If you're a vet suffering with PTSD, please know that you are not alone. And you're not crazy. And you're not weak. But, you can't deal with it alone. Take your symptoms seriously, and seek out any or all of the resources available to you. There are many.
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From the U.S. Army Training and Doctrine Command website:
If you or someone you know is displaying behavior associated with PTSD, get help through any of the following resources:
- Fellow Soldiers - Talk to your friends about what you are feeling. Oftentimes it's a reality check ... a first line of defense.
- Chain of Command - Team leaders, squad leaders, platoon sergeants/leaders, first sergeants, company/battalion/brigade commanders, command sergeants major.
- Unit Ministry Teams - They're especially good at counseling.
- Family Life Chaplains - Many have a Master's Degree in Counseling and will try to save a marriage; some will also work individually with the members of a couple.
- Military One Source (Formerly Army One Source) - Call 1-800-342-9647, or visit the Web site. They offer six free sessions and it's anonymous.
- Primary Care Managers - Many family practice physicians, physician assistants and nurse practitioners are quite comfortable treating depression and sleep problems.
- Community Mental Health Service - They usually have at least one psychiatrist and a variable number of psychologists and social workers on staff as well as behavioral health technicians.
- TRICARE Counseling - Spouses can go for free. Service members can often share a family member's appointment for marriage counseling.
- Veterans Administration - Or Veterans Centers.
- Army Substance Abuse Program (formerly ADAPCP) - Especially helpful if the Soldier or family member has a problem with alcohol or drugs.
- VA/DOD Joint Programs - Aimed at service members near retirement and currently operating at Forts Hood and Bliss.
- Local Church Programs - Lutheran Social Services, Catholic Social Services, etc.
- Army Community Services - Often coordinate/conduct stress management, anger management, parenting and other classes.
- The Internet - There is a plethora of good information available on-line. Just do a search using the keyword PTSD.
From the garrison commander: "It is important for every Army leader to educate Soldiers on the symptoms of PTSD and resources for treatment to maintain our readiness and, more importantly, preserve life and prevent injury before an unfortunate incident occurs."
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2011: Jan