In this publication from Natalie Barone, we explore the topic of PTSD and how it affects military veterans today.

1. A Natalie Barone publication
BOOTS ON
THE GROUND
Here’s how psychologist Natalie Barone has
studied to better understand veteran struggles.
 What are
some
common
symptoms
of PTSD?
 How can a
mental
health
expert help
with
treatment?
 What is an
appropriate
way to say
“thank you”
to a
veteran?
In this issue:

2.  Our nation’s military veterans have been
welcomed home as bona fide heroes,
questionable occupiers or outright forgotten.
It’s no wonder that there’s so much stress
associated with reintegration into society.
 Makings things worse, says psychologist
Natalie Barone, is the prevalence of post-
traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among
recent veterans of Middle East conflicts and
how understanding has a long way to go.
AN OVERDUE WELCOME

3.  PTSD is defined as a symptom someone who
has experienced a life-threatening or scary
event experiences. Below are common traits:
THE CONFLICT WITHIN
1. Flashbacks to the event
that may have triggered
PTSD.
2. Dreams about the life-
altering event.
3. “Frightening thoughts,”
according to the National
Institute of Mental Health.
4. Avoiding large gatherings,
public places or loud noises.

4. Psychologist Natalie Barone has undergone
three professional development courses as they
pertain to veterans affairs and recovery.
 In the PTSD reintegration course, Natalie Barone
learned about phases of military deployment and
the reintegration cycle to civilian society.
 In the Department of Veterans Affairs’ practical
assessment course, diagnostic tools to achieve
preferable patient outcome were discussed.
 In the Military Culture course, Natalie Barone
learned about roles, stressors and treatment tools.
OBJECTIVES AHEAD

5. Natalie Barone hopes for progress in the future.
AWAITING ORDERS
Here’s how to thank a veteran: A simple recognition of their service or a
handshake is more than enough. Many veterans are uncomfortable with
discussing their experiences, but a “thank you” will go a long way.
According to the U.S. Department
of Veterans Affairs (VA):
 12 out of every 100 Desert
Storm vets have PTSD. That
rate is 15 out of 100 for
Vietnam War veterans.
 The rate jumps to 11 out of
every 20 recent Middle East
conflict veterans.

6. Psychologist Natalie Barone was a director of
psychology within New Jersey’s human services
department. As such, she understands struggle.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
 According to Natalie
Barone, the VA courses
on PTSD are a vital
resource for anyone in
the mental health field
who wants to better
understand what
returning warriors face.