New PTSD Center Opens for Post 9/11 Veterans in Atlanta

By Tim Darnell

BROOKHAVEN, GA -- All Matthew Barnes ever wanted to do was join the military.

"I was in the ROTC, and the Civil Air Patrol," Barnes, of Cartersville, said. "Two days after I gradauted high school, I was on a bus to Parris Island as a U.S. Marine. Less than two years later, I was deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and I saw and did a lot of things I'll never forget."

But when Barnes returned home, his life began to unravel. "I didn't think I was any different from anyone else; I thought it was normal to be numb to emotions that other people have, and not go anywhere or do anything. I divorced my first wife in 2005; I cut family and friends out of my life, and I had nightmares.

"As a Marine, you're taught that you don't go to a doctor unless you're dying, so a lot of guys like were self medicating."

Eventually, Barnes sought treatment through Emory Healthcare's Veterans Program, which opened up a new, intensive outpatient treatment program for post-9/11 veterans last week in Brookhaven. The program is a comprehensive, two-week treatment program that aims to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), while helping veterans re-engage in daily life and promoting physical and mental health and wellness.

Dr. Barbara Rothbaum, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Emory University School of Medicine, shared with those in attendance the critical need to provide care for those struggling from the invisible wounds of war.

“This program is truly an innovation in veteran health care, and that’s worthy of celebrating,” said Rothbaum.

PTSD is an anxiety disorder that can occur following the experience or witnessing of a traumatic life-threatening event such as military combat. Thousands of soldiers returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan struggle with PTSD – often called “the invisible wounds of war.” According to a report published by Rand Corporation in 2008, PTSD has affected approximately one in five Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans.

Barnes, along with Carrie Smith, a former U.S. Army staff sergeant, shared their experiences during the center's grand opening.

"I came from a family with a historic military background," Smith, of Augusta, said. "But my dad suffered from PTSD, and that made me pre-disposed, even though we didn't know what it was at the time.

"I got a rude awakening when I joined the military, because I was told there were some things women can't do in the Army. I grew up in a family where there was equal opprortunity for all, and now you're telling me there are some things I can't do. But "can't" isn't a word in my vocabulary, so it was a struggle."

Both Barnes and Smith said the program has been vital to their respective PTSD struggles.

“I remember being asked ‘what do you want to get out of this program?’ and I told her I wanted my life back. And that is essentially what they have done for me,” Barnes said.

Through the program patients have access to a wide range of services, from the Emory Sleep Center to help address sleep problems, to a physical rehabilitation suite for those who suffer from traumatic brain injury, to various recreational activities to build coping and relationship skills.

Emory School of Medicine Dean Dr. Chris Larsen spoke in support of the collaborative nature of the program. “To bring the full team of specialties together in support of our veterans and their families is just not something that has been possible,” said Larsen.

Emory’s Veterans Program is supported by the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) and is a member of WWP’s Warrior Care Network, a national network of academic medical center partners committed to connecting veterans and their families with timely, effective mental health care. As part of the network, Emory is able to offer this care to qualified veterans at no cost.