Combat Stress Intervention Program (CSIP)

The COMBAT STRESS INTERVENTION PROGRAM (CSIP) will survey the mental health needs of Operation Iraqi Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) National Guard and Reserve members returning to rural areas in Southwestern Pennsylvania. CSIP will also investigate ways to eliminate barriers to receiving PSTD and general mental health care. CSIP will engage with mental health care providers, family members, and community members to help them to understand how they can better serve veterans.

WHY IS CSIP NEEDED?

•  Ongoing utilization of National Guard and Reserve (NG/R) forces in OIF/OEF means that more veterans and their families will need help

Of the American troops currently in Iraq, over 40% are from Guard and Reserve units. The emotional and psychological experiences of National Guard and Reserve members returning home will differ from those of full time military personnel. Transitioning from active duty back to normal everyday life presents unique challenges, with the family and as productive employees in their former workplace.

NG/R members return to normal civilian life following deployment, but are no longer surrounded by those who have shared similar experiences. Their normal lives were significantly disrupted when they were deployed. They return from service to their everyday life faced with many changes. Surrounding the NG/R members are families, co-workers and friends are a critical link in this readjustment period.

Some veterans find themselves unable to stop thinking about what happened in combat.  Many find themselves experiencing high levels of tension, feelings of hyper-vigilance or problems with sleep and anxiety - which may which may gradually decrease over time.  But, recovery is an ongoing gradual process.  It doesn't happen through suddenly being "cured" and it doesn't mean forgetting what happened.  If emotional reactions are getting in the way of relationships, work, or other important activities the NG/R members will need support and want to seek help. Good treatments are available!

FUNDING SOURCE: The study is sponsored by the Department of Defense (DOD) Telemedicine and Advanced Technology Research Center (TATRC) and USAMRAA.  Contract Number: W81XWH-07-1-0593 Modification P0001The awarding and administering acquisition office is the "The US Army Medical Research Acquisition Activity", 820 Chandler Street, Fort Detrick, MD 21702-5014. The content of the information does not necessarily reflect the position or the policy of the Government, and no official endorsement should be inferred. Award Number (W81XWH-07-1-0593)