Military partners gather for discussion on PTSD, commit to assisting armed forces individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder

The National Defence College Officers Wives Association (NDCOWA) recently convened a forum titled "The Military Family and Mental Health" in Abuja. The event, which is part of the celebrations for the graduation of NDC Course 33, scheduled for Friday, aimed to empower wives of officers advancing to the rank of generals with strategies to better support their husbands as they take on higher responsibilities.

The initiative was inspired by the President of the Defence and Police Officers' Wives Association (DEPOWA), Mrs Oghogho Musa, who has been consistently advocating for outreach to families of affected officers. Mrs Musa has been leading by example, visiting wounded soldiers and conducting outreach programs in places like Benue and Maiduguri.

Mrs Isabella Okosun, the Coordinator of NDCOWA and Wife of NDC Commandant, announced the forum. She highlighted that many officers involved in counter-terrorism operations, particularly in the North-East, are struggling with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Dr. Lewis Okoh, Health Research Coordinator of the National Defence College, was one of the resource persons at the forum. He enlightened the participants on the courses, symptoms, and prevention of PTSD. Nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts about combat/operations, withdrawing from loved ones, and avoiding reminders of deployments or operations are symptoms of PTSD, according to Dr. Okoh.

Early diagnosis by consulting mental health professionals and medical and psychological support are important for effective management of PTSD, as per Dr. Okoh. Peer groups like officers' wives associations, military spouses' circles, or NGOs that specialize in trauma recovery are other ways of managing PTSD, according to Dr. Okoh.

The Israeli Association for Victims of Terror and War (ITF - Israel Trauma Coalition) is an organization that has been promoting peer support and strengthening resilience among families in coping with post-traumatic stress disorder related to counter-terrorism operations.

Mrs. Isabella Okosun pledged to sustain the initiative and collaborate with DEPWOA to provide greater psychosocial support to military families. The forum was attended by spouses of officers advancing to the rank of generals in their military careers. The event marked a significant step towards addressing the mental health challenges faced by military families and fostering a supportive environment for them.

Military partners gather for discussion on PTSD, commit to assisting armed forces individuals struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder