Combat Veterans’ Groups at the VetCenter. Do they really help?

I think it can be helpful, but as with many things, it depends on the energy and commitment of the members.

4 conflict Vet- VA shrink started a Vet group, we met for a year every month. It was a big help for most. After that I joined a Vet to Vet Peer group. It has helped a lot.

I meet with or virtually meet with 25-30 combat veterans weekly, mostly Vietnam War veterans. This has been very helpful for me and provides an association with kindred souls that I tend to have a lot in common with.

I work for the VA, but I've been to several VetCenters both professionally and personally. You get out what you put in. All of the VetCenter team members I've interacted with truly care and went above and beyond. I would completely recommend trying them out. Find a location near you by using https://www.va.gov/find-locations/ or call 1-800-WAR-VETS.

I am lucky because the group that I go to at the Augusta, GA Vet Center every Monday morning is very helpful and everyone in the group is committed to it and making everyone feel safe and try to help each other out.

If you're struggling with PTSD, TBI, anxiety or depression please know that treatment works and Emory Healthcare Veterans Program is here to help, at no cost. Emory Healthcare Veterans Program starts a group of up to six post 9/11 Veterans every Monday. call [login to see] or visit http://www.emoryhealthcare.org/veterans to learn more.

Our group in Pensacola VA clinic is very helpful. We have 30+ Viet Nam veterans that participate at least on a part time basis. It is good to realize that we still have our fellow warriors that care about the welfare of veterans. John Gunther is the VA moderator and does a fantastic job of getting us to understand what triggers are concerns.

I never went to any groups at Vet Center but i did do like a year of one on one meetings with a counselor at the Vet Center. It was for PTSD treatment and in the process she also prepared my claim from all her data she collected during our sessions. She was awesome!! Just something to consider!

VetCenter's were started for Vietnam Veterans by Vietnam Veterans. I attend a group that is mostly Vietnam Veterans, but there are quite a few OIF/OEF guys. OIF/OEF guys don't talk as much as the rest of us do (I'm DS/DS, OIF, OEF). I think many of them are busy with life as they are younger and find it hard to take the time. Motivation is also a key factor. If they want help, they got to step up and get it!

It was suggested that I might like the VN Vet group that meets once a week. I have been attending for 4 months. We have gotten a comradeship that is helpful. I look forward to attending.