More assistance on PTSD offered after another suicide

Assistance available for those with PTSD
The Scribe
By Nick Beadleston
Published: Monday, September 30, 2013

The Colorado Springs Police Department responded to a report of a shooting in the 4700 block of Rusina Road on Sept. 13. Officers arrived to find a 27-year-old male dead of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Barbara Miller, a spokeswoman with CSPD, later confirmed the individual to be Eric Diederich.

Diederich was a grad student, attending UCCS in pursuit of a criminal justice degree. He was also a veteran, having served with the Army’s 7-10 Cavalry Troop in Afghanistan.

According to a 2012 Department of Defense report, data collected from 2010 indicates approximately 22 veterans commit suicide every day.

Many that return home have varying degrees of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which “can occur after someone goes through a traumatic event like combat, assault, or disaster,” according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs.

Susan Diederich, mother of Eric Diederich, stated that her family was unaware if her son was suffering from PTSD. “We have a lot of questions and no answers.”

UCCS is home to more than 700 veterans, as well as many additional active duty military members and students relying on family GI benefits.

Phillip Morris, director of the Office of Veteran and Military Student Affairs, said his office is working to promote awareness of PTSD and a cohesive veteran culture on campus.
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