DURHAM, N.C. -- Durham County hosted its annual mental health summit Monday at the Durham Human Services building.

  • The goal is for the VA system to partner more with mental health providers to help veterans suffering from PTSD, depression and suicidal thoughts
  • The focus on the summit dealt with treatments such as yoga, tai chi, and pet therapy
  • The USVA says the percentage of veterans suffering from PTSD ranges between 11 and 20 percent

Organizers say the goal is for the VA system to partner more with mental health providers to help veterans suffering from PTSD as well as symptoms including depression and suicidal thoughts.

“We're learning everyday about new and better treatments,” said Jonathan Leinbach with the Durham VA Health Care System.

The focus on the summit dealt with treatments such as yoga, tai chi, and pet therapy.

“And it's about the veteran and all the different aspects to create wholeness and prevent suicide,” said organizer Cindy Woods.

Vietnam War veteran John Brown shared his story at the summit. He says his PTSD caused him to be violent.

“One day I found myself lifting up a chair and I was going to stab my mother to death with the chair rungs,” he admitted.

He says raising public awareness is key.

“I think there's assumption on the mass that veterans know they have a mental issue...but often that's not the case.”

The USVA says the percentage of veterans suffering from PTSD ranges between 11 and 20 percent. Much of it depends on when they served in the military.

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