Understanding and Treating PTSD
If you have experienced severe trauma or a life-threatening event — whether during a time of war or in a noncombat situation — you may develop symptoms of posttraumatic stress, or what is commonly known as PTSD. Maybe during the event you felt as if your life or the lives of others were in danger or that you had no control over what was happening. While in the military, you may have witnessed people being injured or dying, or you may have experienced physical harm yourself.
When you have PTSD, the world feels unsafe. You may have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping. You may also try to avoid things that remind you of your trauma.
Related Videos
Additional Resources for PTSD
- Understanding PTSD and PTSD Treatment
- Understanding PTSD: A Guide for Family and Friends
- Understanding PTSD and Aging
- PTSD Coach – Mobile App
Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include recurring memories or nightmares of the event, sleeplessness, loss of interest, and feelings of numbness, anger or irritability, or being constantly on guard, but there are many ways PTSD can impact your everyday life. Sometimes these symptoms don’t surface for months or even years after the event occurred or after returning from deployment. They may also come and go. If these problems persist or they’re disrupting your daily life, you may have PTSD.
- Type “PTSD” in the search box at Find Help.org to find free or low-cost professional help
- National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) offers information a Helpline at 800-950-NAMI Or in a crisis text “NAMI” to 741741
- HelpPro has a therapist locator.
- HealthGrade provides listings of doctors all over the country by specialty.
- Web MD has information on a variety of specialties and how/where to find the best for each condition.
- Everyday Health has a page on The Best Resources for Patients and Families Affected by PTSD.
- The Tug McGraw Foundation offers their list of “vetted” service providers.
- Psychology Today has a list of therapists across the country.
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!
