More and more service members are being diagnosed with a psychological condition many professionals are still trying to understand, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Antonino Carubia is one veteran from Syracuse who struggles with PTSD. He deployed to Afghanistan on September 12th 2002. After serving 9 months, he came home and had trouble sleeping. He said, "I was on edge, but I assumed that was a temporary side effect due to regular rocket and mortar attacks." So, he kept his mind busy and trusted the effects would ware off over time. They didn’t.
In 2006 his life slowed down a little. This is when things got worse. He remembers, "I had more trouble sleeping, I was depressed and feeling guilty for surviving when others I worked to save as a combat medic didn't." Recognizing the seriousness of his condition he went to the Vet Center and was diagnosed with PTSD. Therapists counseled him and prescribed multiple medications. This helped a little but he still found it difficult going out in public. Getting a job became problematic as he says employers struggled with the idea of hiring someone they feared would be mentally unstable. Indeed, when he did get a job, he couldn’t hold it. He filled bankruptcy and suffered further depression.
This year things are beginning to change. Antonino is venturing out into public and for the first time since 2003, he’s even putting up Christmas decorations. He attributes his recent success to Gabe, a young, lovable, Pit-bull offering a new form of therapy. Gabe wears s a vest that read’s “working dog.” He’s licensed and authorized to enter locations a Seeing-Eye-Dog can go, but Gabe’s job is a little different, He offers emotional support. He’s a constant companion for Antonino and even allows him a reason to engage in conversations and open-up with others about his condition. His therapists reminds him there is no cure for PTSD – rather it’s something people have to learn to cope with, and Gabe is helping Antonino along the way, providing love and encouragement.
No comments:
Post a Comment