Help Paula beat PTSD nightmare
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Updates:
Listen to Paula's interview on Cork's 96FM with PJ Coogan here
Read her interview in the Irish Sun here
Read the article on Paula in Cork Beo here
My name is Paula Staunton. I was a soldier who proudly served in the Irish Defence Forces for over 16 years, in both the Naval Service and the Army. I served a tour of duty as a UN Peacekeeper, and was one of the first women to serve on board a Naval Service ship.
During my service I was subjected to psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Because of this I have been diagnosed with complex-PTSD and Panic Disorder. I now have recurring nightmares, and my weight has plummeted to 47kg. I experience PTSD episodes daily. The trauma has destroyed my marriage, and I'm alone, isolated, frightened and scared. I also suffer severe, degenerative, nerve pain from a back injury also sustained while serving.
Recently, the stress and pain got too much for me and I attempted suicide.
Since then, I suffered a TIA (mini-stroke) which now affects my ability to walk, and I need to use a cane. I spent over 12 hours in A&E waiting for CT scans and diagnosis. I'm also now finding it difficult to type.
The doctors in the public health system tell me that my condition is too severe to be treated at home, and that I urgently need an in-patient treatment programme, specialising in PTSD.
The programme recommended by my GP and the public psychiatrists (and the only programme available) is a 6 week, in-patient programme at St Patrick's University Hospital in Dublin, for PTSD, Panic Disorder, Depression and Suicide.
However, this is a private hospital, and the public system will not pay for this programme, and there is no comparable programme in the public system. It is covered by private health insurance, but I do not qualify. The cost of the programme is €28,000 and this is what I am fundraising for. The programme is a 42 day stay and includes all meals, treatments, programmes, and medication.
There is no support for veterans of the Irish Defence Forces for physical or mental health treatment and rehabilitation, and there is very little PTSD expertise in the public health system.
This programme will save my life.
Thank you for reading my story. I appreciate any help or contribution, no matter how big or small! If possible, please share my campaign link on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and with your friends.
Paula.
Paula visiting Tibnin Orphanage in Lebanon while on UN peacekeeping duty, bringing presents and a little joy to the children!
Listen to Paula's interview on Cork's 96FM with PJ Coogan here
Read her interview in the Irish Sun here
Read the article on Paula in Cork Beo here
My name is Paula Staunton. I was a soldier who proudly served in the Irish Defence Forces for over 16 years, in both the Naval Service and the Army. I served a tour of duty as a UN Peacekeeper, and was one of the first women to serve on board a Naval Service ship.
During my service I was subjected to psychological, physical, and sexual abuse. Because of this I have been diagnosed with complex-PTSD and Panic Disorder. I now have recurring nightmares, and my weight has plummeted to 47kg. I experience PTSD episodes daily. The trauma has destroyed my marriage, and I'm alone, isolated, frightened and scared. I also suffer severe, degenerative, nerve pain from a back injury also sustained while serving.
Recently, the stress and pain got too much for me and I attempted suicide.
Since then, I suffered a TIA (mini-stroke) which now affects my ability to walk, and I need to use a cane. I spent over 12 hours in A&E waiting for CT scans and diagnosis. I'm also now finding it difficult to type.
The doctors in the public health system tell me that my condition is too severe to be treated at home, and that I urgently need an in-patient treatment programme, specialising in PTSD.
The programme recommended by my GP and the public psychiatrists (and the only programme available) is a 6 week, in-patient programme at St Patrick's University Hospital in Dublin, for PTSD, Panic Disorder, Depression and Suicide.
However, this is a private hospital, and the public system will not pay for this programme, and there is no comparable programme in the public system. It is covered by private health insurance, but I do not qualify. The cost of the programme is €28,000 and this is what I am fundraising for. The programme is a 42 day stay and includes all meals, treatments, programmes, and medication.
There is no support for veterans of the Irish Defence Forces for physical or mental health treatment and rehabilitation, and there is very little PTSD expertise in the public health system.
This programme will save my life.
Thank you for reading my story. I appreciate any help or contribution, no matter how big or small! If possible, please share my campaign link on social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) and with your friends.
Paula.
Paula visiting Tibnin Orphanage in Lebanon while on UN peacekeeping duty, bringing presents and a little joy to the children!Fundraising team (2)
Paula Staunton
Organizer
Eoin Meehan
Team member
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