Northampton Community College recently hosted a broad range of organizations and speakers each addressing combat stigma. Combat stigma specifically refers to military personnel, often returning from deployment, who are now experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

PTSD is a mental health disorder that can develop after exposure to a traumatic/life threatening event. Once referred to as “Shell shock,” PTSD happens when one is exposed to repeated prolonged danger or trauma that has the appearance of no escape. Cues, such as sights, sounds or smells can trigger the memory of the trauma, causing the recipient to re-experience the event.

PTSD is not limited to the miliary. In recent years, mental health professionals have identified sexual abuse, car accidents, child abuse, as well as other threats to one’s safety or survival as causing PTSD.

Panel members included NCC Associate Vice Provost and Dean of Students Dr. Eric Rosenthal. Rosenthal defined PTSD and Traumatic Brain Injury. NCC Associate Professor of Psychology Dr. Karen Donahue explained the impact of PTSD on the brain. Zachary Mako, a NCC alumni and veteran, as well as Pa. 183rd District representative, spoke of his personal experience adjusting after deployment and transitioning back to civilian life. Andre Forrest, a student and combat veteran represented Band of Brothers, a student-veteran based organization. He stressed the importance of community support for veterans.

Each speaker stressed the focus and importance of recognizing mental health issues in veterans, as well as continuing support for community organizations such as Battle Borne, Tails of Valor, Paws of Honor, Valor Clinic and Warrior Strong. NCC organizations supporting mental health and veterans include NCC Band of Brothers, NCC Psychology Club, NCC Career Services, NCC Counseling Office and NCC Active Mind.