Deciding to take a chance on change

Hector fought as an Army Ranger, but his biggest battles were after deployment. From flashbacks that almost cost him his life, to posttraumatic stress, and finally becoming a counselor for Veterans himself, Hector learned firsthand about the power of resilience. Find out how he reclaimed his life by getting help from the VA.

 

 

 

 

Check the VA’s page on Flashbacks at https://www.maketheconnection.net/symptoms/flashbacks/ to see how the VA can help, including:

What are flashbacks?

If I’m experiencing a flashback, what can I do about it right away?

And much more.

Local Help

Know A Vet? presents this information and these national resource directories, not as a recommendation of any specific service or provider, but as a starting point for your own research.

Please feel free to use the check sheets Before, During and After the Medical Appointment and Choosing a Medical Service Provider to help you in your search for the best help for your individual circumstances.

In addition, there may be other federal, state and local government or private resources for your individual needs. A VSO counselor may be able to help you find them.

While we strongly urge you to take advantage of all you have earned through your service, we understand there are many reasons why you may prefer non-VA service providers.

Here are some places to start:

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Explore these resources for more information about flashbacks among Veterans.

Learn more about what you can do if you are experiencing specific concerns related to flashbacks, from the VA’s sites, such as stress and anxiety, feeling on edge, posttraumatic stress, and effects of military sexual trauma.

National Center for PTSD
This website provides information, resources, and practical advice for Veterans, their family and friends, and the public when dealing with trauma.
www.ptsd.va.gov

AfterDeployment
This website has wellness resources for Veterans and service members, including information and self-help tools for posttraumatic stress and other issues they commonly experience.
www.afterdeployment.org

Moving Forward: Overcoming Life’s Challenges
Moving Forward is a free online educational and life-coaching program that teaches problem-solving skills to help you better handle life’s challenges. While it’s designed to be especially helpful for Veterans, service members, and their families, Moving Forward teaches skills that can be useful to anyone with stressful problems.
www.veterantraining.va.gov/movingforward

Vet Center
If you are a Combat Veteran, you can bring your DD214 to your local Vet Center and speak with a counselor or therapist — many of whom are Veterans themselves — for free, without an appointment (but considering COVID, you will want to check first), and regardless of your enrollment status with the VA. In addition, any Veteran who was sexually traumatized while serving in the military is eligible to receive counseling regardless of gender or era of service.   Services are also available for spouses.
www.va.gov/directory/guide/vetcenter.asp

VA Medical Center Facility Locator
Flashbacks may be related to other health conditions that need attention. The VA provides world-class health care to eligible Veterans. Most Veterans qualify for cost-free health care services, although some Veterans must pay modest copays for health care or prescriptions. Explore your eligibility for health care using the VA’s Health Benefits Explorer tool and find out more about the treatment options available to you. https://www.va.gov/opa/persona/index.asp

Psychology Today has a list of therapists across the country at https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapists

Learn More - Get More

Learn more about what it feels like to live your best life. Go to our Self-Help Page to explore other issues that can bring you "All The Way Home."

Also, check out the Claims and Appeals topic to maximize compensation and benefits for yourself AND your loved ones.

It's your turn to get your best life back! You EARNED it with your service!