{"database": "press", "table": "releases", "rows": [["http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7E6599AA-BC27-4B75-92F4-3E83CD1B344C", "Weekly Column: Honoring Veterans and the Caregivers Supporting Them", "2016-11-04", "2016", "2016-11", "Republican", "House", "SD", "Kristi Noem", "N000184", "noem.house.gov", null, null, "legacy", "By Rep. Kristi Noem \r\n\tA woman reached out to our office recently.\u00a0 Her husband, a veteran now, was a medic in the Iraq War. While he\u2019s returned home, she told us \u201cit really is like he never came back.\u201d He, like as many as one in five Iraq War veterans, suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD.\r\nFor thousands, the battle does not end when the deployment does.\u00a0 There are scars \u2013 both seen and unseen \u2013 that remain.\u00a0 For this South Dakota family, PTSD has shown itself through fits of rage and occasionally a disconnect between the veteran and his children.\u00a0 While the family knew he needed mental health support, it was admittedly difficult to recognize the slow-striking signs of PTSD right away.\r\nEventually, the family found Coaching into Care, a resource provided by the Veterans Administration (VA).\u00a0 Through this program, they were connected with others who could understand the burdens of war and the difficult-to-discuss challenge of being a caregiver. Additionally, veterans and their caregivers can be introduced to licensed therapists and social workers who could provide professional help.\r\nOffering this support to both veterans and caregivers in this way is critical. Over five million people serve as caregivers for veteran family members, and in doing so, they answer their own call to service.\u00a0 It\u2019s a tough job, but there is support out there.\u00a0 In addition to the Coaching into Care program, the VA has set up a special Caregiver Support Line, which can be reached by calling 1-855-260-3274.\u00a0 There is also help offered through the VA Family Caregiver Program.\r\nThe woman we spoke to explained that her husband\u2019s treatment has helped him a great deal, and she continues to advocate for more mental health research for military personnel.\u00a0 But she emphasized that more than anything, she wants other veterans to recognize the signs of mental illness and know it is absolutely not a weakness or a fault.\u00a0 With her goals in mind, I wanted to share a few of those signs today.\u00a0\r\nThe VA identifies four types of symptoms. First, a veteran may relive a traumatic event or series of events.\u00a0 This may show itself through nightmares, flashbacks, or after experiencing a sight, sound or smell that triggers them to feel the same fear or horror as when the event first occurred.\r\nSecond, an individual may avoid situations that remind them of the event, such as crowded areas or driving.\u00a0 Keeping busy or ducking help might also keep them from having to think or talk about the event.\r\nThird, you may see a change in the way a person thinks about themselves or others.\u00a0 Perhaps they avoid relationships or start seeing the world as completely dangerous.\r\nFinally, a veteran may seem to be on the lookout for danger.\u00a0 This symptom may show up in the form of difficulty sleeping or concentrating, anger and irritability, or an unusual jitteriness.\u00a0 If you or a loved one is experiencing any of these symptoms, I encourage you to seek help. If you don\u2019t know where to turn, the VA has set up a crisis line.\u00a0 To access it, call 1-800-273-8255 or text 838255.\r\nOur freedom comes at a cost.\u00a0 This month, as we observe both Veterans Day and Caregiver Appreciation Month, I encourage you to reach out to the families who have answered the call of duty.\u00a0 They deserve our respect, support, and gratitude.\r\nTo all of those who have fought and for the caregivers who support them today, I know I can never truly understand the depth of the experiences you have endured, but I pray for you always.\u00a0 May God bless and protect you.\r\n\r\nAdditional Note: If you or a family member would like support from Coaching into Care, as this family recieved, the agency can be reached toll free at 1-888-823-7458. \u00a0Their hours are Monday - Friday 7am to 7pm (CT).", 1, "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z", "2026-03-30T12:14:52Z"]], "columns": ["url", "title", "date", "year", "month", "party", "chamber", "state", "member_name", "bioguide_id", "domain", "scraper", "source", "date_source", "text", "has_text", "collected_at", "updated_at"], "primary_keys": ["url"], "primary_key_values": ["http://noem.house.gov/index.cfm/press-releases?ContentRecord_id=7E6599AA-BC27-4B75-92F4-3E83CD1B344C"], "units": {}, "query_ms": 1.381474081426859, "source": "dwillis/congress-press", "source_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press", "license": "MIT", "license_url": "https://github.com/dwillis/congress-press/blob/main/LICENSE"}