WHY ATTEND A RETREAT?

The VA Black Hills Health Care System SUPT Program provides this workshop as an opportunity for women to pursue personal growth in a peaceful, quiet setting.  Participants are encouraged to share thoughts, values, dreams, and their feelings about their lives.
 
The major aims of the workshop are to educate participants about Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, and provide an opportunity to develop new perspectives in relationships, with their Higher Power, family, friends and the broader world in which they live.

WHAT IS PTS?

Post Traumatic Stress (PTS) is a normal emotional and psychological response to trauma (a painful, shocking experience).  Common reactions to a traumatic event are shock, anger, disbelief, confusion, insomnia, social withdrawal, self-blame and intrusive thoughts.

WHO IS LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM PTS?

Anyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event is likely to suffer from PTS. PTS can affect survivors of events such as war, violent attacks/rape, motor vehicle accidents, natural disasters, child abuse, suicide or murder.

WHAT IS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)?

After trauma, many survivors feel their lives have changed.  If the trauma-related symptoms persist for more than one month after the event(s), then there is a possibility that an emotional disorder is present. Emotional  damage can occur from surviving an event in one’s life, or the lives of others they are emotionally close to.

PTSD CHARACTERISTICS IN SPOUSES, FAMILIES, & CLOSE FRIENDS

• Pre-occupation with the Veterans
• Isolation
• Depression
• Emotional Numbing
• Anger and related emotions
• Over-responsibility (Enabler)
• Denial
• Guilt
• Stress
  
  
  

WHO IS THE RETREAT FOR?

This weekend  retreat is for Women Veterans (all eras) and collateral’s (wives, significant others, mothers, etc.) of male veterans traumatized by experiences during military service.

***The weekend is designed for women interested in  personal growth and the discovery and/or renewal of inner spiritual resources.***

THE RESULTS

• You will have the opportunity to examine some of the basic questions in your life.
• Volunteer Facilitators and participants work to develop a supportive community who will take the time to listen to each other.
• You will have the opportunity to explore the basis of your beliefs  and encouraged to set goals as a means of discovering or renewing your inner spiritual resources.
• We do not have your answers, but will provide the time, place and much needed support to help you search within yourself.
  

WHAT, WHEN, AND HOW?

Retreats are offered in the Spring and Fall. Each retreat begins at 12 pm on a Friday afternoon and ends approximately 2 pm Sunday afternoon. The DAV has awarded a Charitable Trust Grant to help fund these valuable retreats. Therefore, lodging and meals are provided at no cost to eligible participants.  Prior to registration, a brief screening is required.

For Information, Location &
 Registration
Black Hills Health Care System
113 Comanche Road
Fort Meade, SD 57741
Phone: (605) 720.7449
1-800-743-1070 Ext. 7449
E-mail: catherine.edler@med.va.gov