The Highground plans PTS support sessions
The Highground veterans memorial west of Neillsville holds a monthly peer support group for not only veterans who are managing post-traumatic stress (PTS), but also for the family and loved ones of veterans with PTS.
There are very limited opportunities for spouses, family members, friends and loved ones who are in a relationship or are part of a support system for a Veteran who is managing PTSD. As with friends, caregivers and families of people struggling with other physical and mental challenges, the role of caregiver and/or friend comes with its own stresses and hardships. Many caregivers and friends end up struggling with their own depression, stress and fears because of their dedication toward helping their loved one with PTS. The Highground PTS Peer Support Group welcomes these family members and friends.
The PTS Peer Support Group offers a confidential and casual gathering to learn from others who are “in your shoes”, listen to speakers on topics chosen by the group and obtain resources. This group offers an opportunity to find support and comfort in a welcoming environment, to share experiences and make new friends. Families and Veteran supporters do not need to attend with a veteran. Veterans who are struggling with PTS are invited to attend to gain additional skills, information and tools that others have found helpful in managing PTS. This is not a clinical, counseling group, but there are presentations and information available from professionals in PTS management.
Both veterans and family/friends of veterans who attend the PTS Peer Support Group are able to learn from each other, to get an idea of how PTS is affecting the daily life of the veteran and how it is also affecting the lives of the caregivers and loved ones. The recognition of this is key to improving communication. And better communication is a major step towards better PTS management, better relationships and a more joyful quality of life.
The Highground PTS Peer Support Groups are typically held at The Highground every third Sunday of the month at 2 p.m. That plan will occasionally change due to scheduling conflicts, weather or other reasons, so confirm the meeting date by “liking” the Highground Facebook page, visiting the Calendar of Events section on the website (thehighground.us) and/or by contacting Theresa for meeting information and to RSVP. Send an email to museum@thehighground. us or call 715-743-4224. RSVPs are not necessary; however, they are helpful in ensuring there are enough resource materials and refreshments.
The Highground’s upcoming PTS Peer Support Groups are scheduled for Nov. 13, Dec. 18, Jan. 15, Feb. 19 and March 19. The Nov. 13 group will cover the topic of “Getting Through the Holidays with PTS” and share ideas on keeping active and positive as winter gets closer.
More help for Project Snow Gear
Project Snow Gear in Loyal received another donation this past week from the Loyal Economic Development Corporation. A $1,000 check was received by Project Snow Gear coordinator Jessica Zarnke from Loyal Economic Development Corporation member Dave Williams. Starting up as the temperature drops for the past two years, Project Snow Gear helps procure boots, coats, snowpants and other winter gear to all students in need of them at the Loyal School District.
CONTRIBUTED PHOTO
