian which is helping the war veteran overcome PTSD much faster in comparison to the standard methods. After four years of active service, Lord is now working part time and preparing to sign up for graduate school.
How Jonas helped
Jonas keeps Ian distracted from the aftershocks of the war and influences him to go out. Ian Lord has experienced this change in him and frequently loves to hang out with Jonas playing ball or taking him for a walk. Folks are frequently amazed to find out that Jonas is a PTSD service dog. Playful breeds including the Australian Shepherd and also Labrador Retriever are ideal to keep vets distracted from very painful memories, and they also devote their focus on making their owners feel better. In return veterans shower them with love as well as the occasional lab gift. Yet another exercise PTSD service dogs are trained to perform is referred to as backing. The dog follows the veteran and enables him to feel much safer by walking right behind him.
New studies underway
Research to ascertain the proficiency of this therapy have been completed by a variety of groups to present far better solutions to PTSD patients. A study that includes organizations from Florida and also Colorado is preparing to include 200 canines in the program and test the results after pairing each dog with a war veteran. The study will also include training each dog based on the unique needs of the veteran.
About the Author:
Carrie Haley happens to be a labrador retriever enthusiast and knows a lot about the many kinds, having spent many years with them. Accompanied with this knowledge he owns many cute lab t shirt designs for all the other labrador retriever lovers that are around.
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