Informational PTSD Workshops Kick Off This Week

The Town of Babylon will be hosting the Sean's Hope workshop, a series of free seminars to promote awareness and understanding of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

The seminar series will feature a guest speaker and a different topic of discussion to help educate friends and family members of those experience the effects of the disorder.

The program, according to the town, will discuss different ways to recognize PTSD symptoms related to the experiences of those who have served in our armed forces, survived Hurricane Sandy and other crimes and abuses.

“From our proud service members to the residents affected by Superstorm Sandy, many of our friends, family members and neighbors are fighting a silent battle within themselves as a result of a traumatic or life-threatening experience,” said Town Supervisor Rich Schaffer. “I strongly encourage those who know someone struggling with PTSD to attend these seminars so that we can gain a better understanding of what they’re going through and help them the best we can.”

The seminar series will take place starting September 18 and run every Wednesday through November 6. The first six meetings will take place at the Spangle Drive Senior Center in North Babylon starting at 7 p.m. while the final two meetings will be at the Tanner Park Senior Center in Copiague.

Sean's Hope Workshop was started by Marie LaPersonerie in honor of her son Sean. Sean served fourteen months in Iraq as a soldier in the United States Army and returned home with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. On New Year’s Eve 2011, Sean was struck by a car while crossing East Main Street in Babylon and died from his injuries four days later.

The topics and dates of the seminar workshops are as follows:

• September 18: What is PTSD and How Does it Affect Families?
• September 25: Relationships and PTSD
• October 2: What is Normal Now – Establishing a New Normal
• October 9: Anger and Trauma
• October 16: Self-Care – Maintaining your well-being while caring for someone with PTSD.
• October 23: Trauma – Childhood Sexual Abuse
• October 30: Sandy Survivors
• November 6: What is Survivor Guilt?