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/EINPresswire.com/ DUFFY COUNSELING’S MENTAL HEALTH THERAPIST, MATTHEW RYAN, JOINS NOT ALONE’S DC MARATHON CHARITY TEAM MARCH 17th TO RAISE FUNDS FOR FREE, CONFIDENTIAL MILITARY SUICIDE INTERVENTION AND PTSD COUNSELING FOR RETURING WARRIORS, VETERANS AND THEIR LOVED ONES
NOT ALONE is a 501c3 Non-Profit Created by Returning Warriors for Returning Warriors and Their Families Dedicated to Reducing Military Suicide Rates and Increasing Awareness and Treatment
of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
March 1, 2012 – (Washington, DC)— Matthew Ryan of the Duffy Counseling Center knows all too well about the stressors of service to one’s country and the “invisible wounds of war” that wreak havoc on even the most resilient men, women, and their loved ones in our local communities. That’s why today he announced his commitment to partnering with NOT ALONE in their marathon event, designed to raise both awareness and dollars for warriors and their families impacted by combat stress and PTSD.
“My father, a retired emergency room doctor, took us to volunteer at local hospitals where mental illness and symptoms of stress from military service were still manifesting in servicemen even after decades of peacetime,” says Ryan, the 31-year-old McLean, Virginia mental health therapist and advocate for the early identification, intervention and treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). “As a former hostage negotiator and county mental health counselor, I witnessed firsthand the despair of suicidal ideation. That same despair often corresponded with substance abuse, domestic violence and risky behaviors associated with the advanced stages of untreated PTSD and depression. In many instances, stressors could be attributed to recent or past military service.”
Ryan added, “I want everyone to learn about NOT ALONE (www.notalone.com) and consider donating whatever they can. NOT ALONE is an amazing non-profit that offers free, confidential, anonymous counseling to our active duty troops, veterans and their loved ones. There are no negative career consequences by accessing their services. NOT ALONE is entirely unique in its mission by effectively and efficiently meeting a direct community need.”
“I predict that a fully-funded NOT ALONE organization will provide enduring value to our society for many generations to come. NOT ALONE fills the gaps between military and private healthcare, and the colossal lack of public mental health resources. NOT ALONE’s mission struck a chord with me and my family. We will do what it takes to help get NOT ALONE the funds and recognition it deserves,” Ryan concluded.
Support the NOT ALONE team on March 17, 2012 at the Suntrust Rock and Roll USA Marathon in Washington, DC by volunteering or donating. To join Duffy Counseling and the NOT ALONE team at an after-party, click here NOT ALONE WATERSHED COCKTAIL PARTY or buy tickets by contacting Danielle Zopf by phone (615) 243-7400 or email danielle@notalone.com. To donate click here, or to volunteer or learn more about NOT ALONE please visit www.notalone.com.
About Duffy Counseling Center
Located in McLean, DC, just minutes outside of Washington, DC, Duffy Counseling Center was founded in 2011 by a team of psychotherapists and life coaches who provide individual and group counseling support and testing to treat adults and adolescents suffering from Anxiety, PTSD, depression, oppositional defiant disorder, adjustment disorders, life changes and coping issues. For more information, please visit www.duffycounseling.com or call (703) 255-1091.
About NOT ALONE
NOT ALONE is a national not-for-profit organization that offers information and a range of support services dedicated to empowering returning warriors and their loved ones who face the challenges of life after war. NOT ALONE provides no cost programs, resources and services to warriors and families impacted by combat stress and PTSD through a confidential and anonymous community. NOT ALONE services include a supportive online community, anonymous forums, interactive seminars, face-to-face counseling, a 24-hour crisis line, and personal clinical care for veterans of all services and their families.
NOT ALONE would also like to share these warning signs with our veterans and their families and let all know that there is FREE, CONFIDENTIAL and ANONYMOUS help available if you, or someone you know is:
•Thinking about hurting or killing yourself/themselves
•Seeking access to pills, weapons or other means of harming yourself/themselves
•Talking or writing about death, dying or suicide
It is also important to seek out professional help if you, or a loved one, are experiencing any of these signs for concern:
•Being unable to sleep or sleeping all the time
•Withdrawing from friends, family or society
•Increasing alcohol or drug use
•Acting recklessly or engaging in risky behavior
•Experiencing excessive rage, anger or desire for revenge
•Having feelings of anxiety, agitation or hopelessness
•Reliving past experiences
•Experiencing dramatic changes in mood
•Feeling trapped, like there is no way out
For more information, please call 1-888-454-0950 or visit www.notalone.com .
FOR VETERANS: If you need help NOW call 1-866-781-8010.
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